From the ugly duckling to the beautiful swan, Chevrolet looks like it will finally have the subcompact competitor its needed all along. 

Certainly

Finally, a great looking subcompact from Chevy! (Photo: Chevrolet)

the Aveo has always been a strong seller, but it has long been sold mostly on price rather than offering much in the way of compelling emotive reasoning to would be customers, or should we say non-reasoning. 

Sales are expected to begin sometime in 2011 for this 2012 model year B-segment sedan (a hatchback will join it), and it wont’ come a moment too soon. Ford’s new Fiesta will have had a year to cause contention in the subcompact market, and new models will be available from Hyundai, Kia, Nissan, Toyota, and others. 

For a sneak peak of the hatchback model, take a look at the Aveo RS Concept that debuted at the Detroit auto show last month.  The front fascia of the four-door in these

A seriously upscale interior to rival Ford's new Fiesta. (Photo: Chevrolet)

photos stays true to the concept, and the rest of the car looks rich where the current model looks more needs-driven, rather than wants-driven. 

Ramping up the desire quotient even more, the 2012 Aveo’s interior will feature a thoroughly updated design with higher quality materials.  It also appears that the RS Concept’s motorcycle-inspired pod-style instrument cluster will make the nod to production. 

Specifications remain hush-hush for the time being, but engine performance and fuel economy will no doubt be competitive, as will pricing.