First look: Daewoo unveils Gentra for Europe

GM DAEWOO has revealed its new Gentra sedan, which will go on sale in Europe in early September and could eventually replace Barina as Holden’s smallest model in Australia.

Known as the Chevrolet Aveo in other markets, Gentra is larger and more refined than the TK version of the T200 Kalos sedan it replaces – the vehicle Holden has chosen to replace its current Spanish-built XC Barina.

Holden is on record as saying it is investigating the possibility of introducing the Gentra/Aveo light car in the future, but has not confirmed if or when the new model will replace the Barina-badged Kalos as Holden’s light car entrant – which itself is yet to appear here as the new Barina.

Compared to Kalos, Gentra features a new exterior, improved interior and comfort and safety features "usually found only in larger vehicles".

Apparently, the name comes from the word gentle, which Daewoo says also means genial, chic and smart.

The 1.5-litre Gentra will be sold in 120 nations globally and was previewed as the Aveo sedan at Auto Shanghai 2005 in April.