PeterJ

This opinion about diesels might make some sense if absolutely nothing had changed in either diesel engine technology or the ability to refine diesel fuel since about 1985.

My thoughts exactly. Like this Nissan, the 5-door Aveo does an outstanding job with space efficiency (I'd rather be stuck in the backseat of an Aveo vs. a Cobalt). But it's a big let-down when it comes to fuel efficiency. 38 MPG combined probably means a hwy EPA rating in the low to mid 40's, which is outstanding for a gas engine. You'd probably do a lot better in real world fuel economy by getting an Ecotec Malibu than you would with an Aveo...for not that much more $ really. Look, this segment isn't going to be that sexy, but I think we're going to find there's a huge market for a fuel/space efficient $12-15K cars like this. Perfect for first-time buyers. Perfect for the household that needs/wants to have a truck or big vehicle for towing or hauling cargo/people but needs that second car for the spouse that simply drives to work alone every morning.

I'll agree with others that are saying it's a vast, vast improvement over the current ION but not ground breaking from what we're seeing here. About on par with the current Mazda 3, which is a great car, but it's been on sale for two years and this one is two years away. Is it a forgone conclusion that there will be no 5-door hatchback version of this car? I don't want to hear any excuses about how Americans don't buy wagons hatchbacks, because it's a bunch of crap. People over 45 might have that bias, it's an emerging trend for the rest of us. If they miss on that, it's a major oversight, particularly for this segment. Not everyone wants to buy a cute-ute to get the added utility (and IMO better looks) of 5 doors. It usually means sacrificing another 5-10 mpg also.