Pretending to be a new Chevrolet Cavalier Monza sedan turned out to be noticeably more expensive than its predecessor

Last updated Apr 15, 2022

The relatively fresh four-door, which used to be a Chinese exclusive, is now also available in Mexico, albeit under a different name. There, the model is offered with a non-alternative “turbo engine“, you won't be able to choose a box either.

The budget sedan, for which the Cavalier name was revived, appeared in the Chevy range five years ago. The release of the model was launched in China at the plant of the joint venture of General Motors and SAIC concerns, only there it was first sold. However, later, locally assembled cars began to be delivered to Mexico and some other Latin American countries, but Cavalier, on the contrary, left China. But in 2018, the “celestial” line of Chevrolet was replenished with a larger “four-door” Monza (this name was also taken from the archive), and it was also previously considered a model addressed only to China. Now this sedan is also deprived of its exclusive status: a version for the Mexican market is presented, only “their” car is not a Monza at all, but a “brand new Cavalier Turbo”. Apparently, the company is counting on the fact that a familiar name will attract more customers.

Base Chevrolet Cavalier Turbo and RS version. In China, the model is called Monza

In terms of design, the “four-door” intended for Mexico is no different from the Chinese version. In addition, like the Monza, the new Cavalier, along with the “simple” LS and LT trim levels, has a “sported” RS version, its features are its own bumpers and grille, original wheels (although they are 16-inch, like the base model; however, the predecessor had only 15-inch ones), made in black, the emblem of the brand and exterior mirror housings, plus red stitching in the cabin. By the way, in China you can still buy a Redline version with red accents on the outside, but this is not yet allowed for the Mexican sedan.

Chevrolet Cavalier Turbo RS

Monza/Cavalier Turbo length is 4614 mm (RS and Redline – 4630 mm), width – 1798 mm, height – 1485 mm, axle distance – 2640 mm, trunk volume – 405 liters. For comparison, the dimensions of the former Cavalier: 4544/1779/1467 mm, wheelbase – 2600 mm, trunk volume – the same 405 liters.

The sedan is offered to the Mexicans with a non-alternative petrol “turbo engine” 1.3 with a capacity of 161 hp, which is combined only with a six-speed “automatic”. In China, Monza is still available with a 125-horsepower three-cylinder 1.0 turbo engine (6MT or robotic gearbox) and a 1.5 four-cylinder naturally aspirated engine producing 113 hp. (6AKP), in addition, turbo versions are also available there in the form of “mild” hybrids with a 48-volt starter-generator. The former sedan in Mexico is equipped with an atmospheric “four” 1.5 with a capacity of 107 hp, it is paired with a 6MKP or 6AKP.

Chevrolet Cavalier Turbo RS

The new Cavalier is richer than its predecessor, the list of standard equipment includes LED running lights, a multimedia system with an 8-inch touchscreen and a rear-view camera, while the cheapest previous “four-door” has a conventional audio system (the versions have more expensive multimedia with a 7-inch screen), and diode DRLs are available only for the top version.

In the “medium” LT configuration, the Chevrolet Cavalier Turbo has cruise control (the previous model is not allowed at all), “leather” upholstery, an electric sunroof, rear parking sensors, heating and electric mirrors. Finally, the RS version has heated front seats, blind spot monitoring and a sport driving mode.

Chevrolet Cavalier Turbo RS

The start of “live” sales is scheduled for October, but prices have already been announced, and they, of course, have grown: for a new sedan in Mexico, they ask for 402,900 – 459,900 pesos, which is equivalent to about 1,473,000 – 1,682,000 conditional units at the current rate. At the same time, the first 400 buyers will receive a discount of 15,000 pesos (55,000 conventional units). The former Cavalier is still in service, excluding special offers, it costs 314,900 – 383,900 pesos (1,152,000 – 1,404,000 conventional units).

Former Chevrolet Cavalier

As before, sedans are brought to Mexico from China. Most likely, such a Cavalier will soon appear in other Latin American countries. The model is not planned to be delivered to the market.