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GM Relaunches First-Gen Onix As Chevrolet Joy In Brazil

The all-new, completely redesigned second-generation Chevrolet Onix (hatchback) and Onix Plus (sedan) have completely revolutionized the brand’s subcompact car offerings in Brazil. In addition to changing the name of the sedan variant (from Prisma to Onix Plus), General Motors has now also officially announced that it will continue selling the first-generation Onix and Prisma, but under a new nameplate. That new nameplate is Chevrolet Joy for the five-door hatch and Joy Plus for the four-door sedan.

In this way, the company has transformed the name “Joy” from representing the base trim level of the first-generation Onix and Prisma into a new nameplate in its own right, where it will now represent the first-generation Onix and Prisma. This strategy allows GM to create a clear distinction between the two versions of the Chevrolet Onix – the all-new, second-generation models that will wear the Onix name as well as the first-generation models that will wear the Joy name and remain on sale as a result of widespread popularity in Brazil.

“Joy is very relevant to Brazilians because it is the most attractive entry model in the market. In addition, it is a strategic product for the Chevrolet brand,” said Kleusner Lopes, GM Sales Director for Brazil in a statement translated by GM Authority from Portuguese.

2020 Chevrolet Joy

Along with the name change, the 2020 Chevrolet Joy also adopts the visual enhancements to the front and rear ends introduced three years ago, when the first-generation Onix received its midcycle refresh. It’s worth noting that Chevrolet’s best-seller adopted the Joy moniker to represent its base trim level in 2016, for the 2017 model year. However, the Onix Joy / Prisma Joy did not receive the updates given to the rest of the Onix/Prisma range, in the spirit of the vehicle being the most affordable model.

2019 Chevrolet Onix Joy (hatch)

2019 Chevrolet Prisma Joy (sedan)

As such, the new features introduced on the 2020 Chevrolet Joy are a new grille, headlights, hood, decklid, taillights and both bumpers. Also new is a new black finish option, which adds several unique exterior elements, including LED daytime running lights, fog lights, 15-inch wheels with dark covers, body-color door handles, a black Chevrolet logo as well as a glossy grille frame and wing mirror covers.

Inside, the 2020 Chevrolet Joy (the hatchback) introduces a few minor interior differences compared to the 2019 Chevrolet Onix Joy, including a unique finish of the central panel and seats with a hybrid upholstery (fabric / synthetic leather). The air conditioning, power steering, as well as the locks and electric window controls continue as standard equipment. Meanwhile, the multimedia system, parking sensors and the electric mirror adjustment are optional.

2020 Chevrolet Joy Plus

The story is exactly the same with the 2020 Chevrolet Joy Plus (the sedan), which features the same external and internal updates over its direct predecessor – the Prisma Joy. Chevrolet’s entry-level sedan in Brazil adopts the same nameplate as its hatchback variant, while also adding the “Plus” moniker. The nomenclature follows the pattern introduced by the second-generation Onix. Consequently, this change in naming convention represents the official discontinuation of the Prisma name.

Mechanically, both the Chevrolet Joy and Chevrolet Joy Plus do not feature any changes in the powertrain department when compared to their direct predecessors. The models are powered by a naturally-aspirated 1.0L four-cylinder engine making 80 horsepower. The atmospheric four-banger is mated to a six-speed manual transmission.

The 2020 Chevrolet Joy and Joy plus are produced at the GM São Caetano do Sul plant. As of this writing, we expect that the Joy will only be made available in Brazil, where it is already offered in the following six exterior colors: Summit White, Switchblade Silver, Chili Red, Graphite Grey, Gold Black and Blue Eyes.

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Deivis is an engineer with a passion for cars and the global auto business. He is constantly investigating about GM's future products.

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Comments

  1. Once again, GM, please bring a North American version of this model to us. Why can’t we have a compact car made by GM from somewhere in the world, for sale in NA? What are we supposed to do without the Cruze (and in Canada there is no more Sonic). Should we look at the competition for a regular car to drive??

    Reply
    1. I agree. GM is abandoning the small sedan market to the Asians, especially the South Koreans. Many customers like small cars (older drivers remember well the Volkswagen Beetle as their first small car) and still wish for a great U.S. brand. Ford still offers the Fiesta and the Focus in different versions, so GM must bring a small car back.

      Reply
  2. Isn’t it an implementation of the Opel Corsa F design, abandoned in Europe due to PSA taking over the German brand?

    Reply

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