2007 Chevrolet Aveo

It’s no secret that the recent pain at the pump has meant a resurgence in small cars both in sales and in choices of models.  But even before record gas prices Chevrolet was quietly selling every one of its Korean-made Aveo subcompacts it could import.  When out the 2007 the Aveo sedan has been redesigned from head to tail.  But given so many new rivals, will the new Aveo get lost in the crowd?

Succeeding in today’s subcompact segment means reaching well beyond affordability and fuel economy.  GM clearly understood this when they redesigned the second generation, Daewoo-built 2007 Chevrolet Aveo Sedan.  The new eye-catching shell is defined by inflated forms accented with chiseled character lines. The chrome trimmed grille, and gold Chevy bowtie are flanked by wide-eye headlamp clusters.

Body-colored mirrors and door handles contribute to a solid and uniform look from front to rear.  Jeweled, clear lens tail lamps finish off Aveo’s customized-look styling.

Fourteen-inch wheels are standard, while 15-inch alloy wheels come standard on our upgraded LT.  Longer, wider, and taller than before, wheelbase is unchanged at 97.6 inches. So, while the Aveo Sedan is not as cute as rivals Honda Fit and Toyota Yaris, it does look far more substantial and upscale.

Providing power is a 1.6 liter 16-valve twin-cam inline four. Enhanced by an electronic throttle control that was added last year, output is a modest 103 horsepower and 107 pound-feet of torque.

On the track, the Aveo gave its best with expectedly underwhelming results:  0-to-60 in a long 11.8 seconds.  That’s slightly slower than the Toyota Yaris. The quarter mile timed in at 18.6 seconds at 75 mph. 

A 5-speed manual transmission is standard on the front-drive Aveo. Our tester came equipped with the optional Aisin four-speed automatic transmission with Hold Control Mode.  Shifts were long and slow, but smooth.

But what about the big question. How efficient is the new Aveo? Well, it delivers pretty good mileage, at least on paper. Government fuel economy ratings are 26 city/34 highway with an automatic transmission. Unfortunately, during our test we managed only 26 miles per gallon on Regular gas. In our recent survey of seven subcompacts, it was the second lowest of the group.

In handling tests, the Aveo’s enhanced chassis displays a pleasant nimbleness. Slow speed handling is easy and responsive, aided by light-effort rack-and-pinion steering. But true to its class, as speeds increase, lots of safe understeer comes into play that urges you to slow down.

The front MacPherson struts and rear semi-independent torsion beam grants a predictable and planted driving experience.  Soft springs do induce body roll, but it was well within control. 

Stopping power comes from vented front disc and rear drum brakes.  ABS with Brake Force Distribution is optional but our tester came without it.  Average stops were a long at 139 feet from 60-to-0 but with little fade. We suggest ordering the ABS.

Off the track, however, the Aveo redeems itself somewhat with a great ride. It is the best of the new crop of subcompacts, being both smooth and amazingly quiet. And comfortable.

Step inside the Aveo’s interior for numerous refinements starting with a taller, wider, and far more upscale cabin.  A two-tone scheme and available luxury touches like wood grain trim lend it a richer larger car appearance.  Stylish gauges, small seams, and large rotary controls punctuate the stylish dash.

Available in LS, and LT trim, both include driver’s-seat height and lumbar adjusters, fold-down armrest, tilt-wheel, air conditioning with filter, stereo with auxiliary input for iPods, and front-side impact airbags.

Our LT tester adds power windows and heated outside mirrors, cruise control, and a CD-MP3 player. Options include a power sunroof but no side-curtain airbags. Theater-style rear seating offers surprisingly good leg room and a versatile 60/40 split-folding feature.  The trunk has also grown, and can now swallow 12.4 cubic feet of stuff. That’s big for its class.

Price-wise, the Aveo sedan is also an eye-catcher.  The LS starts at $12,515. Our well-equipped LT goes for a still modest $14,015.  An even less expensive carryover Aveo5 hatchback remains available.

Compared to other subcompacts, the Aveo is clearly not the most frugal. But, if you have to endure the daily commuter backups, it does provide a very roomy and premium environment to get stuck in.  Plus, on longer trips, it is as comfortable and quiet as many mid-size sedans. The 2007 Chevrolet Aveo sedan may not have everything expected in a small car, but it does provide a lot more you don’t expect.