www.youtube.com/watch?v=MbreEL2HUDg

The past few launch products from General Motors have been impressive, with entries like the 2010 LaCrosse and Equinox working to establish GM a better position in the all-important mid-size car and crossover segments.

One area that GM hasn't excelled at (ever) has been with small cars. The current Aveo, introduced in 2007, hasn't changed that for the most part, despite the segment taking on increased importance as of late. When fuel prices spike, sales of small cars correspond - a company as large as GM needs to have a well rounded lineup that is able to excel in various market conditions. In the meantime, Ford has been creating quite a stir with the European-sourced Fiesta. With the next-generation Aveo, GM should be fielding a highly-competitive entrant in the segment. The Aveo RS serves as a preview for the production car.

Interestingly, GM says inspiration for the Aveo was taken from motorcycles. That inspiration shows up in the the front with the Aveo's exposed headlamps with aluminum surrounds, and in the rear with round stacked taillamps. The profile is aggressive, and the car takes a cue from European small cars like Seat. The Aveo might seem like a three-door hatchback at first, door handles for the rear doors are placed in the car's C-pillar. The sheetmetal looks like a more expensive vehicle, with sharp creases and a clamshell hood design like the Malibu.

Inside, the Aveo uses a combination of glossy black, metallic and blue accents. Again, the ambiance is upscale. Like the Malibu, the interior is in the dual-cowl design, with a round analog tachometer trimmed in metal and round vents featuring.

The RS is powered by the same 1.4L 138 horsepower turbocharged Ecotec inline-four available in the upcoming Chevrolet Cruze. This engine should ensure excellent fuel economy in the lighter Aveo, in addition to spirited performance.

This time around, GM is serious about making an effort in the segment, and it shows in the Aveo's design. “We hope the Aveo RS show car will demonstrate that we are as serious about redefining the Aveo and its place in the small-car segment as we were about reinventing the Malibu,” said Jim Campbell, Chevrolet general manager. Seeing the Malibu and how far the company has progressed since then, expressing that position really means something.

The Aveo RS is very close to the actual production vehicle, serving as a production preview like other GM concepts the Enclave, CTS Coupe and others. The next-generation Aveo goes on sale in late summer of 2010.