Conventional wisdom (and spy photos) told us that the next Chevrolet Aveo hatchback would draw heavily upon the styling of the Aveo RS concept, and now we know that to be fact. The production-ready Aveo five-door you see here will debut at the Paris auto show later this month in European-market trim. Compared to the RS concept, the front fascia has been toned down, the slim side mirrors have been replaced with more practical/legal units, and the 19-inch wheels are gone, replaced by smaller rollers that nevertheless nicely fill the wheel wells. Carrying over, however, are subtly flared wheel arches, aggressively angled lighting elements with black surrounds, “hidden” rear door handles, and a roof spoiler. Chevy says it was going for a “sporty hot-hatch” design, and while the Aveo’s no Mazdaspeed 3 in the looks department, the new model at least looks hotter than its way-dorky predecessor. Longer and wider than the current version—the forthcoming Spark will take up the tiniest-car torch for Chevrolet in late 2011—the new Aveo should boast commensurately increased interior space.
Expect improved interior materials and design, too, as the production car will retain the concept car’s funky, motorcycle-inspired instrument cluster and have a wraparound dash that can be color-coded to the car’s exterior. Available technology includes Bluetooth and USB connectivity. European buyers will be able to choose from four gasoline-engine options—a 1.2-liter in 70- or 86-hp strengths, a 1.4-liter making 100 hp, or a 115-hp 1.6-liter—as well as a 1.3-liter diesel four making 75 or 95 hp. Depending on the engine, a five- or six-speed manual transmission will be the base gearbox; an optional six-speed automatic transmission will be available with the 1.4- and 1.6-liter engines. The usual caveat: Expect only the largest gas-fired stuff to make it to the U.S. We do know that both sedan and hatchback Aveos will hit North American dealers when the car goes on sale next year. Given the Spark’s position as the bargain of the Chevy bunch, we expect Aveo base pricing to increase a smidge to the $14K–$16K range, about on par with that of the Ford Fiesta.
Browse Used Listingsin your area The Car Connection Expert Rating Breakdown? See the winner » See The Winner and Nominees » Peppy performance with manual transmission Supple ride for a subcompact Practical hatchback with Aveo5 Ride at interstate speeds Radio doesn't have tuning knob Sedan's iffy crash-test results If most of your driving is around town with little interstate travel, the 2009 Chevrolet Aveo and Aveo5 are worth a look, especially if you want a bow tie out front. The 2009 Chevrolet Aveo is one of the least expensive vehicles you can buy in the United States. It's a front-wheel-drive subcompact that's available in two body styles; the Aveo sedan and the new-for-2009 Aveo5 hatchback. With the specter of high gas prices looming over American drivers, the efficient and generally competent 2009 Chevy Aveo should be among the small cars on anyone's shopping list. Available in base, LS, and LT versions, the Aveo5 arrives wearing new sheetmetal with a more sophisticated look than the previous version (the Aveo four-door sedan was renewed in 2008).
Built in South Korea by GM Daewoo, the Aveos carry Chevrolet’s new signature front-end styling, with a gold Chevy bow framed by a larger grille. Larger taillamps and an available rear spoiler dress up the basic econobox. Our editors took umbrage at the side vent in the Aveo5's front fender, thinking it a silly gewgaw. Curiously, the vent is absent on the sedan. Inside, the cabin has five seat belts, and after putting some miles on several Aveo models, one could plan on using four of those belts without too much complaining from the second row. Seating three in the back would be tight, however. The rear bench has theater-style seating (for better exterior visibility) and a 60/40 split for cargo flexibility. Better interior materials arrive for 2009, including optional woodgrain, metallic, and carbon-fiber-look trim on the options list. Storage and convenience bins are found all over the interior, and higher-end features such as cruise control, XM, and a large sunroof are also optional.
Cars from General Motors often have one of the best XM radio setups, but the Aveo's radio controls are missing a tuning knob found on most other GM vehicles, resulting in a loss of convenience. The 2009 Chevrolet Aveo and Aveo5 use identical engines, transmissions, and chassis components. EPA mileage for the pair is 27/34 mpg for models with a five-speed manual transmission and 25/34 mpg for those with a four-speed automatic. The engine is a 1.6-liter four-cylinder with 106 horsepower and 106 pound-feet of torque. Expect about 400 miles per tank. In terms of running gear, the Aveo is a strictly by-the-numbers Asian economy car: MacPherson struts, a torsion-beam rear, and a short 97.7-inch wheelbase. Fourteen-inch wheels are standard, while 15-inchers (and anti-lock brakes) are optional. Around town, the ride is good enough, but over 70 mph, the car feels nervous—certainly not dangerous, but not pleasant. Regarding safety, the 2009 Aveo includes front and side airbags, but ABS remains optional.