Chevrolet Kadett / Ipanema 1989-1998

The Kadett E was introduced in Brazil in April 1989 as the Chevrolet Kadett. [URL="http://www.ultimatecarpage.com/forum/showthread.php?t=45234&highlight=kadett"]The original Opel Kadett E[/URL] had been introduced late in 1984, and after it had received a facelift for 1989 the old style was adopted for Brazil. The three-door station wagon variant, called the Chevrolet Ipanema, was added to the lineup in September 1989. The arrival of the Ipanema meant that the Chevrolet Marajó could finally be retired. Originally the Kadett was available with a 1.8 or a 2.0 liter engine, shared with the Ascona-based Chevrolet Monza. The 1.8 has 95 PS (70 kW) and the 2.0 (gasohol-powered only) 110 PS (81 kW). The original versions were SL, SL/E, and GS, with the GS sporting 14 inch alloys and body-coloured bumpers. With a Cx of 0.30, the GS was the most aerodynamic car yet built in Brazil at this time.

Along with some minor changes to the gearing and tires in June 1990, the 2.0 was introduced in a petrol version - which was downgraded to 99 PS (73 kW). It is likely that the claimed power was understated, but for tax reasons it was beneficial for Brazilian manufacturers to stay under the 100 horsepower mark at the time. In September 1991 the German Kadett was replaced by the Opel Astra, but it continued on in Brazil. When catalytic converters became required, the engines were updated with fuel injection in 1992, and all gained a few horsepower. This was also when the 121 PS (89 kW) 2.0 GSi was added to the lineup, recognizable by a roof-mounted antenna, spoilers, alloys, and clear turn signals in front.

For three years beginning in 1992 the Cabriolet ("Kadett GSi Conversivel") was also marketed. The body-in-raw was shipped to Bertone in Italy to be turned into a convertible, then returned to Brazil to be finished - a six-month process. For 1993 an automatic option was added, and In April 1993 a more practical five-door Ipanema wagon was added to the lineup. The Ipanema also became available with the ethanol-fueled 110 PS (81 kW) 2-litre engine.

In 1994 the equipment levels SL and SL/E were changed to GL and GLS, in line with other new Brazilian Chevrolet products. In April 1994, for the 1995 model year, the car was updated with a new dashboard and the power window controls were moved from between the seats to the doors. The 1995 GLS and GSi were actually discontinued in 1994, as a lowered import tariff enabled Chevrolet to begin importing Belgian-built Astras. Tariffs again jumped (from 20 to 70%) in February 1995, and thus a Kadett 2.0 Sport was introduced as the Astra was no longer offered.

Facelift

Originally the Chevrolet Kadett looked identical to the early German version with the grille integrated to the bumper, but in 1996 the Kadett received a facelift with a separately inserted grill. In April the GLS version was reintroduced. The Kadett was manufactured in Brazil until 1998, although the Ipanema ended production earlier as it was replaced by the Corsa Station Wagon (introduced in 1997). Because of emssions regulations, for the last two years the Kadett was only available with the fuel injected 2-liter engine with 110 PS (81 kW). For 1998 only the Kadett 2.0 GLS remained.

The Ipanema was also sold in three special editions: the Wave, Sol, and Flair. These were offered in 1992, 1993, and 1994. In 1990, as a tie-in with the Italia '90 World Cup, the "Kadett Turim" (Turin) was offered.