2004 Chevrolet Aveo

The Aveo is actually a Daewoo model which was rebranded as a Chevrolet after the Korean manufacturer was bought by General Motors. In India it is available with a 1.2-litre and a 1.6-litre petrol engine.

Design

The Chevrolet Aveo is a four-door notchback designed by Giugiaro with simple and conservative lines. In 2004 when the sedan was launched, the Aveo looked the part, but today there is nothing exciting about how the Aveo looks. At the front are the three-dimensional headlamps which extend into the engine hood and the front fenders. The radiator grille is traversed by a single chrome stripe with Chevy’s logo at the center. The bumper is low slung with rectangular air intakes and integrated circular fog lamps. The Aveo has a pronounced shoulder line and body-coloured door sills and all versions get 14 inch wheels (steel or alloy) wrapped in 185/60 tyres.

Interior

The interiors on the Aveo are as boring as the exteriors and the dashboard has round air vents. You get a four spoke steering wheel which fits well into the hands but there is overwhelming use of black which make the interiors feel and look monotonous. Quality of plastic used is good and standard equipment includes automatic air-conditioning, power windows, electrically operated outside rear view mirrors and door-locking.

The seats are comfortable, rear passengers get a central armrest and the leg and headroom is good at the back. The boot capacity of 400-liters can be expanded with the split-folding rear seats.

Engines and performance

The 1.4-liter, 4 cylinder petrol engine produces 94PS @6200rpm and 128 Nm@350 rpm of torque. 100kmph is reached in 13.3 seconds which is impressive and the engine has a top speed of 175kmph. The bigger 1.6-litre engine develops 102PS@ 5800 rpm with a maximum torque of 149 Nm@4000 rpm. 100kmph is reached in12.3seconds with a top speed of 180kmph. Engine refinement is good for both the engines but at high revs the engine feels sluggish and harsh. Both the engines are matched to a 5-speed manual gearbox but compared to the competition the gearshifts are slow. The mid range and top end for both the engines is good.

Ride

One of the Aveo’s strength at the time of its launch was its ride quality. The suspension absorbs the road bumps but with its front heavy nature the Aveo understeers easily. The build quality also isn’t as good as the competition. Straight line stability is good but steering feel and feedback leaves you asking for more.

Competition

The Toyota Etios has good interior space and handling is good but the quality of plastic could have been better. The engines are fuel efficient, refined and being a Toyota, the Etios would last you over a decade. The Tata Manza is loaded with features, interior space is excellent, so is the ride quality and the engine choices are pretty good as well. Build quality though not as good as the competition, is an improvement from Tata cars of before. Ford Fiesta Classic has the best ride and handling and build quality in the segment. The engines are refined and efficient. The Hyundai Accent is even older than the Aveo in terms of styling and engineering.

Verdict

The Chevrolet Aveo is a practical sedan, which offers reasonable fuel consumption and airy interiors. The ride is comfortable and the quality of plastic and fit and finish of the cabin is good. Handling isn’t as accomplished as the competition and neither is the build quality. The Aveo however is well priced and it does provide you with the comfort of a sedan.

Quotes

What Car: “The Aveo’s solid look doesn’t travel below the well-finished surface, and this is apparent the moment you slam the doors shut. It does not have a very solid feel, the chassis doesn’t feel rigid and you can hear the odd creak over bad roads.”

Video: Chevrolet Aveo