Aveo Facelift

General Motors Corp.'s redesigned '07 Chevrolet Aveo sedan will make its North American debut in January at the Greater Los Angeles Auto Show.

The Aveo, first introduced in December 2003, has been a solid performer for GM, becoming the leader in the subcompact segment within nine months, capturing a 41% share, says Ed Peper, general manager-Chevrolet.

The 4-door gets a major facelift inside and out for '07 in a bid to retain leadership with competition on the horizon from such new entries as the Nissan Versa, Toyota Yaris and Honda Fit, as well as a new Hyundai Accent and Kia Rio.

The subcompact was designed and engineered by GM Daewoo Auto & Technology and is powered by a 1.6L DOHC 4-cyl. engine.

Job One for the new 4-door is May 1 at the Bupyeong plant in South Korea, says Mike Allen, vehicle line director-GMDAT vehicles.

The 4-door goes on sale next summer in 113 markets, growing to about 140 within a year, Allen says.

The '07 5-door will be a carryover from '06, with only minor upgrades and fewer standard features.

Allen declines to say when a redesign is coming for the hatchback body style.

The new sedan is slightly longer, taller and wider. The new exterior includes an updated grille, jeweled headlamps, folding side mirrors and 15-in. wheels.

Among the interior enhancements are controls on the steering wheel, a 6-CD player and an external jack for an iPod MP3 player, new heating and cooling vents and adjustable headrests.