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The Korean-built
Chevrolet Aveo outscores its larger cousin not because of its own merits but
because it is acceptable in key areas where the Cobalt falls short, such as
interior comfort and gas mileage, and costs some $1,800 less; it’s a better
car for the money. But it has flaws of its own, such as its weak and noisy
engine that doesn’t match other subcompacts’ fuel efficiency, handling that
is clumsy for its size, and mediocre crash-test performance. It’s better
than it’s closest competitor, the Hyundai Accent (and its twin, the Kia
Rio), which has less interior space and even poorer safety scores, but you
can do better with a similar budget.
The Aveo has a
comfortable, absorbent, and fairly steady ride, but it recovers slowly after
large bumps. Despite its compact dimensions it doesn’t handle nimbly. Body
roll is excessive, and the steering is overassisted. The engine is smooth
but weak; though it has acceptable power off the line, it loses steam at
higher speeds. Wind and road noise are consistently audible but generally
unobtrusive. Gas mileage is low for a subcompact, despite the car’s low
weight and small engine.
The Aveo has fairly
roomy, high-mounted front seats that are more comfortable than Chevrolet’s
larger and pricier Cobalt, but the cushions could be longer. The rear is
much better than the Cobalt’s; roomier, higher, and better-padded, but still
a bit tight.
The interior received a redesign for the 2007 model year, and the
already-acceptable quality was improved over last year’s model. The
instrument layout is improved this year, to include GM’s corporate radio.
The instruments are mounted high and simple to use, and the gauges are
clear. Entry/exit is easy to the front, a bit harder to the rear. Drivers
sit comfortably, but rear visibility is blocked by thick roof pillars. The
trunk is roomy and well-shaped for a subcompact car, and easy to access.
The Aveo was one of the
least expensive cars in this group at $14,253, but it lacks curtain-style
head-protecting side airbags and traction control. An MP3 player and alloy
wheels are included, however.
Overall, the Aveo is an
acceptable basic economy car. It’s inexpensive, and doesn’t do anything
especially badly even by today’s high standards. But for not much more
money, you can do much better than an acceptable basic economy car.
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