Chevrolet Aveo 1.4 LT Auto Car Review - March 2012

REVIEW
List Price: £13,040
Tax Band: F
Insurance Group: 7
MPG: 45.5
CO2: 145
0-62 Mph: 13.1 secs
BHP: 100 BHP
Range: 460 miles
CarSite Verdict:  2.5/5
The Aveo is short on character and its engine is especially lacking at low revs. However it is quite spacious, highly manoeuvrable and is cost-efficient. It is also very well equipped for a car of its price.

PROS:  The Chevrolet Aveo 1.4 LT auto is one of the least expensive ways of owning an automatic supermini. Its compact size makes it an ideal car for weaving in and out of town traffic. It’s affordable and is fitted with enough equipment to put it on par with rivals from more established brands.

CONS:  The Aveo's suspension works well around town but on more challenging roads, the ride becomes choppy. The steering wheel is a tad too big, making steering a tiresome business. The car is safe and secure enough but its engine lacks power.

Behind the Wheel

The Chevrolet Aveo 1.4 LT Auto has a top speed of 108mph and has the capability to reach 62mph in 13.1 seconds.

Its 1399 cc engine produces 99bhp at 6000 rpm and 96 lb-ft at 4000 rpm and needs to be worked hard to reach its full potential. The car’s suspension is fine around town but venture out onto the open road and the ride gets a bit unsettled with plenty of body roll through bends.

Since the engine needs to be worked-hard at low revolutions, refinement is an issue. However, once at cruising speed the engine is quiet. The Aveo keeps out road and wind noise quite effectively.

Looks & Equipment

The Aveo’s profile is quite handsome and its rear end is attractive with its distinctive tail light design. The interior quality is very poor and plasticky although the layout is commendable as it is attractive and practical. The dashboard has clusters of instruments and controls akin to a motorbike’s instrumentation. However the seats are not very supportive and the steering wheel can only be adjusted for rake, not reach.

Standard equipment includes electric front windows, CD player, air-conditioning, electric and heated mirrors, power steering, multi-function steering wheel, alloy wheels, fog lights and sporty interior trim.

Practicality, Safety & Reliability

The Chevrolet Aveo 1.4 Auto has a Euro NCAP Occupant Protection rating of 5/5. Standard security equipments includes front and side airbags for passengers and driver, anti-lock brakes, pre-tensioners for seatbelts, three-point seatbelts for the 5 seats and even an Isofix mount for the outer-rear seats. Pedestrian safety is taken into consideration with the car’s special bonnet and its impact-absorbing bumper.

The 60/40 split rear seats can be folded down, increasing boot space from a small 220 litres to 980 litres. The cabin can seat four adults in comfort, but a fifth passenger will be a squeeze.

There is little to suggest that the Aveo will not be reliable. Security-wise, the car is fitted with an alarm, central and remote locking and immobilizer. Its comes with a 5 year/100,000 mile warranty.

Value for Money

The Aveo 1.4 LT Auto is not as green as expected, delivering 44.8mpg and an emission rating of 147g/km. The car falls under insurance group 16 and Road Tax Band F. Compared with a Vauxhall Agila (51.4 mpg and 129g/km), the Aveo trails. However, compared with Hyundai ix20 or a Citroen C3, the Aveo is a better choice because of superior standard equipment and better performance.

Since a Chevy Aveo Auto is only priced at £12,375, big discount from dealers is unlikely. It’s very affordable price makes this model a popular choice for those on a tight budget but depreciation will be very steep.

Chevrolet Aveo 1.4 LT Auto Car Review - by 
All Chevrolet Aveo Reviews
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Chevrolet Aveo 1.2 LS 5dr - February 2012
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Chevrolet Aveo 1.4 LT 5dr - March 2012
The Chevrolet Aveo is an economical and practical hatchback. It lacks the engine power of its rivals but it is good enough for town driving. The Aveo is a reasonable car which is easy to drive.
Chevrolet Aveo 1.4 LT Auto 5dr - March 2012
This model is relatively basic in terms of technological equipment but its safety features are well established. The car's running and maintenance costs are average as is its fuel economy; insuranc...
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Small Family Alternatives

You might want to read reviews for other Small Family cars that you can then compare to the Chevrolet Aveo. Here are some popular Chevrolet Aveo alternatives:

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