Consumer participation is now a characteristic of Chevrolet. Chevy wants its customers to participate in its manufacturing process.

The car maker decided to build three mini car concepts, the Beat, Groove and Trax. But Chevey is leaving it up to the people, meaning its customers and supporters to decide which one they like best. The public can vote for which concept is most appealing by logging on to www.vote4chevrolet.com. There is, however, no guarantee that the highest vote getter will be built. Nonetheless, General Motors says it will help guide the development of a future global mini car their company. These mini cars are expected to be similar as the next generation of cars like the Opel Corsa, Daewoo Matiz and other models around the world.

Chevrolet mufflers, however, were not detailed in the auto show. But as the car always has, each Chevrolet muffler is designed to make every single vote worthy.

To get to know the candidates and to rightly choose the best, here are brief descriptions of the three mini cars:

The Beat comes in green. It is by far the sportiest among the three, with its slicked back styling and comparatively large 1.2L turbo engine matched to an automatic transmission. Technically described as a “tuner” car, the Beat is meant to be customized much like a Scion to an owner’s own individual tastes. It can therefore be personalized.

The Beat is a front-wheel drive, three-door hatch with an automatic transformer to divvy up the tiny motor’s available power. It is the only mini car among the three with an interior.

The Groove concept comes in black. It is much like a mini HHR, which is a five-door wagon with a spacious height in the interior and flat sides. Its extremely short hood, big wheel arches and nonexistent overhangs mean that every square inch of the platform is utilized. This is considered the most practical concept of the three. Also a front-driver, the Groove is powered by a 1L diesel engine.

Of the Chevrolet triplets the Groove is the only one powered by a diesel engine as its principal. It has no interior other than a steering wheel.

A 1.0L engine will power the Groove’s driving in the front wheels of this “Funkistalgia” design.

Finally, there is the Trax. It comes in orange. The Trax concept is the best to feign even the slightest ability to venture off the beaten path. It’s the only one of the three that features round headlights, though its four-door, upright box-like packaging resembles that of the Groove concept.

The Chevy Trax concept has the most utilitarian look with a matte-finished lower body like the Honda Element), faux skid plates and pronounced fender flares. The 1.0L gas engine provides motivation to the front wheels; while a battery pack and electric motor will drive the rears on an as-needed basis providing a low-cost, efficient all-wheel drive system to this urban cross-over. Unfortunately, like the Groove, this concept also has no interior. But it has a well finished exterior with a lot of attractive design details for an entry-level vehicle.

The platform of all three concepts is being developed at GM Daewoo in Korea.

Now, have you decided which to vote?

Vote wisely!

Written By: Jerick Brooks