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Chevrolet Aveo |
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When the bright red Aveo LT sedan arrived at the FleetCUBE office in September it had just over 1000km on the odometer. Today after more than 5000km of trouble free travelling I have to admit that this little “big” car really surprised me. This is a no nonsense car with a lot of character; with tough competition out there it has something to prove. For the 2007 model year, the Chevrolet Aveo sedan has been updated, although it still relies on the basic mechanical underpinnings, or architecture, from the 2006 model. That reworking was a good idea since the Aveo has to face new and serious competition such as the VW Polo Classic, Toyota Yaris sedan and the recently introduced Ford Ikon. What is attractive about the front-wheel-drive Aveo is the price and, for an economy car, a surprisingly handsome interior and a high level of standard equipment. The Aveo's role in motoring life is sensible, day-to-day transportation including a ride that is aimed at comfort and not sporty driving. According to General Motors SA the Aveo LS is specifically aimed at the fleet market with high spec and safety levels at an affordable price. The 1.5 litre four-cylinder is rated at 62kW@5600rpm and 128N.m@3000rpm, which is adequate and relaxed compared to some of the high revving competitors in this price segment with exception of the VW Polo (see comparison table below). Transmission choices are either a five-speed manual transmission or the recently added four-speed automatic transmission. What the Aveo has going for it is price, a relatively handsome interior and a ride that is comfortable for a small car. This is a true no nonsense car with lots of space and spec to make sure you travel in comfort. Derivatives
There are three versions of the Chevrolet Aveo: LS, LS Auto and LT. The Aveo LS is the base model and includes the following standard features: Power steering, front electric windows, central locking, air conditioning, remote side mirrors, radio/CD combo; height-adjustable driver's seat; rear-window defogger and 60/40 split fold-down rear seat. The Aveo LT and the test unit adds power windows front and rear; remote central locking; remote boot entry; radio/CD combo; power outside mirrors; 14-inch aluminium wheels; leather seats and climate control air conditioning. Standard safety features on both models include 2 airbags, ABS, immobiliser, and seat-belt pretensioners for the front seats. The latter take slack out of the belt in the event of an accident. Exterior
Interior
The Aveo's basic controls, such as climate control (on LT model only) and radio are simple and easy to use. The driver's seat is height adjustable, a nice feature for drivers short and tall. The only complaint with regards to the seats is that they do no provide enough side support especially during cornering, and then again this is not a sport sedan. With some consideration for the people in the front seats it is possible to carry four tall adults for a short distance without anybody being traumatised. The Aveo's boot size is rated at 351 litres, which is adequate to transport golf clubs and a few suit cases. That's competitive in a segment like this and the back seat folds down 60/40 if the priority becomes carrying things instead of people. A full size spare wheel hidden under the floor of the boot is also a “good to have”. Driving Impressions General Motors reworked the suspension on the Aveo, although the basic mechanical underpinnings are still based on the 2006 model. GM says the goal was a more refined ride and more precise handling, two things that the older model lacked. Spend some time in the Aveo sedan and it becomes clear that GM has created a comfortable small car with much improved handling. An outstanding feature of the Aveo is the lightness of the controls, the light action of the clutch and smooth gears shifts (only appreciated in full when you get into other cars). The Chevrolet Aveo is front-wheel drive, and like many front-wheel-drive cars it feels nose heavy, which means a slight pause when the driver turns the wheel and asks it to make a big change in direction. The hesitancy isn't unusual nor is it threatening. It just means that the Aveo is not the kind of quick-to-react playmate one finds in the VW Polo Classic for example (which is also front-wheel drive). Try and go a bit faster through a moderately tight turn and the Aveo's body leans quite a bit. That's part of the price its occupants pay for a more comfortable ride, particularly on a broken surface. It is also the Aveo's way of reminding the driver that it really wasn't designed as a sports sedan. The noise and vibration from the 1.5 litre engine is nicely controlled for a four-cylinder engine. The Aveo's 62kW is on par with its main competitors in this segment; it delivers 128Nm of torque at a comparatively low 3000rpm which translates into comfortable and relaxed cruising. |
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The 2007 Aveo gets a new attractive appearance and a more aerodynamic shape, one of the benefits of which is to reduce wind noise at highway speeds. Like many cars it has a look that tries to find wide acceptability, not offending anybody by being either too boring or too radical. The front end follows the new global Chevrolet design cues. 
The big surprise with the interior of the Chevrolet Aveo LT was the handsomeness of the leather seats which injects a feeling of class into the cabin. That combines with a tidy and sensible layout to minimize its economy-car status. 
It doesn't scream "cheap" so much as "econo-sensibl e." 
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