As Ilf and Petrov said, statistics knows everything. Chevrolet is no exception. For example, the fact that after acquiring Daewoo, this brand became one of the fastest-growing both in Europe (up 34% last year) and in Russia (up 53%). Or the fact that last year dealers sold almost as many cars of this brand as all other GM divisions combined. There is another curious point in the statistical reports: at the end of 2007, Chevrolet in our country became the sales leader, overtaking its eternal rivals — Ford, Toyota, and Mitsubishi. True, in the B segment, which accounts for about 45% of the Russian market, the Aveo is not yet shining: just over 26,000 units sold gave the model only 11th place in its class. Perhaps some cooling towards the Aveo was caused by the prolonged update of the hatchbacks. But at the beginning of the year, the restyled five-door hit the market, and now it's the turn of the three-door version — the first in the model's history. In Europe, where the Aveo accounts for nearly a third of Chevrolet sales, the arrival of the three-door is a notable event. Europeans often take the Aveo as a second city car, and the lack of a pair of doors does not bother them at all. Much more important is style and appearance. And the updated version looks very decent — it has noticeably moved away from its progenitor, the Daewoo Kalos, and acquired a look that allows it to stand alongside purely European classmates. This is doubly pleasant given that the design was developed in the South Korean studio in Incheon. All hatchbacks are also assembled there in Korea, while sedans are produced at the Warsaw plant. So the venue for the presentation was probably chosen not by chance. We went to Wroclaw — one of the most beautiful cities in Poland, once the capital of ancient Silesia — to get acquainted with the three-door. The cars were waiting for us right at the airport, all in cheerful traffic-light colors — red, yellow, green. Real bugs! The Aveo seems to try to scare you with its face with a huge "forehead" of the radiator grille and a thick crossbar (now this is the hallmark of all Chevrolets, just look at the giant Tahoe) and "horned" headlights of intricate shape. But it is absolutely harmless itself! The Koreans did their best: a moderately aggressive but harmonious exterior and neat fit of details show that the Aveo is striving for change. It no longer wants to be known as a cheap Korean craft and aims for the orderly ranks of European B-class representatives. If earlier this Chevrolet was gray and very affordable, now the Aveo has dressed up and become more expensive. Prices start from 383 thousand rubles for the version with a 1.2-liter engine. The three-door now rather claims the role of a ladies' man, and flashy colors are just right here. Remember what old Darwin said? The bright coloring of insects attracts individuals of the opposite sex, and this directly affects the survival of the species! The interior of the hatchbacks has been updated and, quite logically, has become the same as that of the sedan, modernized back in 2006. The cabin looks cohesive and complete, although the impression is somewhat spoiled to the touch. Nevertheless, the quality of the finish is not inferior not only to Japanese models but also, perhaps, to some true "Europeans." All controls are logically and conveniently placed, and the instrument panel is a model of informativeness. But the seats disappointed: the profile is not optimal, and lateral support is weak. And why does such a small car need a steering wheel of such diameter? After all, power steering is in place. On the Russian market, the Aveo, as before, will be offered with two engines — 1.2 and 1.4. The displacements are the same, but the engines have become more powerful, more economical, and more environmentally friendly, and harmful emissions have decreased. Both units work in tandem with a five-speed manual, and the 1.4-liter is also available with a four-speed automatic. Having driven all versions, I can say: the difference between them is minimal. Both engines suffer from a lack of torque. The younger one requires extra throttle or even a slight clutch slip for a smooth start. To accelerate at all, you have to constantly push the tachometer needle into the red zone. Given that both units have decent power — 84 and 101 hp, this looks a bit strange. But everything falls into place when you remember Euro-4. The victim of the fight for ecology was both average dynamics and ease of throttle control — the engine responds with a delay to sharp presses of the gas pedal. But behind the wheel of a car with an automatic, everything falls into place. Slightly losing in dynamics and top speed, this version at least saves you from constantly jerking the long-throw lever of the "stick" in search of traction. It is this three-door that is ideal for girls. You drive calmly, without fanaticism, humming songs to the modest standard audio system — sound insulation has improved, and aerodynamic noises have also decreased. Still, you won't drive fast on the Aveo: the suspension is tuned more for comfort than for drive, and the steering wheel does not please with clear feedback. However, when you lift off the gas in a corner, the Aveo readily throws its rear end out, which can frighten inexperienced female drivers, especially since there is no stability control. So with the Aveo, it's better to recall the old saying — slower you go, further you'll be — and still choose the version with an automatic. The three-door modification is quite capable of breaking the stereotype in our country of the Aveo as a budget family car. Fewer doors, a prettier appearance — this adds dynamism and sportiness to the model, albeit purely visual. And if Chevrolet engineers work a little more on the engines and suspension, then in the next generation the Aveo has every chance of becoming a truly European car. Without any reservations or "global" prefixes. And telling the all-knowing statistics something new about itself.