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I really liked the looks of the Chevrolet Code 130R, a "concept" four-seat coupe that General Motors unveiled at the Detroit auto show. It's somewhat upright stance reminded me of the BMW 135i - squat, firmly planted, purposeful. Like the Bavarian, the 130R is designed to accommodate a manual transmission and rear-wheel drive - things not often found in new small cars. Designed to appeal to a younger audience, the 130R keeps the fun alive with a turbocharged 150-hp, 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine but also aims to hit that mpg sweet spot of 40 mpg.
Along with combining good looks and fuel efficiency, and in keeping with "youthful leanings" that we've heard targeted many times throughout the show, the 130R is designed to have all the latest in WiFi and smart phone integration. GM states that researching this concept taught them that this audience wants to stay connected by integrating their personal devices through in-car systems "enabling the vehicle to be their own docking station." Not exactly surprising, but at least it shows GM is doing its homework.
Again, it's just a concept, but at a suggested retail price "in the low $20,000s," I think the 130R has a chance to lure buyers who aren't jazzed with the affordable but tame looking Chevrolet Spark or Sonic.
—Mike Quincy
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