Chevrolet showcasing Cruze, Aveo, Spark at Washington Auto Show

On the eve of the Washington Auto Show, Chevrolet has announced its lineup of fuel-efficient small and compact cars set for display throughout the event beginning January 27. The vehicles include: the Spark five-door mini car, Aveo RS show car and Cruze compact sedan.

Here are the cars’ details:

Chevrolet Spark: The five-door Chevrolet Spark is the manufacturer’s smallest car. It combines style, roominess and versatility to a segment of extremely fuel-efficient small cars. Spark will provide great fuel economy, and its trim size makes it agile. The U.S. production version of the Spark will debut in early 2012.

Chevrolet Aveo RS show car: The Aveo RS show car provides a glimpse of what designers have in mind for the production car. Its electric Boracay Blue finish, motorcycle-inspired exposed headlamps and taillamps, low roofline, fender flares, large wheels and tires, and dual-cockpit interior hint at the next-generation Aveo. The Aveo has a sporty aggressive front fascia; clean, uninterrupted body side lines; an integrated rear roof spoiler; wide stance; 19-inch, five-spoke wheels, a gun metal metallic Chevrolet logo and Boracay Blue brake calipers.

The Aveo RS show car features the same small-displacement 1.4L Ecotec turbocharged engine that will be available in the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze. Delivering 138 horsepower, the 1.4L turbo engine with a six-speed manual transmission.

Chevrolet Cruze: The North American production version of the 2011 Cruze compact sedan makes its first visit to Washington show-goers. Already on sale in Asia and Europe with strong market acceptance, the Cruze has been refined for America, bringing a midsize car presence to the compact sedan segment.

Cruze will deliver many segment-leading features, more interior room and more cargo capacity than the competition, as well as upscale amenities such as Bluetooth, USB and navigation. It offers midsize roominess, safety and amenities with the fuel economy and expected price of a compact car. Cruze features 10 standard air bags and has achieved five-star safety ratings in every market where it is sold.

Cruze is expected to deliver segment-leading fuel economy with a new Ecotec 1.4L I-4 turbo with variable valve timing – including up to 40 mpg on the highway with a high-efficiency model.