No, it isn't the same as the Aveo5. This, ladies and gentlemen, has got a behind added to it. Not a very stylish one, but one that makes a car look a little more complete. At least more so when compared to the Aveo5.
The Chevy Aveo Sedan is a representative of a new generation of inexpensive small cars that sacrifice little in terms of features or comfort, especially in comparison to what similar offerings used to be like in earlier decades. This could just be the result of globalisation. The Aveo Sedan, as we all know, was actually built by Korean automaker Daewoo, a company in which General Motors (GM) has a majority stake.
But isn't it weird? Despite the potential it holds and its positive simplicity, there aren't as many of it on the road as compared to, let's say, Toyota Vios. Why?
Let us read on.
Exterior
First impressions of the Aveo Sedan will leave you shrugging your shoulders. There isn't anything wrong with the exterior styling but then again, there's nothing right about it either. Staring at the car somehow brought back memories of my Dad's old Camry.
The excitement is lost as the whole package looks like it came from a late '90s family sedan.
The Chevy Aveo Sedan is a representative of a new generation of inexpensive small cars that sacrifice little in terms of features or comfort, especially in comparison to what similar offerings used to be like in earlier decades. This could just be the result of globalisation. The Aveo Sedan, as we all know, was actually built by Korean automaker Daewoo, a company in which General Motors (GM) has a majority stake.
But isn't it weird? Despite the potential it holds and its positive simplicity, there aren't as many of it on the road as compared to, let's say, Toyota Vios. Why?
Let us read on.
Exterior
First impressions of the Aveo Sedan will leave you shrugging your shoulders. There isn't anything wrong with the exterior styling but then again, there's nothing right about it either. Staring at the car somehow brought back memories of my Dad's old Camry.
The excitement is lost as the whole package looks like it came from a late '90s family sedan.
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But after working with the car for the entire day, I somehow had a liking for the car's outlook. It gives out a lasting feeling and that's important, especially if you're intending to hold on to a car for a longer number of years.
The Aveo Sedan has undergone a major facelift with a larger body and new styling inside and out. The front end is bedecked by a sleek front grille, with the bold Chevrolet logo proclaiming the Aveo as a car that deserves to be proud. Nonetheless, its outlook doesn't appear to be as fierce as compared to the Aveo5. This sedan's face emerges to be slightly simpler with foglights situated below the headlamps, portraying it to be humble yet aggressive when necessary.
Round the back, things get simpler but a lot less exciting. The triangular tail lights are designed to blend in nicely with the trunk. However, it doesn't look exceptionally eye-catching enough for one to take a second glance. The Chevy logo, alternatively, stands out when looked at from the back. That's where minimalism plays its part. The fact that the back of the car is bare has made the Chevy logo prominent.
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Interior
Inside, the features and fit are exceptional - far above the subcompact class. But again the Aveo runs short on style and it isn't free of quirks.
Although the Aveo's interior fits a pint-sized person like me well, it could be a problem to the lanky drivers. The driving position is a little awkward. Despite adjusting the seat repeatedly, I was either too close to the pedals or too far away from the steering wheel. And when a more comfortable spot was found, the head rest made my neck stiff due to its positioning.
The disappointing part?
The plastics that cover the Aveo's dashboard incline a little too much on the cheap side. Additionally, the seats are entirely mediocre, without lateral support or any serious cushion. And yes, they are not upholstered in leather.
On the positive side, there's plenty of headroom and the cabin has an open, airy feel. Thus, its surprising small interior does a fine job swallowing up four people and provides a commanding view for all passengers.
Inside, the features and fit are exceptional - far above the subcompact class. But again the Aveo runs short on style and it isn't free of quirks.
Although the Aveo's interior fits a pint-sized person like me well, it could be a problem to the lanky drivers. The driving position is a little awkward. Despite adjusting the seat repeatedly, I was either too close to the pedals or too far away from the steering wheel. And when a more comfortable spot was found, the head rest made my neck stiff due to its positioning.
The disappointing part?
The plastics that cover the Aveo's dashboard incline a little too much on the cheap side. Additionally, the seats are entirely mediocre, without lateral support or any serious cushion. And yes, they are not upholstered in leather.
On the positive side, there's plenty of headroom and the cabin has an open, airy feel. Thus, its surprising small interior does a fine job swallowing up four people and provides a commanding view for all passengers.
Quite frankly, the driver does not give up much in amenities. The car comes with a pretty interesting list of features, including convenient cup holders at the front and the rear, a digital clock in the centre of the dashboard and a factory-fitted sound system simple enough for one to know the functions of the buttons.
The sound system is well-equipped with a choice of your usual radio channel, favourite CDs and an AUX-in for the MP3 player to give you the ultimate driving pleasure. Furthermore, powered windows and mirrors as well as stereo controls on the steering wheel add appeal to the interior of the sedan.
As for trunk space, it has a great capacity to withhold up to 400 litres of luggage, perfect for fitting in the holiday luggage or the weekly shopping. Folding rear seats also help to expand the Aveo's interior cargo capacity, enabling long items to be carried between the trunk and passenger compartment.
The sound system is well-equipped with a choice of your usual radio channel, favourite CDs and an AUX-in for the MP3 player to give you the ultimate driving pleasure. Furthermore, powered windows and mirrors as well as stereo controls on the steering wheel add appeal to the interior of the sedan.
As for trunk space, it has a great capacity to withhold up to 400 litres of luggage, perfect for fitting in the holiday luggage or the weekly shopping. Folding rear seats also help to expand the Aveo's interior cargo capacity, enabling long items to be carried between the trunk and passenger compartment.
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The Drive
The 1.4-litre engine is a vigorous lad when it comes to cruising on the highway. But it feels somewhat lethargic in slow moving traffic and overtaking can prove to be difficult and uncertain. The 94 horsepower engine also requires a fair amount of pedal-push to keep it accelerating at an adequate pace, producing plenty of noise but no appreciable variance in power. Rush the Aveo through a turn and you'll find there's plenty of body roll.
However, suspension quality stands on the opposite side of the spectrum, soaking up bumps for a smooth and comfortable ride that gives the car surprising confidence during a cruise. Moreover, a shift hold button option is available to prevent the transmission from shifting to a higher gear, giving the car more torque for use in climbing uphill or engine brake during hill decent.
Of course, Chevrolet isn't touting the Aveo Sedan as a performance vehicle. It's an affordable commuter's car, and in that context, the driving experience does what it should, with the exception of the sloppy pick-up.
The 1.4-litre engine is a vigorous lad when it comes to cruising on the highway. But it feels somewhat lethargic in slow moving traffic and overtaking can prove to be difficult and uncertain. The 94 horsepower engine also requires a fair amount of pedal-push to keep it accelerating at an adequate pace, producing plenty of noise but no appreciable variance in power. Rush the Aveo through a turn and you'll find there's plenty of body roll.
However, suspension quality stands on the opposite side of the spectrum, soaking up bumps for a smooth and comfortable ride that gives the car surprising confidence during a cruise. Moreover, a shift hold button option is available to prevent the transmission from shifting to a higher gear, giving the car more torque for use in climbing uphill or engine brake during hill decent.
Of course, Chevrolet isn't touting the Aveo Sedan as a performance vehicle. It's an affordable commuter's car, and in that context, the driving experience does what it should, with the exception of the sloppy pick-up.
Conclusion
Chevrolet has certainly hit their target and has exceeded expectations in a few areas for a car that's easy on the wallet. But in the process, they've left the car stripped of style and character that sets it apart from the crowd. From the exterior design to driving dynamics, the Aveo lacks the seduction that will leave you wanting more.
But the strange thing is that despite all its flaws, there's something oddly likeable about the Chevrolet Aveo Sedan. At SGD$61,799 (as of 6 May 2010), it does cover most of the bases - it's reasonably spacious, fuel-efficient and easy to drive. It simply doesn't cover them as well as its rivals.
There are more choices than before, and with our current high COE prices, sometimes purchasing a slightly used but superior model for the same price makes the most sense.
All in all, the Aveo Sedan probably won't win any design awards due to its simplicity, but at least it doesn't fade into the background the way other car models did.
Chevrolet has certainly hit their target and has exceeded expectations in a few areas for a car that's easy on the wallet. But in the process, they've left the car stripped of style and character that sets it apart from the crowd. From the exterior design to driving dynamics, the Aveo lacks the seduction that will leave you wanting more.
But the strange thing is that despite all its flaws, there's something oddly likeable about the Chevrolet Aveo Sedan. At SGD$61,799 (as of 6 May 2010), it does cover most of the bases - it's reasonably spacious, fuel-efficient and easy to drive. It simply doesn't cover them as well as its rivals.
There are more choices than before, and with our current high COE prices, sometimes purchasing a slightly used but superior model for the same price makes the most sense.
All in all, the Aveo Sedan probably won't win any design awards due to its simplicity, but at least it doesn't fade into the background the way other car models did.
