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Chevrolet Sonic RS may come here

The Sonic RS has a 1.4L turbo engine with 102kW of power ...

The Koreans starred, the Japanese mounted a comeback, and One Ford hit the headlines with an extended family of Focus-based newcomers that it is certain to make a big hit in Australia.

But it was one car and the commitment of its company chief that made the most impact as America fought back on the opening day of the 2011 North American International Motor Show.

Chevrolet launched the Sonic RS at the Detroit motor show and Holden boss Mike Devereux likes what he sees.

"It wouldn't be a bad idea," he says about the turbo Sonic -- which is the US name for the Barina.  "We would be dumb not to look at it."

The Sonic RS has a 1.4L turbo engine with 102kW of power, fog lamps, 17-inch wheels, sport exhaust, four-wheel discs, lower and stiffer suspension, a sporty flat-bottomed steering wheel and aluminium pedals.

The Chevrolet stand also featured an electric Spark bound for the US next year.

Devereux was guarded about introducing it to Australia.

"We will see how we go with the Volt first," he says referring to the hybrid Volt which is driven by an electric motor with a small petrol engine to charge the battery and increase range.

It is due in Australia later this year and follows some controversy in the US where it burst into flames several days after being crash tested.

Devereux says the issue has recently been resolved with "a bit of steel added to the coolant area". He says the battery also needs to be "de-powered" after a crash.

Futuristic concept cars aimed at the youth market could also make their way to the Australian International Motor Show.

The Tru 140S and Code 130R show cars were produced to gain feedback from young motorists and will displayed at automotive shows around the world.

Devereux did not rule out bringing them to Australia.

The rear-wheel-drive Code 130R even looks like the Aussies Race Cars which are scaled-down versions of V8 Supercars.

Former Holden boss and now GM president of North America, Mark Reuss, says the show cars are part of a "new family of small and compact cars" aimed at the youth market.

Chevrolet senior manager of global marketing, John McFarland, says the challenging youth market represents 40 per cent of potential car buyers.

However, he points out that they have grown up in a digital age, can barely remember life before Facebook and 54 per cent would rather be on a social network than driving.

"They are disinterested in car brands," he says. "A car is like an ugly boyfriend; as soon as something better comes along it's out the door," he says.