Closely related to the Onix hatchback that was introduced last October, the Prisma slots in towards the bottom of the Chevrolet lineup and competes against well-established sedans like the Volkswagen Voyage and the Toyota Etios.
"It's what we call a sports sedan," affirmed Carlos Barba, the design director for General Motors of South America.
To cater to a tech-focused target audience, well-equipped trim levels come with rear parking sensors and Chevrolet's touch screen-based MyLink infotainment system. Â Power steering, ABS and electronic traction control are also available.
Like the Onix, the Prisma is offered with a 1.0-liter four-cylinder engine that is rated at 80 horsepower and a 1.4-liter four-banger that makes 106 ponies. Â Both engines send power to the front wheels via a five-speed manual transmission, but the bigger unit is available with an optional six-speed automatic transmission. Â
As is the norm in Brazil, both mills can burn either ethanol or gasoline. Â When burning ethanol, the 1.4-powered Prisma can sprint from zero to 62 mph in 10.7 seconds. Â The 1.0-liter variant performs the same task in 13 seconds.
Together, the Onix and the Prisma spearhead a major product expansion for Chevrolet's Brazil-based division.
"The launch of the 2013 Prisma represents one of the biggest investments in the 88-year history of GM in Brazil. There were more than five billion Brazilian Reais (about $504 million) used in the expansion and modernization of our factories," said the firm in a statement.
After landing in showrooms across Brazil, the Prisma will be sold in a variety of neighboring countries but it will not make its way to Europe or to the United States.
