General Motors introduced the front-wheel drive GM4200 platform in 1982 with the introductions of two subcompacts, the Opel Corsa A and the Vauxhall Nova.

[1] The platform was also used by Holden, Chevrolet's Latin American branch, and Buick of China.

The platform was still in use until 2021 by Chevrolet's Latin American branch for their entry-level models.

In 1996, the models were built in Mexico and several variants were offered: a 4-door sedan (called Monza), a 2- and a 4-door hatchback, a pickup truck, and a station wagon (imported from Chile).

The popular Chevy went on with cosmetic changes (the C2, introduced in 2004), that included changes to the front end and dashboard, and another redesign in 2009.