The Chevy Cavalier Is Alive And Well In China With New 325T Model

Remember the Chevy Cavalier? That was the compact sedan that Chevrolet sold before the Cobalt, which in turn has long since been replaced by the Cruze. But while the nameplate may have long since vanished from GM’s domestic market, the Cavalier is still alive and well in China, and has been since launching there in September 2016.

As a matter of fact, GM just rolled out a new model in the Middle Kingdom. Called the Cavalier 325T, the latest version of the “compact midsize family sedan” (however you define that) arrives in China with new styling and equipment.

It looks more refined and elegant than any version of the Cavalier we can recall, with its own take on Chevy’s global design language applied to a taut shape with short overhangs. It also boasts a “spacious and practical interior” with more shoulder and elbow room than anything in its segment, and a 7-inch touchscreen display in the dashboard.

Power comes from a turbocharged three-pot

Motivation comes in the form of GM’s Ecotec 1.0-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine. Mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, it produces a modest 118 horsepower ( 88 kW) and 122 lb-ft (165 Nm) of torque. It also features a particulate air filter (like you might find on a modern diesel engine) to help cut down on the smog that’s plagued China’s growing industrialized cities.

Slotting in underneath the Cruze, the Cavalier 325T will be offered in two trims with a choice of five colors. Pricing ranges from RMB 104,900 to RMB 114,900, or about $17-18k at current exchange rates. At that position, Chevy and its local partners have sold nearly 240,000 Cavaliers in China over the past 18 months.