Cavalier's Long-Awaited Return to Crossover Status: The Drive Weighs in

The Cavalier has now been discontinued for 14 years and enjoyed its existence as a solid choice for students, young professionals, and others as an economical and sensible daily driver. It still enjoys its presence in China and Mexico in the form of a subcompact sedan that is situated below the Cruze. All of us here at O'Rielly Chevy of Tucson noticed a blog online from the staff of The Drive last week depicting a product leak, suggesting that the Cavalier will make its way back to the lot during 2020 as a new crossover SUV.

For a very brief time on Monday, Chevy's U.S. Media site had an image in the galleries section of a small crossover that was previously unseen labeled “2020 Chevrolet Cavalier”. The styling cues and design type were very similar to what is found on the Equinox and Trax, even though it's tough to conclude with the very low-resolution picture. The link directed the user to a blank page with an “MX” URL, meaning the new crossover may see its official introduction in Mexico. Just a day or so later, the photo happened to be removed.

It is not too hard to tell the Cavalier's relative size, but it appears similar in dimensions to the compact Chevy Trax. In China, the Cavalier sedan derives power from a 1.5-liter I-4 engine and is available with a 5-speed manual or 6-speed automatic. If the significant move to a crossover platform took place, we think there would likely be some powertrain updates also.

The Cavalier first went on sale in May 1981 as a front-wheel-drive model with 2 and 4 door sedan, hatchback, and station wagon body types. 1983 models offered throttle body fuel injection and a V6 engine offered up more in the power department a year later. For 1989 models the steering column was completely redesigned, now able to drastically reduce injuries during a collision by bending to conform to the driver's chest shape.

When one fondly remembers the Cavaliers seen on the road most often, the 1991 model saw the extensive restyling that involved a new hood, bumpers, headlights, taillights, wheel covers, and a redesigned interior. The Z24 model gained the options for a height-adjustable driver's seat and a CD player, and the convertible was brought back mid-year in the RS trim only with the V6 engine as standard. From 1995-1999, the Cavalier took a few design cues from the 4^th generation Chevy Camaro, and by 1997 was the best selling car within the entire GM lineup. We will keep you posted right here on the blog about any developments regarding release and production, and until then we will wait and see if rumors of the resurrection pan out!