A Hatchback Made in Heaven
The revised for 2009 Chevrolet Aveo5 hatchback went on sale last May and sales have been brisk. Aimed squarely at first car buyers, this five-passenger subcompact car should also be seriously considered by anyone who prizes exemplar fuel economy and an accommodating ride. Here’s a quick overview of the reasons why I state that claim.
Even though the made over Aveo5 is a couple of inches longer, slightly wider and taller than last year’s model, it remains a small car with a small motor. Those are positive attributes. Under the hood we find a 1.6-liter four-cylinder EcoTec engine rated a modest 107 horsepower. Revised from last year, and now with variable valve timing, engine output is rated four hp more than last year. While 107 is not much hp, it’s certainly strong enough for perky acceleration. I noticed the axle ratio is a deep 3.94 to one. That means the engine revs higher at a given mph. Setting up a car that way makes an engine feel more powerful than it really is. Chevy did it with the Aveo5 to compensate for its diminutive displacement.
Then there’s the matter of mileage. Also thanks to engine modifications, fuel economy measures eight percent better than last year. Range, from a full tank of regular gas to bone dry, calculates to be more than 400 miles. You should also know the EcoTec’s electronic throttle lends precise control of engine rpm, which in turn pays big dividends in reduced tailpipe emissions as well as a more pleasurable feel for the driver. A lubricant lifespan monitor reminds when it’s time to change crankcase oil, a chore absolutely critical to insuring long engine life in a mini motor. Choose between the standard item five-speed manual transmission or the optional four-speed automatic ($925) replete with electronic-hold-control for sure-footed second-gear starts on slippery pavement.
Handling manners are adequate for a car of this class. Let’s face facts. With a fairly short wheelbase and little tires Aveo can’t pirouette like a danseur. But it’s more than adequate for hauling passengers and groceries.
One very nice surprise, despite its econo car status, the Aveo5 interior does not look cheap. In fact, the materials, fit and finish are impressive for a car this inexpensive. Aveo seats are theater-style, meaning mounted higher than normal, and provide a commanding view for driver and passengers. The driver seat is height-adjustable. The steering wheel tilts. Since Aveo5 is relatively tall, headroom is good and legroom ok. The front passenger seat fully reclines and along with the 60/40 split folding rear seat, really long items can be carried inside the car. The hatchback opens wide to a reasonably sized cargo space, made larger yet by folding down the rear seatbacks. Aveo5 is quieter this year, thanks to improved engine and cabin sound proofing.
Trim levels include the LS and the LT. Standard equipment on the base model LS includes intermittent windshield wipers, and a tire pressure monitor. Mirrors and windows are manual. Fabric is cloth. Tires are P185/60R-14 all season. The spare tire is a compact in order to keep the price lower and to free up trunk space. Cruise control is optional, if not downright necessary ($250).
Moving up a couple grand to the LT 1LT ($14,255) adds single zone air conditioning with an air filter and rear air vents; an AM/FM stereo with CD player and MP3 playback, seek-and-scan and auxiliary input jack, a premium six-speaker system plus carpeted front and rear floor mats.
The top of the line LT 2LT Aveo ($15,520) upgrades the seat fabric, mounts audio controls on the steering wheel hub, adds cruise control; power door locks, fog lamps, power windows a driver information center with outside temperature display and fuel economy/driving range function, heated outside power mirrors, remote keyless entry, power door locks and a theft-deterrent system and upgraded tires (P185/55R15 all-season) for somewhat improve handling.
Front-seat and seat mounted side impact airbags are standard items. Antilock brakes are one of the must-have options. In National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration crash tests, the 2009 Chevrolet Aveo earned a five-star rating (the best possible score) for protection of front occupants in frontal impacts and four stars for occupants in side impacts. Then, in Insurance Institute for Highway Safety frontal offset crash tests Aveo received a score of Acceptable, one spot from the top.
Finally, Aveo5’s transferable bumper to bumper warranty term runs for five -years or 100,000 miles, with corrosion projection for six years or 100,000 miles
Even though the made over Aveo5 is a couple of inches longer, slightly wider and taller than last year’s model, it remains a small car with a small motor. Those are positive attributes. Under the hood we find a 1.6-liter four-cylinder EcoTec engine rated a modest 107 horsepower. Revised from last year, and now with variable valve timing, engine output is rated four hp more than last year. While 107 is not much hp, it’s certainly strong enough for perky acceleration. I noticed the axle ratio is a deep 3.94 to one. That means the engine revs higher at a given mph. Setting up a car that way makes an engine feel more powerful than it really is. Chevy did it with the Aveo5 to compensate for its diminutive displacement.
Then there’s the matter of mileage. Also thanks to engine modifications, fuel economy measures eight percent better than last year. Range, from a full tank of regular gas to bone dry, calculates to be more than 400 miles. You should also know the EcoTec’s electronic throttle lends precise control of engine rpm, which in turn pays big dividends in reduced tailpipe emissions as well as a more pleasurable feel for the driver. A lubricant lifespan monitor reminds when it’s time to change crankcase oil, a chore absolutely critical to insuring long engine life in a mini motor. Choose between the standard item five-speed manual transmission or the optional four-speed automatic ($925) replete with electronic-hold-control for sure-footed second-gear starts on slippery pavement.
Handling manners are adequate for a car of this class. Let’s face facts. With a fairly short wheelbase and little tires Aveo can’t pirouette like a danseur. But it’s more than adequate for hauling passengers and groceries.
One very nice surprise, despite its econo car status, the Aveo5 interior does not look cheap. In fact, the materials, fit and finish are impressive for a car this inexpensive. Aveo seats are theater-style, meaning mounted higher than normal, and provide a commanding view for driver and passengers. The driver seat is height-adjustable. The steering wheel tilts. Since Aveo5 is relatively tall, headroom is good and legroom ok. The front passenger seat fully reclines and along with the 60/40 split folding rear seat, really long items can be carried inside the car. The hatchback opens wide to a reasonably sized cargo space, made larger yet by folding down the rear seatbacks. Aveo5 is quieter this year, thanks to improved engine and cabin sound proofing.
Trim levels include the LS and the LT. Standard equipment on the base model LS includes intermittent windshield wipers, and a tire pressure monitor. Mirrors and windows are manual. Fabric is cloth. Tires are P185/60R-14 all season. The spare tire is a compact in order to keep the price lower and to free up trunk space. Cruise control is optional, if not downright necessary ($250).
Moving up a couple grand to the LT 1LT ($14,255) adds single zone air conditioning with an air filter and rear air vents; an AM/FM stereo with CD player and MP3 playback, seek-and-scan and auxiliary input jack, a premium six-speaker system plus carpeted front and rear floor mats.
The top of the line LT 2LT Aveo ($15,520) upgrades the seat fabric, mounts audio controls on the steering wheel hub, adds cruise control; power door locks, fog lamps, power windows a driver information center with outside temperature display and fuel economy/driving range function, heated outside power mirrors, remote keyless entry, power door locks and a theft-deterrent system and upgraded tires (P185/55R15 all-season) for somewhat improve handling.
Front-seat and seat mounted side impact airbags are standard items. Antilock brakes are one of the must-have options. In National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration crash tests, the 2009 Chevrolet Aveo earned a five-star rating (the best possible score) for protection of front occupants in frontal impacts and four stars for occupants in side impacts. Then, in Insurance Institute for Highway Safety frontal offset crash tests Aveo received a score of Acceptable, one spot from the top.
Finally, Aveo5’s transferable bumper to bumper warranty term runs for five -years or 100,000 miles, with corrosion projection for six years or 100,000 miles
Wheelbase 97.6 inches
Engine 1.6L I-4
Horsepower 107 @ 6400 rpm
Transmission 4-speed automatic
Fuel capacity 12.0 gallons
Curb weight 2542 pounds
Mileage 25/34 mpg
Base price $12,120
As tested $16,295
