It's been some time since Chevrolet offered an economical subcompact car. Now, thanks to Aveo, they once again have something to offer to those looking for a small car with a reasonable pricetag.
Aveo is the result of GM's acquisition of Daewoo. In fact, the Aveo is sold as the Daewoo Kalos in other parts of the world. The Aveo features a long list of convenience items and comes as a sedan or five-door hatchback.
Both the sedan and hatchback are offered in three trim levels: Special Value, Base and LS. The Special Value model features a pricetag under $10,000 and includes an AM/FM stereo, tilt steering wheel and a split-folding rear seat.
Base models add air conditioning and carpeted floor mats. The LS model goes a step farther, with standard AM /FM stereo with CD player and MP3 playback, power door locks, power windows, remote keyless entry, power outside passenger-side rearview mirror, dual outside heated rearview mirrors and fabric door trim.
If you were wondering, as is the trend for many sub-compacts, an appearance package is available on LS models, which includes fog lamps, bright aluminum 14-inch alloy wheels and mudguards. The appearance package on the five-door also includes a rear spoiler. A sliding electric sunroof and a six-speaker premium sound system.
My co-tester and I were not overly impressed with Aveo's somewhat Ôbubble-likeÕ physique. WhatÕs important to recognize is that Aveo is in a class where value is much more important than style. Therefore it is hard to be critical.
Powering Aveo is a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 103 horsepower. A five-speed manual transmission is standard. A four-speed automatic is optional. Don't expect the 1.6 to push you back in the seat. Acceleration is nothing to brag about, but fuel efficiency is outstanding.
With the five-speed manual, Aveo is rated at 27 mpg city and 35 mpg highway.
I drove our manual transmission-equipped Aveo LS hatchback tester all over Chicago's South Side and saw the fuel gauge needle barely move. I would have liked a few more ponies, though.
When loaded down with passengers, our Aveo labored and the 1.6-liter engine buzzed loudly. But for driving in the city or anywhere else parking is difficult, Aveo diminutive size wins big points.
With Aveo's short overall length (152.8"-hatchback, 166.7"-sedan), I was able to slip in between two cars that most other cars had to pass up.
While Aveo adapts nicely to city driving, it can be a bit intimidating on the highway when a large truck pulls alongside you.
While Aveo feels confident and safe on the highway, my co-tester and I both felt dwarfed by the big rigs out there. I just hope that if an incident did occur, Aveo's impact-absorbing structure would be able to provide adequate protection.
When it is all said and done, for every downside the mighty Aveo had an upside. ThatÕs a better exchange rate than many much costlier vehicles we have driven. ItÕs also a good reason to consider one of the few vehicles under $10k.
2004 Chevrolet Aveo LS 5-door
Engine: 1.6-liter (103 hp) I4
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Drive Type: FWD
Fuel Economy: 27 city/35 highway
Base Price: $12,045
As Tested: $13,210 (includes $540 for destination)
Website: www.chevrolet.com |
