Russian sales of the new-generation Chevrolet Aveo are just around the corner. So far, we are only talking about the hatchback; the sedan will appear later. The model has noticeably transformed — it has become more attractive outside and inside, gained more power, and, moreover, got rid of its dissonant European "twin."
Cars of this class are usually aimed at young, energetic people free from family worries. The new Chevrolet Aveo hatchback breaks this stereotype. General Motors is confident that it will suit not only young drivers but also those who already have a family. Is that really the case? Let's try to find out!
Let's look back at history. In the past, small cars could rarely boast outstanding looks. Either designers thought that imagination wasn't enough for subcompacts, or their appearance was developed on a leftover basis. Be that as it may, any compact car that stood out from the gray mass had every chance of quickly becoming a classic!
Over time, compacts became prettier. First, they stopped being outright ugly, and then they began to attract attention! The Aveo hatchback is exactly from this new design wave of "sexy mini." At last year's Frankfurt Motor Show, GM showed three concepts that were considered as replacements for the subcompact Chevrolet Spark. All of them looked dynamic and bold, each was made in its own style, and next to each stood a screen for voting. Visitors were asked to choose one of the future Spark options. And the appearance of the new Aveo clearly echoes one of those concept cars. So there is every reason to believe that the aggressive design of the new model was created with an eye to the wishes of future owners.
The modern trend requires constant growth in specific power — from each liter of volume you need to squeeze out more and more horses. Against the background of this trend, pleasant for an active driver, another wave went unnoticed — an increase in specific functionality. The interior space of modern cars is calculated to the centimeter. In the Chevrolet Aveo, this pedantry gives many advantages. Four passengers can fit in the hatchback's cabin without much crowding. You can also sit three on the rear sofa, but then you'll have to forget about comfort.
The designers did not radically change the interior, limiting themselves to little things like an updated instrument panel. And that's right: the ergonomics remained at the same high level. There is another stereotype regarding cars of this class — finishing materials. Usually they are, to put it mildly, modest. In this regard, the Aveo is beyond reproach: the materials are decent, and the design doesn't induce boredom.
When they say that the Aveo is a family car, they primarily mean the trunk. If everyone, including distant relatives, is going on a trip, its volume is 220 liters. Modest? Very much so. For vacation, it's better to go by train then. You can, of course, fold the rear seat — 980 liters fits much more stuff. But then the trip takes on an exclusively romantic tone and doesn't imply witnesses.
For such a case, the new 1.2-liter gasoline engine is quite suitable. First of all, thanks to its modest appetite: 5.5 liters per hundred is not too burdensome for a young family. But you shouldn't expect crazy dynamics. Even the increase of 12 horsepower compared to the predecessor's engine doesn't help. However, everything is not so bad. The car can be quite dynamic — you just need to ignore the acoustic imbalance and work more actively with the 5-speed gearbox. This work is more pleasant than tiring: the lever easily and clearly enters the desired "slots." If you keep the revs in the range of 3000–4000, the Aveo runs quite briskly. True, only if numerous relatives aren't urging you on from the back seat. For a large family, the power is only enough for calm movement. But it's smooth. The suspension softly handles bumps, not turning the ride into a constant shaking of the insides. The only "but" — in corners, invincible rolls regularly make themselves known.
The Chevrolet Aveo has also managed to make its mark in the global "turns" of the concern. Previously, hatchbacks in some European countries were called Kalos. The new model corrected this misunderstanding, bringing all versions to a common denominator: Aveo — and that's it! GM believes this will strengthen the company's position, and consumers will find it easier to navigate the market.
In our opinion, there is no mistake in the status that GM has defined for the new model. The Aveo hatchback fits perfectly into the idea of a family car. Small dimensions won't create problems with parking in the yard or near the supermarket. And if you go to the store together, the trunk won't make you refuse purchases. The spacious cabin, including the rear seat, won't cause relatives to grumble about poor treatment. The affordable price won't make a big hole in the budget, and the attractive design won't give a young family the feeling that they saved on themselves.
In the process of localization
In May of this year, the 5-door Chevrolet Aveo hatchback with 1.2 and 1.4-liter gasoline engines (84 and 98 hp, respectively) will appear on the Russian market. Despite the increased maximum power compared to predecessors, the fuel consumption of the 1.2-liter unit decreased by 14% (to 5.5 l per 100 km), and the 1.4-liter — by 10% (6 l). Both engines work in tandem with a 5-speed manual gearbox; for the latter, a 4-speed automatic will be optionally available, which will appear later. A diesel is not provided for the model. In June, the model range will be supplemented with a 3-door version. The sedan was recently updated, so its changes won't affect it in the near future.
Driving
The car handles well, but the engine constantly requires high revs.
Interior
The quality of materials leaves a pleasant impression.
Comfort
Comfortable seats and a soft suspension are well suited for long trips.
Safety
In the base, there are only two front airbags. After the Euro NCAP crash test of the Aveo sedan with a result of 1.5 stars for passenger protection — that's not enough.
Price
Not determined, but it's unlikely to deviate much from the predecessor.
Advantages and disadvantages
+ Comfortable cabin with good ergonomics, modest fuel appetite, attractive appearance.
- Non-torquey engine, modest trunk.
Specifications
Make and model — Chevrolet Aveo 1.2
Dimensions — 3920x1680x1510 mm
Engine — gasoline, inline, 4-cylinder; 1206 cm3, 84 hp/6000 rpm
Transmission — manual, 5-speed
Dynamics — max 172 km/h; 13 s to 100 km/h
Competitors — Opel Corsa, Ford Fiesta
Our opinion
The economical and compact hatchback will organically fit into the life of a traffic-heavy city. And the pleasant appearance and decent driving qualities of the Aveo will not leave a young family with a forming budget indifferent. So the target audience is chosen correctly by the manufacturer.