Chevrolet Aveo has been the anchor at the entry level for Chevrolet for quite some time now and is a carry over of GMs relationship with Korean automaker Daewoo.
For 2009, Aveo receives a good deal more attention that began on the sedan model last year. This little econo-cruiser gets a more
powerful engine, the 1.6L Gen 3 Ecotec, as standard
in all models, delivering more horsepower but
with the same fuel efficiency found previously.
The 2009 Aveo lineup includes the sedan and
Aveo5 Ð a sporty five-door hatchback that is
redesigned inside and out. The new
design features Chevy’s bold, global front-end
design with refined details including prominent,
Malibu-inspired grilles separated by a bowtie
emblem.
“Aveo characterizes the Chevrolet mission of
delivering a great-looking, fun-to-drive car that is
fuel efficient,” Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager,
said. “Its great fuel economy continues to
be a smart choice for customers seeking solutions
to the dependence on petroleum, as the Aveo
offers the fuel efficiency of many hybrid vehicles.”
Both the Aveo sedan and Aveo5 offer somewhat charming
styling and roomy interiors. They also
deliver fairly confident driving experiences
and offer generous features usually seen in more
expensive cars, challenging the expectations of
what an entry-level car can deliver.
In addition to the more powerful standard
Ecotec engine and the Aveo5’s new look, the Õ09
Aveo lineup includes the following new or
revised features:
¥ OnStar standard on all models;
¥ XM Satellite Radio available;
¥ Revised driver information center with outside
temperature display and fuel economy/driving
range function;
¥ New 15-inch aluminum alloy five-spoke
wheels;
¥ New 15-inch steel wheel with bolt-on wheel
cover (standard on Aveo sedan with the 2LT
package);
¥ New Charcoal leatherette seating;
¥ Available leather-wrapped steering wheel and
shift knob (included with leatherette seating);
¥ Revised LS/1LT/2LT trim lineup;
¥ Auxiliary input jack included on all radios;
¥ GM Oil Life monitoring system;
¥ More powerful 95-amp alternator;
¥ Variable intermittent windshield wipers;
¥ New spoiler for Aveo5; and,
¥ Enhanced ergonomic controls and features.
The Aveo5’s signature “tall car” design boasts
smooth lines and short front and rear overhangs
that give it a bold personality. It was conceived
for maximum versatility and practicality, such as
the convenience of easy access for both front and
rear passengers, and the versatility of a hatchback
configuration with ample cargo space that can
reach all the way to the front of the cabin.
New exterior styling for 2009 includes a frontend
design that leaves no doubt that the Aveo5 is
a contemporary Chevy. Signature, Malibu-inspired
upper and lower grilles are flanked by
sweeping headlamps that give this small car big
attitude. At the rear, a lower fascia insert and
roof-mounted spoiler complete the sporty look.
The Aveo5 offers the same standard equipment
and options as the sedan as well as having a
standard rear wiper/washer and offering standard
60/40 flip-and-fold seats.
Aveo5’s cabin reflects a youthful interpretation
of refinement. Generous
dimensions offer ample interior space capable
of accommodating passengers more than 6
feet tall in each of the five seating positions. A
combination of sound-dampening technologies
and aerodynamics provides a quiet and comfortable
ride, even at higher speeds.
The interiors were designed for maximum
comfort and convenience, which is evidenced in
elements such as the standard folding driver’s
armrest and lower-profile rear-seat headrests.
Additional conveniences include dual visor vanity
mirrors, a sunglass holder on the driver side
headliner, door and seatback storage pockets; and
clever hooks, located on headrest posts, that can
hold items such as backpacks or shopping bags.
Theater-style rear seating provides a commanding
view for all passengers and offers up to
42 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats
folded.
Make no mistake, the Aveo is no Camaro when it comes to onroad characteristics and driving charisma.
However, Chevy Aveo models are engineered
for a broad range of driving and road conditions
around the world and tuned for a dynamic,
well-planted driving experience. The suspension
system features a MacPherson strut front
suspension with coil springs and stabilizer bar,
and an independent, torsion beam axle-mount
compound link-type rear suspension with gascharged
shocks. Power-assisted, variable-rate
rack-and-pinion steering is standard. The steering
gear is mounted on the front suspension cross
member for precise action and stability.
Power-assisted front disc and rear drum brakes
are standard; a four-channel ABS system is available.
The four-sensor system Ð one at each wheel
Ð incorporates electronic brake force distribution,
which balances braking performance based on
such factors as road conditions and the weight of
passengers and/or cargo.
Fifteen-inch, five-spoke aluminum wheels are
standard on LT and available on LS models.
Fourteen-inch steel wheels with a bolt-on wheel
cover are standard on LS, while new 15-inch
wheels and wheel covers are standard on 2LT
models.
The 1.6L Ecotec engine that powers the 2009 Aveo lineup features
variable valve timing for optimal power and fuel
efficiency. It is rated at 106 horsepower and 107
lb.ft. of torque. Technologies such as electronic
throttle control and an electrically controlled
thermostat help maximize performance and efficiency
across the rpm range. It also features an
integrated oil cooler with piston spray nozzles.
A smooth-shifting, five-speed manual transmission
is standard on all models and an Aisin
four-speed automatic transmission is available.
The Aveo5 is supported by a comprehensive
system of safety and security technologies
designed to meet safety standards in markets
around the globe.
Aveo’s safety starts with a high-strength steel
structure that creates a safety cage around the
passenger compartment. The structure has been
engineered to help maintain passenger compartment
integrity and features tailor-welded blanks,
a feature not typically found on vehicles in the
segment.
All models include standard advanced dualstage
frontal air bags and the Passenger Sensing
System. The dual-stage frontal air bags deploy at
different levels, depending on the severity of the
crash. Standard seat-mounted side-impact air
bags provide additional head and thorax protection.
Additional safety and security features
include:
¥ Tire pressure monitoring system;
¥ Daytime running lamps;
¥ Front safety belt pretensioners with front-load
limiters;
¥ Height-adjustable shoulder belt anchors;
¥ LATCH child seat attachment system in the rear
seats;
¥ Rear child safety door locks;
¥ Fuel door lock with remote release feature;
¥ Available engine immobilizer theft-deterrent
system; and,
¥ Available f
our-channel ABS.
The Aveo lineup attracts the highest rate of
first-time buyers of any GM vehicle, providing a
great opportunity to earn these customers’ longterm
loyalty. Like the small, premium-car Cobalt
family and the HHR small crossover vehicle,
Aveo also generates a high number of conquest
sales.
The Aveo is making inroads around the world
and is sold in more than 120 countries under several
nameplates (primarily under the Chevrolet
brand). It is the top-selling car produced by GM
Daewoo in Korea (GMDAT). Nearly three-quarters
of the vehicles produced by GMDAT are
Chevrolet models. The number is steadily rising
as the expertise and quality record of GM’s
Korean subsidiary and Chevy’s tradition of
“more than expected” value increasingly resonate
around the globe.
The Aveo is the top-selling Chevy model in
Europe and is a great contributor to the brand’s
global expansion.
Pricing begins at $12,120 (including a $660
destination charge) for Aveo5 LS striking at the heart of the segment Ð and the competition. Our most recent Aveo5 tester came outfitted in the more upscale 2LT trim level attire, rolling the window sticker up to a somewhat uncomfortable 18 grand and change. (Let’s hope you’re getting incentives on top of your “Cash for Clunkers” discount.)
Fuel economy ratings for the Aveo and Aveo5 come in at 27 mpg in
the city and 34 mpg highway (25/34 when outfitted with the automatic gearbox).
The 2009 Chevy Aveo5 is a pleasant surprise on the road offering up ample passenger room, a quiet onroad experience and it handles itself quite well in mixed driving conditions.
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