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 That’s because the budget interior has been replaced by a smarter design.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.
2.5 out of 5

Performance

Under the bonnet, there’s a choice of 1.2-litre and 1.4-litre petrol engines, which are borrowed from the older generation Vauxhall Corsa. Both units are excellent around town and careful on fuel – the 1.2-litre returns 52mpg. Queuing and pulling away at traffic lights is made easy by the manual gearbox, which favours slower crawls and quicker darts of speed than sustained time on the motorway. The smaller 1.2-litre, in particular, is strained and uncomfortable at 70mph and above. The Aveo comes with a five-speed manual gearbox, while a four-speed automatic transmission is also available on 1.4-litre five-door models.

3 out of 5

Handling

The Chevrolet isn’t particularly fun to drive, but then again the Aveo wasn’t designed for hair-raising rallying. Instead it does a good job in the city and maintains its composure at speed. Road and wind noise is muffled and uneven road surfaces are absorbed surprisingly well. Body roll is still evident on tight turns and roundabouts but overall it’s more accomplished on the road than the Kalos.