Chevrolet Aveo

Chevrolet Aveo at a glance

Every Aveo uses a transverse four-cylinder engine driving the front wheels, MacPherson front suspension and a torsion-beam rear axle. The model was sold in many countries under different badges — the first generation was also known as the Daewoo Kalos. Other models from the brand are listed in our Chevrolet catalogue, and the story of the company is told in Chevrolet's history.

Chevrolet Aveo generations

First generation: T200 (2002–2006)

The original Aveo was built for five years in three body styles. It was simple and robust, with a short bonnet, narrow halogen headlights with the indicators beneath them, a small grille with a chrome strip and rectangular fog lamps in the front bumper. Flared wheel arches gave it a slightly muscular stance, and ground clearance was 160 mm.

The cabin was clearly budget-built: fabric seats with little side support, analogue dials set far apart and a small trip computer in the speedometer housing. There was no centre armrest. The rear bench is designed for three, but two adults sit there comfortably. The sedan's boot holds 375 litres.

Three petrol engines with multi-point injection were offered:

• 1.2 litre: 53 kW (72 PS), 104 Nm
• 1.4 litre: 61–69 kW (83–94 PS)
• 1.6 litre: 78 kW (106 PS), 145 Nm

Power reached the front wheels through a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic gearbox. The steering had hydraulic assistance; brakes were discs at the front and drums at the rear, with ABS available.

First generation, facelift: T250 (2005–2011)

The T250 changed the Aveo's look considerably. It gained a more sculpted bonnet, larger headlights, a chrome-heavy grille and round fog lamps with chrome surrounds. A boot-lid spoiler and bigger tail lights made it look more grown-up. The sedan came first; five-door and three-door hatchbacks followed. Ground clearance dropped slightly to 155 mm.

The interior was neat and ergonomic, with a four-spoke steering wheel, clear instruments, round air vents and a double-DIN radio. Materials remained inexpensive but were well fitted. The sedan's boot grew to 400 litres; the hatchback offers 220 litres, rising to 980 litres with the rear seat folded (though not into a flat floor). A space-saver spare is stored under the floor.

Three engines were available, all naturally aspirated petrol units:

• 1.2 litre, 16-valve: 62 kW (84 PS), 114 Nm — 0–100 km/h in about 13 seconds, 170 km/h, around 7 l/100 km in town.
• 1.4 litre: 74 kW (101 PS), 131 Nm — about a second quicker to 100 km/h, 175 km/h, around 8 l/100 km in town.
• 1.6 litre: 80 kW (109 PS), 150 Nm.

A five-speed manual was standard; the more powerful engines could be paired with a four-speed automatic. Base cars had one airbag, a height-adjustable steering wheel and 13-inch steel wheels. Better-equipped versions added a second airbag, ABS, air conditioning, power steering, a trip computer, four electric windows, fog lamps, heated electric mirrors and central locking.

Second generation: T300 (2010–2020)

The second-generation Aveo was unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in autumn 2010 and received a planned update six years later; production ended around 2020. The Aveo name has since been reused for unrelated small cars in some markets. It is offered as a sedan and a hatchback.

Its design is far bolder than before. A sculpted bonnet slopes down to a slim upper grille with the Chevrolet badge, flanked by long headlights with halogen or xenon units. The bumper carries a large oval air intake with smaller side openings, and fog lamps on higher versions. Wheels are 15 or 16 inches, and ground clearance is 155 mm.

The quality of the interior took a big step forward, with fabric, faux leather, soft plastics and polished metal trim. A larger new steering wheel carries audio and phone controls. The instrument cluster centres on a large round speedometer, flanked by the rev counter and a trip computer display. The front seats are softer and better shaped. The rear seat has a fold-down armrest and adjustable headrests, though it is most comfortable for two. The sedan's boot holds 502 litres; the hatchback offers 290 litres, or 653 litres with the rear seats folded. A space-saver spare comes with a tool kit.

Engines and transmissions

The T300's best-known engines are naturally aspirated 1.4- and 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol units with multi-point injection, variable valve timing and DOHC 16-valve heads:

With these engines the Aveo reaches 100 km/h in 11.3–13.1 seconds and a top speed of 174–189 km/h. Combined consumption for these two engines is 5.9–7.1 l/100 km. Depending on the market, the T300 was also offered with 1.2- to 1.4-litre petrol engines — naturally aspirated and turbocharged — producing 63–103 kW (86–140 PS), and with small turbodiesels of 55–70 kW (75–95 PS).

The car rides on GM's global Gamma II platform, with high-strength steel making up about 60% of the body structure. Both axles have anti-roll bars, and the rack-and-pinion steering uses hydraulic or electric assistance depending on the engine. Brakes are ventilated discs at the front and drums at the rear, with ABS and EBD as standard. Available safety and comfort equipment includes a full set of airbags, emergency brake assist, tyre-pressure monitoring, cruise control, navigation, rear parking sensors with a camera, ISOFIX mounts and hill-start assist.

Key specifications by generation

Strengths and weaknesses

Owners of the second-generation Aveo praise the roomy boot, a well-sorted suspension, thoughtful ergonomics and attractive styling, and say the engines have enough power for town and motorway. Safety equipment is a strong point. On the other hand, sound insulation is weak — many owners add their own — the suspension is a little firm and the ground clearance could be higher. Rivals include the Kia Rio, Hyundai Accent, Volkswagen Polo, Renault Clio and Ford Fiesta.