Chevrolet Aveo (08-11) - Review

Review by Matthew Proud on
Last Updated: 01 December 2009
Apart from the vastly updated cabin and a few exterior style tweaks, the Chevrolet Aveo still closely resembles the ageing Kalos that it replaces. It’s certainly an improvement and passengers are treated to a more composed ride and fewer irritating trim rattles. That’s because the budget interior has been replaced by a smarter design. Well-assembled dashboard plastics are easier on the eye and the chrome-detailed buttons and switches are a much needed, upmarket revision. But the unmistakeable similarities are difficult to ignore, so think of the Aveo as a facelifted model rather than an all-new car. Buyers looking for no-frills motoring, who can forgive low-quality in return for low-cost, should consider a cheaper Kalos instead. Otherwise, try better all-rounders like the Suzuki Swift or Vauxhall Corsa.
4 out of 5

Running costs

Aveo owners should enjoy relatively low running costs as both engines are frugal, affordable to insure and quite green. That means cheap road tax – though a diesel option would have lowered costs further. For added protection against costly repairs, new buyers can purchase a three-year 30,000 or 60,000-mile servicing package.

Summary Running Costs

Servicing period

One year/10,000 miles.

Warranty

Three year/60,000 miles.

Road tax (12 months)

£100.00 - £170.00

Vehicle excise duty (VED) varies according to the CO2 emissions and the fuel type of the vehicle. For cars registered after March 1st 2001 VED or road tax is based on the car's CO2 emissions. For cars registered before March 1st 2001 it is based on engine size.

Full running costs data

3.5 out of 5

Green credentials

  • A
  • B
  • C
  • D
    130
  • E
  • F
  • G
    158
  • H
  • I
  • J
  • K
  • L
  • M

CO2 emission figure (g/km)

Fuel economy rating

The arrows indicate the best and worst CO2 bands for this model.

Emissions summary

Go for the 1.2-litre engine to be greenest, as it emits 132g/km CO2 and returns the best fuel economy (52mpg). An automatic transmission tends to increase emissions and the Aveo is no different, so opt for the manual gearbox if you're conscious of the environment.

Find the exact engine and CO2