Chevrolet Aveo 1.3 LT VCDi Car Review - February 2012

One of the good points about the Aveo is that it is quite comfortable to drive, and the adjustable steering wheel and seats mean that it is a comfortable car to drive. However, when it comes to how the car feels to drive, the experience is not so impressive, with handling that feels slightly aloof from the car itself, and also the fact that it feels a little heavy when the car is moving at slow speed.

The 0-62mph acceleration is a ponderous 14.2 seconds, and the top speed of 101mph is not too bad considering that this is a car particularly designed for city driving. One of the main issues is that the diesel engine can be quite noisy in the cabin, and it does mean that it does impair the overall driving experience.

In terms of the external design of the Aveo, it certainly takes many cues from other cars in the supermini category with a very short overhang above the front wheels. The headlights are an obvious part of the front end, and the small thin grille certainly does improve the look, as to the fog lights that are incorporated into the low bumper. The centre console is well designed, and the clean and uncluttered layout makes it easy to use.

In terms of the equipment included with the car, having Bluetooth connectivity included as standard is certainly a big bonus, and having the alloy wheels as standard also helps to improve the look of the car as a whole. Having controls for the entertainment within the car mounted near the steering wheel also means that changing radio stations or CD tracks doesn’t mean having to reach down to the console.

One of the most impressive parts of the Chevrolet Aveo is that it has achieved some very good results on the Euro NCAP test, getting the five star accolade. Adult safety testing delivered a rating of 95% from the test, which is very good indeed. Driver and passenger airbags are included as standard, as are driving aids such as ABS, ESP and traction control.

The car is also quite secure as it comes with an alarm and an immobiliser, and central locking is one of the features that is commonplace even in small cars now. The Aveo is very practical considering the size of the vehicle, as it can comfortably carry four adults, although it is fair to say that five would be quite cramped. The boot has enough space to carry some luggage, and there are also plenty of onboard storage options included in the cabin.

The main reason that many people will be considering the Aveo is the financial aspect, and when it comes to fuel performance the Aveo is exceptional delivering an average 74.3mpg. When this is combined with the low insurance costs that will accompany owning the car, then it really is an inexpensive car to own. The tax implications of owning an Aveo are also particularly low because of the excellent performance and low emissions of the engine.

One of the big decisions for those who are looking to buy a Chevrolet Aveo is whether or not they really need the diesel, because the list price of £12,345 is significantly more than the petrol equivalent. There aren’t really any other diesel superminis available, but the cheapest diesel Ford Fiesta does come in around £800 cheaper than the Aveo in this case. Although the Aveo does deliver some excellent performance and safety figures, the disappointing driving experience does mean that it will have limited appeal when compared with some of the other vehicles available in the class.