Chevrolet is a company committed to providing quality vehicles at affordable prices. Long established in the American market, its presence is spreading across the pond to the UK, as it begins to rebrand some recognisable cars produced under different names as ‘Chevys’.
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Chevrolet Car Reviews
Chevrolet Overview
Brief History
Chevrolet was founded in 1911 by Swiss racing driver, Louis Chevrolet, and ousted founder of General Motors, William C. Durant. Durant saw an opportunity to focus on entry-level, affordable cars, following the success of the Little, the second car they produced. This caused a difference in opinion between the owners, and Chevrolet sold his share in the company to Durant in 1915. By 1916 the company was profitable enough for him to repurchase controlling interest in GM, making Chevrolet a division of the company.
Competing with Ford and Plymouth on price throughout the 1920’s and 1930’s, the three companies became known as the ‘Low-priced three’, however they produced a variety of vehicles, not only the cheaper entry level models. In 1953, they produced the Corvette, a high performance sports car, which is still being produced today.
Chevrolet began selling their vehicles under other brand names, which are part of the GM group, in markets outside of North America. Today they are trying to make consumers aware that these models were produced by Chevrolet, and are expanding the brand outside of America.
Model Range
Spark
Originally branded in the UK as the Daewoo Matiz, this city car was first sold in 1998. Now the 5-door hatchback is in its third generation, having received a significant facelift from the Daewoo variant. Both the 1.0 and 1.2 litre petrol engines provide excellent economy, averaging 55.4mpg combined.
Aveo
The Aveo is a small family hatchback, available as a 3 or 5-door model. It offers excellent value, sticking to the Chevrolet principles of offering quality at an affordable price. It is available in 3 engine sizes, 1.2, 1.3 and 1.4 litre, all of which provide the kind of fuel efficiency expected from a small car that’s at home in the city.
Cruze
Now in its second generation the Cruze bears little resemblance to the Suzuki manufactured crossover 4x4 built between 2001 and 2008. The current model, unrelated to the first, is available as a 4-door saloon or 5-door hatchback. The saloon comes with a 2.0 litre diesel engine, whilst there is a choice between the same diesel engine, and two petrol engines in the hatchback.
Orlando
The Orlando is a small MPV capable of transporting seven passengers in comfort, whilst having the flexibility of folding seats making stowing oversized items easy. Offered with either a 2.0 litre diesel, or 1.8 litre petrol engine, it provides a surprising number of miles to the gallon for a car with such a spacious interior.
Captiva
Originally derived from the Chevrolet S3X concept car, and first released in 2006, the Captiva is a medium sized 4x4 crossover. Available with either 5 or 7 seats, the Captiva has been remodelled for 2011. Safety is paramount, and this 4x4 received a 5-star Euro NCAP rating.
Volt
The Volt is a hybrid electric vehicle, with the battery capacity to travel 25-50 miles. The range can be extended to 300 miles with the use of the 1.4 litre, on board, petrol generator. It provides a more viable electric car for those who need some range.
Corvette
The Corvette is a 2-seater sports car, available as either a coupe or convertible. Packing a V8 engine it has plenty of power and performance to compete with its rivals both on and off the track.
