What is it? The Aveo is Chevrolet’s Korean-made entry-level small car. The Aveo5 is the 5-door hatchback version, which follows on the heels of the sedan that was unveiled last summer. While Chevrolet calls this a redesign, we think of it more as a freshening, with adjustments to revamp the 1.6-liter engine and rework the suspension. GM reports that the “new” 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine and 5-speed manual powertrain is EPA-rated at 26 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway. That’s nothing special in this class, and in fact is 1 mpg fewer than last year’s model. This engine is rated at 107 hp, 3 more than before. The new car also comes wired for the OnStar roadside assistance service. Antilock brakes are optional and worth getting.
What is new or notable? At about $10,000, GM claims that the base Aveo5 will be the lowest-priced car on the market.
CR’s take: The Aveo5’s tall roof provides plenty of front head room and the hatchback design is very space-efficient and affords a good view out. We also said the ride of the old car was pretty good. Still, the outgoing model was one of our lowest-rated cars and we would not expect great things from this one.
When will it be available? Late spring 2008.
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