Chevrolet released details of the Chevy Aveo RS show car which it will put on display at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit next week. The model at the show is expected to be an accurate preview of the 2011 Aveo.

The new Aveo is somewhat larger and more attractive inside and out than the current model and features higher quality materials, as well. Motorcycle inspired styling features include exposed tail lamps and interior trim, according to a press release. The car is powered by a 138-horsepower 1.4-liter I-4 turbocharged engine that will also be offered in the upcoming Chevy Cruze and comes with a 6-speed manual transmission. Slated for a 2011 introduction, the Aveo will be built in the U.S. at a GM assembly plant in Orion, MI.

The Aveo will join the Ford Fiesta, Mazda2 and others in the increasingly crowded “B” segment. Small hatchbacks have never been as popular in the U.S. as they are in Europe and Asia, but buyers here haven't always had such a wide range of high quality models from which to choose. By the end of 2011 this segment will be much more competitive than today and if fuel prices head back toward 2008 levels, these cars could become red hot.

--M.D.