The Chevrolet Onix hatchback is Brazil's Sail U-VA

Automakers have quite a show to put up this year in Brazil in the B segment.

After the launches of the Hyundai HB20 and Toyota Etios, the spotlight shifts to the next inexpensive car launch, the Chevrolet Onix.

The Onix is a B segment hatchback, built for the Brazilian car buyer, using the underpinnings of the Chevrolet Beat (GM GSV Platform).

These images, posted on AutosSegredos, are a little blurry, but don't take away the significance: they reveal in advance, the look of the new compact hatchback from GM Brazil, which will be officially launched on October 21.

Designed to beat market leader Volkswagen Gol in every respect, the Chevrolet Onix has many challenges in its journey. It has to clean up the Fiat Palio and the Nissan Micra and some antiquated products, before going for gold.

The only design feature India finds relevant is the split grille. Does the bulky front-end remind you of the Indica Vista?

The Onix will be fielded in LS and LT versions with a 1.0L 82hp engine and a 1.4L 106hp engine. AutosSegredos writes that the six-speed automatic transmission will be offered next year on the bigger engine.

The case of the Chevrolet Onix is exactly similar to the Hyundai HB20 - there's no plan to retail it in markets outside South America.

Brazilian news services claim that a sedan on the Onix platform will reach dealer showrooms in early 2013.

[Source - AutosSegredos.com.br]