Chevrolet Aveo: prices and specifications

Chevrolet Aveo

Chevrolet Aveo is a compact B-class car that began production at General Motors' South Korean plant in 2002. The model is built on the T200 platform from Daewoo Lanos, and its design was created by Italian designer Giorgetto Giugiaro. The first generation was assembled in several countries, including Ukraine. The second generation Chevrolet Aveo debuted in 2010 at the Paris Motor Show. The car is based on the global Gamma II platform (T300) and is known as the Chevrolet Sonic in most markets. The model is offered in two body styles: sedan and five-door hatchback.

Chevrolet Aveo is equipped with gasoline engines of 1.2, 1.4, and 1.6 liters with Ecotec technology. On the Ukrainian market, the model is only available with a 1.4-liter engine.

The model is valued for its energy-intensive suspension, reliable manual transmission, and unpretentious engines. Owners also note good repairability. Among the disadvantages, corrosion and problems with the automatic transmission are most often mentioned.

History

Initially, the Chevrolet Aveo was produced under the name Daewoo Kalos. Production was organized in eleven countries worldwide. After the company came under GM management, the name was changed to Chevrolet Aveo. Initially, the car was offered in two body styles: a four-door sedan and a five-door hatchback. A three-door version appeared in 2005.

In the USA, the Chevrolet Aveo has been sold since 2003, replacing the Chevrolet Metro.

Sales in Europe started in 2005, and initially only hatchbacks were available.

In Canada, the model is known as the Pontiac Wave and Suzuki Swift+. In China, it is called the Chevrolet Lova. In New Zealand and Australia, the Aveo is sold as the Holden Barina.

In the Middle East, first-generation cars were sold under the original name Daewoo Kalos (T200).

The first generation Aveo is based on a modernized T100 platform from Daewoo Lanos. The design was commissioned from the Italian studio ItalDesign. Specialists from the British association MIRA were involved in refining the structure and chassis.

The cars were equipped with four naturally aspirated gasoline engines ranging from 1.2 to 1.6 liters with power from 72 to 106 hp. Transmissions were a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic.

In 2005, at the Shanghai Motor Show, General Motors introduced a new generation of the Chevrolet Aveo. The model was developed jointly with GM-DAT and the PATAK technology center in Shanghai, China.

Despite the old but modernized platform, the next-generation Aveo received a completely new body, both in design and construction. The interior was fully updated, and the quality of materials and sound insulation significantly improved.

In 2007, at the Frankfurt Motor Show, the Chevrolet Aveo hatchback was presented. The design, as before, was developed by ItalDesign.

In January 2010, the Chevrolet Aveo RS concept car was shown in Detroit, and in September of the same year, the new generation five-door hatchback, based on the concept, was introduced.

In January 2011, the new generation sedan appeared. For the American market, it is called the Chevrolet Sonic.

In January 2012, the Zaporozhye plant began full-scale production of the Chevrolet Aveo in the T250 body with full localization under the name ZAZ Vida. The car is equipped with Korean GM-DAT gasoline engines of 1.4 L and 1.5 L, as well as a version with the Ukrainian MEMZ 307 engine of 1.3 L. The ZAZ Vida is produced in two body styles: a five-door hatchback and a four-door sedan.

Since 2012, the new generation Aveo has been assembled using the CKD method in Kaliningrad, Russia.

The engine lineup of the latest generation was supplemented with a new 1.8 L Ecotec I4 engine. Engines from 1.2 to 1.6 L were upgraded to the Ecotec I4 level. For the first time, two diesel engines appeared on the Aveo, both 1.3 L, with 74 hp and 95 hp.

Exterior

The new Chevrolet Aveo received a fresh design that stylistically echoes previous generations. The main difference is more aggressive forms: smooth lines combined with sharp edges, dual front headlights, large bumper air intakes, and a false radiator grille. It seems the developers aimed at a younger audience.

According to surveys, the latest generation Aveo appeals to young people and does not cause rejection among middle-aged and older people. The car is also liked by women and children.

Interior

The interior is bright but does not impress with avant-garde solutions. It creates the feeling of being in a higher-class car. In the previous generation, on the contrary, it was immediately noticeable that the car was budget-friendly. The plastic and trim materials are of good quality and do not lose their appearance even after long use.

The main feature is the asymmetrical instrument cluster in a motorcycle style: a large round analog tachometer and a large liquid crystal speedometer. The solution is convenient, all data is easy to read.

The interior is practical, with a large number of cup holders and compartments for small items.

The driver's seat has a wide range of adjustments, suitable for any height. Visibility is excellent. All trims have electrically adjustable and heated mirrors. The steering wheel adjusts for height and reach.

The rear row has become significantly more spacious — the wheelbase increased by 45 mm compared to the previous version. Three passengers can fit if they are not in winter clothes. For two, the ride, even long, will be comfortable. The only downside is that on large bumps, the rear row shakes noticeably.

Engine and Transmission

The gasoline engine lineup for the new Aveo starts with a 1.2 L Ecotec I4 in two power variants: 68 hp and 84 hp. Next is the popular 1.4 L engine with 99 hp (there is a 138 hp version). Also available are 1.6 L (114 hp) and 1.8 L (136 hp) engines.

Diesel engines of 1.3 L with 74 hp and 95 hp are not offered on the Ukrainian market. Both diesel and gasoline engines are paired with manual and automatic transmissions.

Safety

According to the Euro NCAP test, the Chevrolet Aveo received the maximum five stars. For frontal impact, the car scored 15.4 points out of 16, for side impact — 8 points out of 8. The child safety indicator was 11.5 points out of 12.

Features

The handling of the Aveo is not exemplary, but only an experienced driver will notice this. The car does not frighten with unexpected understeer or oversteer at the limit. During sharp maneuvers, it follows the steering wheel clearly. Feedback could be better, but it allows you to feel the position of the wheels and the limits of grip.

On the highway, the car's behavior is understandable and one of the best among competitors in its class and price. However, the suspension settings are designed for good quality roads. For broken roads, the suspension is somewhat stiff.

Popularity in Ukraine

The car is popular and sells well on the Ukrainian market. High positions in the autoportal.ua sales ranking are largely due to the success of the previous generation. The latest generation Aveo is not as popular, but still enjoys decent demand.

Our Verdict

A good choice for a buyer who wants a modern car with a memorable aggressive design and a high level of safety. The main advantage is a wide network of dealerships and specialized service stations. The cost of maintenance is average. The warranty on the Chevrolet Aveo is three years or 100,000 km.