Paris 2010: General Motors

By John LeBlanc PARIS - Just as GM Canada is getting ready to launch its new 2011 Chevrolet Cruze compact sedan back home, it’s hard to ignore some of the tastier European compacts from the General that debuted here at this year’s Paris show. The aptly named Opel GTC Paris Concept (above), is based on the same platform as the Cruze. Officially, Opel says they have no production plans for the three-door hatch, a VW Scirocco-rival that houses a 290 hp version of GM’s turbo 2.0-litre four. But I have to believe an Opel Astra version is eminent. Even more speculative: wouldn’t this hot hatch look good with a Buick badge on it? The next not-ready-for-Canada GM compact debut is a new five-door version of the Cruze (left). It too isn’t planned for Canada. But, again, I think this five-door Chevy would make an interesting option to a Mazda3 Sport, VW Golf, or forthcoming Kia Forte5, don't you?

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