Chevrolet is no longer into low-slung models, especially in North America, yet it hasn't ditched them entirely. In fact, the C8 Corvette is doing great in the class, and it's about to become more exciting than ever with the introduction of the range-topping ZR1 this summer. The Malibu is also around, albeit in dire need of a refresh.
The ninth generation has been around since 2016, with a facelift received for the 2019 model year, and it is the only sedan in the bowtie brand's US lineup. However, Chevy remains committed to four-door models in other markets. For instance, it still has the Cavalier subcompact on sale in Mexico, and the fifth-generation is nothing more than a China-made rebadged Monza.
From an enthusiast's standpoint, neither the Cavalier nor the Monza represent something to write home about. They feature tiny engines under those cramped hoods, manual or automatic transmissions with six forward gears, and they are front-wheel drive. Nevertheless, the sportier-looking RS is quite an eye-catching package, and we would've loved to see it in our market.
Mind you, due to its subcompact proportions and four-door body style, a modern-day Cavalier/Monza sold in the United States would inevitably take on the likes of the Nissan Versa. And as we all know, the Japanese company's model is the cheapest new car on sale in our market. The 2024MY starts at $16,390, plus destination and dealer fees, and comes with a five-speed manual transmission and a 122 hp (124 ps/91 kW) 1.6-liter motor. Upper specs bring more gear and a CVT.
Photo: Screenshot Youtube | Digimods Design
Albeit tricky, it wouldn't be impossible for Chevrolet to take a swing at America's cheapest new car with a brand-new Cavalier. The model would need a small motor under the hood, some relatively modern tech gizmos, a few safety systems, and other bits and bobs, as well as an RS range-topping flavor, perhaps with a bit more power than the regular variants.
Mind you, since there isn't much money to be made off traditional body styles, as most automakers couldn't care about anything other than crossovers and SUVs, often with an electric twist, we are as confident as we can be that Chevy does not intend to launch a new Cavalier in the United States. Well, at least not a sedan one, as they might eventually dust off the moniker and use it on a crossover.
But what would a modern-day Chevy Cavalier targeting our market look like? Well, no one knows entirely, yet Digimods Design on YouTube gave it a shot at imagining it. The result is appealing nonetheless, and we'd certainly want to see it happen. But would you really kick that high-rider out of bed for a new Cavalier if it looked like this?
After a series of unfortunate events put an end to Cristian's dream of entering a custom built & tuned old-school Dacia into a rally competition, he moved on to drive press cars and write for a living. He's worked for several automotive online journals and now he's back at autoevolution after his first tour in the mid-2000s. Full profile
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