It’s no secret that we’re eagerly awaiting the arrival of the next-generation Chevy Aveo. Although the subcompact doesn’t have the hot-rod status of a Camaro or a ‘Vette, the B segment (in which the Aveo competes) is very important for the financial health of Chevrolet and GM as a whole. So we’re glad to report that after appearing in Sweden and Germany, a mule for the Aveo replacement has been spotted for the first time in America.

As you may have heard, there are rumors that the all-new Aveo may be called differently when it comes to market: the name “Viva” may be used instead of “Aveo.” We haven’t received any reports supporting the name change. To further disaffirm the rumor, we checked with the US Patent and Trademark Office and did not find any trademark filings for the terms “Chevrolet Viva” or  “Chevy Viva.” Most recently, GM registered a trademark for its upcoming sub-Regal Buick Verano, so it would make sense that The General would do the same if Viva was to be the name for the Aveo replacement (especially that the Aveo will be produced sooner than the Verano). As such, we believe that the Aveo will retain its name in the US market.

When GM does show the production-intent Aveo replacement, expect it to be available as either a 5-door hatch or a 4-door sedan, although we think the addition of a three-door hatch to the Aveo line would do well against the Toyota Yaris and Hyundai Accent. The Aveo is set to have some tough competition in the 2011 Ford Fiesta, so we hope GM does as much of an outstanding job on the next-gen Aveo as it did on the Cruze and Malibu.

Click here for a rendering of the next-gen Aveo.

[Source: Detroit News]