The second generation Aveo was presented at the 2010 Paris Motor Show. It had been previewed earlier in the year as the Aveo RS concept. The Aveo RS was shown in concept form with 19-inch wheels and a M32 six-speed manual transmission mated to a 1.4-liter turbocharged Ecotec engine, rated at 103 kilowatts (138 hp).
The car uses the Gamma II global subcompact platform.
Chevrolet will market the new Aveo under the "Chevrolet Sonic" nameplate in the American, Mexican and Canadian markets. The Sonic will be available with a 1.8-liter inline-four producing 101 kW (135 hp) and 169 N·m (125 lb·ft) torque, or a 1.4-liter turbo inline-four producing 103 kW (138 hp) and 201 N·m (148 lb·ft) torque. The 1.8-liter inline-four will be mated to a standard five-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission, while the 1.4-liter turbo will have a six-speed manual transmission. On August 2, 2011, it was reported that the Sonic had entered production at Orion Assembly, with the first cars arriving at dealerships later in the year.