Compact cars are all the rage in a more economically-conscious auto market, and models like the Ford Fiesta and Honda Fit have sold well for their respective companies. But GM's small car offering, the Aveo, was often left in the dust, prompting the automaker to give the car a makeover.

GM debuted that makeover at the recent North American International Auto Show in Detroit, showing off the new Chevy Sonic, an updated, hipper version of the Aveo that looks set to go up against Ford's Fiesta for the title of coolest small car when it debuts in the 2012 model year.

The Sonic debuted in a bright orange, attention-grabbing paint scheme, and GM execs were quick to point out that the backseat has more room than the Fiesta. The new Sonic packs some punch under the hood, with drivers able to choose between the base 1.8-liter four-cylinder or the turbocharged 1.4-liter variant.

All signs pointed to the Sonic being a bigger part of GM's plans as well. The company showed off a concept version of the car called the Z-Spec, a tuner car with outfitted with funky rims and a racing stripe. The company will also be using the Sonic's platform to build the new luxury Buick Verano.