Those looking for a small, fuel-stingy, roomy American car in this high-fuel-price era should check out the revised 2009 Chevrolet Aveo. But keep in mind that popular options such as an automatic transmission add significantly to its fairly low list prices.
The subcompact front-drive Aveo reached America for 2004 from General Motors' South Korean manufacturing branch. The 2007 model addressed the car's lack of styling and was made a little longer, wider and taller, with an upgraded interior. Sales rose to 67,028 units last year from 58,244 in 2006. Through August this year, with car buyers putting a premium on fuel economy, 42,614 Aveos were sold.
The 2009 four-door Aveo still meets diverse needs, coming in sedan and more versatile hatchback forms. Four tall adults easily fit. A fifth could slide to the center rear area but wouldn't be comfortable because the Aveo is too narrow for that -- it must fit in countries with narrow roads.
The sedan has a roomy cargo area, and a large amount of stuff fits in the hatchback when its rear seatbacks are flipped forward. Otherwise, the hatchback has room only for a row of grocery bags behind the rear seat.
The mid-range 1LT hatchback, which I tested, lists at $13,595. The entry LS is $11,460, and the top-line 2LT is $14,860. The tightly built sedan and hatchback body styles cost the same. What we don't get is Europe's cool new Aveo two-door hatchback.
The Aveo received no notable changes for 2008. But the 2009 model looks bolder, with a new grille, hood, fenders and rear fascia. However, the available large rear spoiler for the Aveo 5 hatchback seems odd on an economy car. Leave such an item to Porsches.
Horsepower of the Aveo's 1.6-liter four-cylinder jumps from 103 to 106. Although small by U.S. standards, it's sophisticated with dual overhead camshafts and variable valve timing for better response and fuel economy. However, the engine calls for lots of revs for the best power and torque delivery.
Despite added punch, estimated city fuel economy with the manual transmission has been raised to 27 mpg in the city from 24 in the 2008 Aveo, while the highway number is the same at 34 mpg. Figures with the automatic are 25 city and 34 highway. That compares to 23 city and 32 highway for the 2008 model.
In-town acceleration is lively and passing on highways is better, although my test Aveo needed several downshifts from its overdrive fifth gear to get the best gear for 65-75 mph passing. The manual shifter occasionally gets balky when rushed and works with a light, long-throw clutch.
The Aveo can cruise at 30 mph in top gear in town without lugging the engine, but a four-speed automatic transmission is optional at $925. While more convenient, the automatic slows the car a bit because the small engine can't compensate for some power loss caused by an automatic. A more modern five-speed automatic would be welcome. Incidentally, the $440 anti-lock brakes, which are especially handy during Chicago winters, come only with the automatic.
Besides the automatic transmission, popular options include a $725 sunroof and $250 cruise control. Then there's the $425 "power and convenience" package that lacks power mirrors but contains power windows and door locks with remote keyless entry. The majority of dealers likely order Aveos with that package because most folks are accustomed to power widows and door locks.
My 1LT hatchback manual-transmission test car had that package and cruise control, bumping the list sticker price from $13,595 to $14,930, including a $660 destination charge.
However, the new Aveo has standard front-side air bags, which were optional last year, and revised interior trim including available charcoal leatherette. There also are new 15-inch alloy wheels.
Standard in my test car were air conditioning, intermittent front wipers, rear window defogger, tilt steering column, AM/FM/CD stereo system and a 60/40 split flip/fold rear seat.
The Aveo is nimble, although narrow tires handicap handling, especially at higher speeds. The power steering is quick, although a little underassisted. Wheels are at the body's far corners to help provide a supple ride. The brake pedal has a soft action but delivers good stopping control.
Fit and finish are OK. Doors open wide for easy entry and exit, and front seats provide good side support. But gauges are hard to read in bright sunlight and a driver can't see where the front or back end of the car ends. Climate controls are large, but radio controls are small. The driver's flip-up armrest is narrow, but it's better than nothing.
Front doors have storage pockets, but there isn't much cabin storage space. The interior is quiet, except for some tire and road noise at highway speeds despite efforts to make things quieter with double-sealed doors and five layers of floor insulation.
Although not flashy, the Aveo mainly is about high fuel economy and low operating costs in a sensible, generally comfortable package. And there's a Chevy dealer in practically every neighborhood to service it.
VIDEO: Jill's bloopers
