Chevrolet Aveo vs Suzuki SX4. In search of the difference

Chevrolet Aveo. Price: $17,100. On sale: since 2007.
Suzuki SX4. Price: $22,000. On sale: since 2007.

A year and two months ago I bought a Chevrolet Aveo. The odometer already shows 22,000 km. When choosing a car, I considered options no more expensive than $15,000. Once at a dealer I came across the updated sedan and immediately realized it was mine. I took the version with a 1.4-liter engine producing 92 hp. Now I've been offered to arrange a face-to-face meeting between my favorite and a car very similar to it. Let's see how much the Suzuki SX4 sedan surpasses my Aveo.

Vladimir Milyutin, 28 years old, research fellow, drives a Chevrolet Aveo sedan, driving experience 6 years

Exterior

The SX4 looks a lot like the Aveo: the same high roofline, smooth body contours. But there are noticeable differences — a small window in the front pillar and slanted headlights that extend onto the fender. I naively thought this window would improve visibility, but I was wrong: from the driver's seat you can only see a small piece of this glass, while the rest is blocked by massive pillars. The turn signals in the Suzuki's front headlights are placed closer to the center, not at the edges like the Aveo's — in my opinion, that's strange. From the front, the Suzuki looks heavier and meaner, probably due to the shape of the headlights. But the rear leaves an unpleasant impression: the right taillight lacks a second fog light; instead, there's a reverse light, making it look like the lens is broken and the lower part of the reflector is visible. It looks untidy.

Let's look inside

The Suzuki's interior, unlike the Chevrolet's, seems less modern to me. It rather resembles the cabin of the Aveo hatchback: similar air flow control knobs, the same climate control buttons, similar dashboard trim. The glovebox pleasantly surprised me — it's noticeably larger and more spacious than in the Chevrolet. I really liked the steering wheel: compact, comfortable, with well-placed stereo control buttons, and, what's especially nice, a convenient horn button. The Aveo has two horn buttons located on the sides of the steering wheel, and hitting them during a maneuver or in an emergency isn't always easy. In the Suzuki, the horn works by pressing anywhere on the steering wheel, despite the airbag. I was also pleased with the second interior light near the rear seats. The Aveo doesn't have that, and in the evening, for example in winter, when opening the rear door, you can't see what's on the seat — the light from the front lamp isn't enough. The stereos in both cars are similar: both are double-DIN, with MP3/WMA support, but the "music" in the Suzuki seemed poorer and duller to me. However, the audio preparation in the Suzuki is clearly better: the tweeters and midrange speakers in the front and rear doors are positioned properly and aimed correctly. It's also worth noting that all Suzuki trims come with an onboard computer showing time, temperature, and fuel consumption. In the Chevrolet, such an option is only available in expensive versions. Overall, the SX4's electrical equipment is top-notch: all trims have power-adjustable and heated mirrors, front and rear power windows, air conditioning, heated front seats, ignition switch illumination, and fog lights.

The instrument panel is convenient and well-readable, like the Aveo's, but without frills — you wouldn't call it pretty. The door pockets in the Suzuki are small, but they can hold a water bottle. I was very pleased that in the Suzuki, with the front seats pushed all the way back, an adult can sit comfortably in the back. In the Aveo under the same conditions, the rear is cramped, and the roof presses down.

Let's look in the trunk

The SX4's trunk visually seems larger than the Aveo's. And why becomes clear when you lift the false floor: under it, the Suzuki has a space-saver spare wheel taking up all the space. The Aveo also has a space-saver, but the space is designed for a full-size wheel. The trunk trim in both cars disappoints with its cheapness; in the Suzuki, it probably looks even poorer. The trunk lid hinges in the Suzuki are not covered at all, which gives a feeling of incompleteness. And neither car has a handle for closing the trunk — so in the mud, you'll get your hands dirty.

Let's go

I got a Suzuki with an automatic transmission, which didn't prevent me from fully appreciating the engine's character. The car starts off sharply and confidently, there are no dips in the automatic's operation, and it accelerates noticeably more briskly than the Aveo. I wonder how much more dynamic the manual version would be.

On the highway, the Suzuki behaves impeccably; the suspension absorbs bumps more softly than the Aveo's. In corners, the SX4 leans significantly less. The electric power steering makes the car more responsive at low speeds and heavier at high speeds. I'd also like to note the electronic brake-force distribution system (EBD) — it works excellently in sharp corners at speed. The ABS also pleased me. In the Aveo, when braking on a "washboard" — a road with frequent small bumps — the anti-lock braking system activates immediately, which is sometimes annoying. In the Suzuki, in my opinion, the ABS only engages when it's really needed: all my attempts to trigger it on the "washboard" were unsuccessful.

When it comes to highway behavior and maneuvers, I liked the Suzuki more. But saying the SX4 significantly outperforms the Aveo in this aspect would be an exaggeration: there's a difference, but not a radical one.

Chevrolet Aveo $17,100

Driving
During sharp lane changes, the body noticeably leans. Dynamics and brakes deserve a good rating.

Interior
The interior isn't rich in boxes and niches, and the quality of some trim materials isn't impressive either.

Comfort
Overall, the car is comfortable. But for a long trip, you shouldn't take more than three passengers.

Safety
The base trim is modest in this regard — one airbag.

Price
Acceptable.

Suzuki SX4 $22,800

Driving
Even during sharp lane changes, leans are almost unnoticeable. Dynamics and handling deserve special attention.

Interior
The interior abounds with useful boxes and niches. The quality audio preparation is pleasing.

Comfort
The spacious cabin literally breathes air, which positively affects comfort.

Safety
The base trim is impressive: two airbags, ABS, and brake-force distribution system.

Price
Reasonable.

My verdict

After this test, it's hard to give preference to just one. Each car has its strengths and weaknesses. In terms of feel, the pros of one cover the cons of the other, and vice versa. But given that the Aveo in similar trim is 50,000–60,000 rubles cheaper, I would probably choose the Aveo. Besides, I think the Aveo is more of a youth car than the Suzuki. Although in terms of safety and the presence of electronic assistants, the Suzuki clearly wins.

Expert opinion

Oleg Kalaushin, journalist at "5 Koleso"

The reader was right, and our guesses were confirmed. The Suzuki SX4 and Chevrolet Aveo can indeed be considered representatives of the same class, and it's quite appropriate to compare them when choosing a car in this price niche. The only thing that's a bit confusing is the SX4's higher starting price. But if you look into it, for that money the buyer gets noticeably more — both in terms of comfort and safety. And safety, as we know, often costs a lot. So is there any point in saving on such an important aspect?


Data bank

 

Dimensions, weight

  Chevrolet Aveo Suzuki SX4 Curb weight, kg 1100 1180 Gross weight, kg 1500 1610 Length, mm 4310 4490 Width, mm 1710 1730 Height, mm 1505 1545 Wheelbase, mm 2480 2500 Trunk volume, l 400 515

 

Dynamics

 

Maximum speed, km/h	176	170
Acceleration time to 100 km/h, s	11.1	12.3
Control fuel consumption urban cycle, l/100 km	8.9	9.8
Control fuel consumption highway, l/100km	5.4	6.4

 

Specifications

Engine type	petrol, inline, 4-cylinder	petrol, inline, 4-cylinder
Number of valves per cylinder	4	4
Displacement, cc	1399	1586
Power, hp at rpm	94/6200	107/5600
Torque at rpm	130/3400	145/4000
Transmission	5-speed manual	4-speed automatic
Drive	front	front
Front suspension	independent	independent
Rear suspension	semi-independent	semi-independent
Front brakes	disc	disc
Rear brakes	drum	drum
Steering	rack and pinion	rack and pinion
Front tire size	185/60R14	195/65R15
Rear tire size	185/60R14	195/65R15
Fuel tank capacity, l	45	50