LA 2007: 2009 Chevy Aveo5 arrives in the U.S.
click above image to view high-res gallery of the Chevy Aveo5
For 2008, Chevy is adding to its small car lineup with the return of the Aveo5. Two trim levels are being offered, including a Special Value Model and LS. Key standard features include 60/40 flip-and-fold rear seats, standard dual front and side-impact air bags, and body-color rear-view mirrors and door handles. Those wanting a little more with the LS version can opt for ABS brakes, cruise control, power sunroof, remote keyless entry, a six-speaker sound system and more.
The look of the new Aveo5 is identical to the one introduced at the Frankfurt Motor Show for the European market. Whereas the Euro model features your choice of a 1.2L producing 84 HP or a 1.4L producing 98 HP, the U.S. version will only be available with a 1.6L Ecotec four-cylinder producing 107 HP. The looks, however, are the same, which in our humble opinion is not a good thing. Surprisingly, many of you disagreed with us when the Euro-market Aveo5 debuted, claiming that it's not that bad. Still think so?
Hit the jump for a full Chevy's official press release and view our gallery of high-res live shots below.
[Source: GM]
Gallery: 2008 Chevy Aveo5
PRESS RELEASE:
NEW 2009 CHEVROLET AVEO5 IS A SMALL CAR WITH LARGE-CAR ROOMINESS, AMENITIES AND GREAT FUEL ECONOMY
LOS ANGELES – Proving that fuel solutions can be wrapped in bold, fun packages, Chevrolet unveiled the 2009 Aveo5 at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The redesigned challenger to the economy segment delivers exceptional, EPA-estimated fuel economy of 26 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway (with the standard five-speed manual transmission) – and is expected to be the lowest-priced car in America when it goes on sale in 2008.
"Chevrolet is committed to fuel solutions of all types, and the new Aveo5 demonstrates that gasoline remains viable in a highly efficient, affordable package," said Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager. "It is a terrific value, with a worry-free ownership experience that has the lowest ownership cost of any vehicle on the market, yet it packs all of Chevy's fun-to-drive spirit."
The new '09 Aveo5 reaffirms the brand's value position and builds on it with features expected in larger, more expensive cars – such as standard OnStar and available XM Satellite Radio – as well as its signature "tall car" design that enables surprising passenger and cargo room. It is powered by a new, fuel-sipping, 1.6L DOHC engine with variable valve timing that produces more power (107 hp / 80 kW) and strong torque (106-lb.-ft. / 143 Nm) – and has been tuned for quieter performance.
"Customers will be surprised by the 'big' features of the Aveo5 – big room, big style, big refinement and, of course, big fuel economy," said Peper. "It is a flexible car that provides untold capabilities, with cargo features and flexibility that change as your needs change."
Indeed, the Aveo5's efficiency and flexibility go hand in hand. With its improved fuel economy among the best on the market using regular gasoline, the '09 Aveo5 can travel more than 400 miles (643 km) between fill-ups, resulting in fewer trips to the gas station and road trips that require fewer stops.
The Aveo5 goes on sale in mid-2008, joining the recently redesigned Aveo sedan. It is available in base, LS and LT trims – each backed by a "worry free" five-year/100,000-mile transferable powertrain warranty, plus Roadside Assistance and Courtesy Transportation.
Bold, tall-car design
The Aveo5's dynamic, contemporary styling represents the global face of Chevrolet design. Redesigned, body-color fascias and chrome accents suggest a more expensive car, along with available features – such as its large power sunroof – that are unexpected in the segment, Aveo5 retains its characteristic "tall car" configuration, enabling a spacious interior, with generous headroom that is greater than many midsize sedans.
The front of the new Aveo5 features the bold, chrome-finished grille – with prominent gold Chevy bowtie – that is characteristic of all new members of the Chevrolet family, such as the Malibu. It is complemented with features that reinforce Aveo5's premium appearance, including new and distinctive chrome-finished side vents on the front fenders and jeweled-appearance headlamps.
The Aveo5's sleek styling accents longer, wider and taller dimensions, with sculpted lines and a wide, confident stance. Pronounced "shoulders" over the wheel openings and body-color door sills convey the look of a larger car. A more assertive, dynamic look is accomplished with crisp, V-shaped hood edges, bold front and rear fascias with premium cues, such as larger, available front fog lamps; a rear-fascia lower grille; and a larger available rear spoiler located on the trailing edge of the roof.
Ten exterior colors are available. They include: Summit White, Black Granite Metallic, Sport Red, Victory Red, Blue Moon, Bright Blue, Tahiti Green, Cosmic Silver, Medium Gray and Summer Yellow.
Roomy environment
The Aveo5's exterior is complemented by a quiet passenger cabin that features well-crafted details and generous standard features that enhance comfort. It is one of the most spacious vehicles in its class, with features and refinement comparable to more expensive vehicles.
With its signature "tall car" design, the Aveo5's generous dimensions easily accommodate 6-foot-tall passengers in each of the five seating positions. It also is a quiet interior environment, with soundproofing technologies that complement quieting powertrain enhancements and improved aerodynamics to provide a quiet, comfortable and vibration-free ride, even at higher speed.
Attention to comfort is evidenced in elements such as standard driver's seat armrests. Also, theater-style rear seating provides a commanding view for all passengers. A 60/40-split rear seat expands Aveo5's interior cargo capacity; and when more cargo-carrying capability is required, the rear seat can be flipped and folded, offering 42 cu. ft. (1,189 L) of cargo space.
Refined, well-appointed interior
The interior's contemporary appearance is achieved through sleek lines and the clever use of rich materials, including a new, available two-tone, charcoal/light gray design (on charcoal interiors) that provides a premium look and feel. Other premium appearance elements include technical-grain, low-gloss surfaces; wood grain, satin-chrome or carbon-fiber finishes on the instrument panel and door panels; and even perforated faux leather seating surfaces, steering wheel cover and shifter knob.
Additionally, clever details abound, such as a sunglasses holder; door pockets for books and maps; and hooks that can secure shopping bags. Unexpected value is delivered through more standard and available features – features not typically found in the segment, including:
- Fully reclining front seats with convenience hooks
- Six-way-adjustable seats – plus driver lumbar adjustment
- Tilting steering wheel
- Driver information center
- Oil Life Monitoring System
- Cruise control
- Power windows and locks
- Heated, dual power body-color foldaway outside mirrors
- On-key (no separate fob) remote keyless entry
- Air conditioning with cabin filtration
- Large, power-operated sunroof
- Audio systems
Aveo5 LS models offer a standard AM/FM, four-speaker radio system, 36 presets and an auxiliary input jack for MP3 devices. An AM/FM radio with CD/MP3 capability (including an auxiliary input jack) and six-speaker sound system is standard on the LT and available on LS.
All Aveo5 radios are derived from GM's new family of premium radio systems, which are distinguished by upscale appearance, simplicity of operation and range of features and capabilities. Steering wheel audio controls are standard on LT models
XM Satellite Radio – a popular choice among youthful customers – is standard on 1LT models and available on LS. It offers more than 100 channels of music, news, sports and entertainment. XM Satellite Radio must be activated and a subscription fee applies.
Ride and handling
The Aveo5 was developed for a dynamic, well-planted driving experience and fuel efficiency. It has a wide stance and long wheelbase (97.7 inches / 2,480 mm) to deliver a smooth, confident ride. A MacPherson strut front suspension and a torsion beam rear suspension (with gas-charged shocks) deliver refined ride and handling characteristics.
Power-assisted, variable-rate rack-and-pinion steering is standard, with the steering gear is mounted on the front suspension cross member for precise action and stability. Fourteen-inch wheels are standard, but sporty 15-inch alloy wheels are available.
As a global car, the Aveo5 was tested and validated for a broad range of driving and road conditions. The suspension system is inspired by the driving experiences of European sports sedans yet tuned for contemporary American driving tastes – a combination that delivers both smoothness and a responsive, spirited driving experience.
Powertrains
Supporting Aveo5's responsive and economical driving experience is a new, Ecotec 1.6L DOHC four-cylinder powertrain. The sophisticated engine uses Dual Continuous Variable Cam Phasing – two continuously adjustable camshafts – to optimize the charge cycle for fuel economy and performance. As a result, this 16-valve DOHC engine delivers more horsepower than the previous engine, with ratings of 107 horsepower (80 kw)* and 106 lb.-ft. of torque (143 Nm)*, and nearly 8-percent improved fuel efficiency when compared to the previous Aveo5 model.
The new, 1.6L engine features additional technology highlights to improve fuel economy, quality, reliability and durability, including:
- New four-in-one sheet metal exhaust manifold, with integrated catalytic converter and secondary underfloor catalytic converter
- Engine oil cooler and piston oil squirters
- New GM-corporate engine control system
- Electronically controlled thermostat
- Oil Life Monitoring System
- Additionally, the engine is tuned for quieter performance, with a more pleasing sound during acceleration.
A smooth-shifting five-speed manual transmission is standard and an Aisin four-speed automatic with Hold Control Mode is available. Hold Control Mode is a special feature that helps reduce wheel spin and traction loss on slick roads by allowing the driver to select and hold a higher gear, thus reducing torque.
Safety features
A comprehensive system of safety and security technologies is designed to meet safety standards of markets around the globe. The Aveo5's safety starts with a high-strength steel structure that creates a safety cage around the passenger compartment. The structure features strength-enhancing, tailor-welded blanks that help avoid protrusions into the passenger compartment.
The Aveo5 also comes standard with advanced dual-stage frontal air bags and the GM Passenger Sensing System, as well as standard h ead/thorax seat-mounted side air bags for front passengers. The head/thorax seat-mounted side air bags deploy during side impacts and are triggered by a sophisticated sensor system in the front doors.
The brake system on the Aveo5 is available with a four-channel ABS system. The four-sensor system – one at each wheel – incorporates electronic brake force distribution, which balances braking performance based on road conditions the weight of passengers and/or cargo.
Additional Aveo5 safety features include:
- Front safety belt pretensioners
- Energy-absorbing steering column
- Knee bolsters
- Height-adjustable shoulder belt anchors
- Lower Anchors and Top Tether for Children (LATCH) for rear seats
- Rear child safety door locks
- Tire pressure monitoring system
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
MGBYG 4:37PM (11/14/2007)
These little puppies will fill the car rental lots of airports all around America...
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k.w.a 4:40PM (11/14/2007)
goodness gracious...these designs are what killed GM....amongst other things.
*sigh* anyway, hurry up GM, get it out of your system, then replace it with the Beat
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geo.stewart 4:42PM (11/14/2007)
the bowtie bar seems to be a little out of place, not in sync with the bumper line like on VWs/ Audis and so it seems a little off but I think it is a definite/infinite improvement on the weak US-Gen1 front fascia.
Still not a fan of this segment. For the money, in most cases you can move up to the next size for around $1K and lose at most 1mpg.
Since this is typically a price sensitive segment, it will likely do well against the competition.
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Frank 4:46PM (11/14/2007)
Why dont they just give us the Beat? Screw the Aveo..
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fm 12:47AM (11/15/2007)
That's exactly what I was thinking!
I'm all for small cars. In fact I love 'em. But why does GM have to make it ugly? Can't you have a cheap small efficient car with style?
R 8:33PM (11/14/2007)
can we hate on GM for using the same front end grill on everything, like people hate on ford for using the tri bar grill.
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Guenther 4:59PM (11/14/2007)
Would it really cost THAT much to sell the damn Corsa here?
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Zerk 5:02PM (11/14/2007)
It is an improvement compared with the present Aveo5.
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Cody Peterson 5:09PM (11/14/2007)
the chevy aveo... the car for those who've given up on life...
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AlexP 5:29PM (11/14/2007)
Oh, I guess I must have given up on life.
But in all honesty, I took it over a Yaris for pure driving dynamics-related reasons, not that it's dynamic, I just hate the feeling I get when I drive a Toy.
No worries folks, I'm moving up to a better car this Summer (I certainly hope).
MoonRover 5:47PM (11/14/2007)
Those knocking the AVEO apparently have not driven one. They are quiet, well made and a nice little car, I drove one for 3 weeks and was quite impressed. I own a caddy STS and a GMC Sierra and the AVEO didn't cramp my style at all, actually it was fun to drive. At 38 miles per gal and a low low price, in this day of high priced gasoline, the AVEO is a smart choice, a thinking man's car
BHendrix 9:20PM (11/14/2007)
What a lame thing to say. This may come as a shock, but there are people whose lives aren't defined by their cars.
Bill 11:24PM (11/14/2007)
It's still better looking than a Fit.
the marais 5:10PM (11/14/2007)
I am with Guenther...
I have two words for GM:
OPEL
CORSA
(and a third)
OPC
Thank You.
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AlexP 5:14PM (11/14/2007)
If you haven't figured it out yet: the Aveo is a profitable canvas for GMDAT developments. I'd like to remind you all that Bupie's plan will be responsible for building all of GM's small cars and answer China's demand for the time being.
Thank you.
(The T450 platform was a complete wreck (as proven by crash tests :D) so they upgrade the T400 and redubbed it T425, hence why it keeps the same side panels and all - it now uses an Opel-derived engine, rather than the outdated, crappy E-TEC II that was anything but ecologically friendly, but albeit did a good job provided that your foot isn't like half of your body mass, and now they're standardizing features and parts, for the most. As you can see, XM and Onstar (I would've never expected that) are now offered on it. The only thing I wonder is whether they'll give it a five speed auto or will stick with a 4, because with the E-TECII, fuel efficiency was killed the moment you'd drive at over 105KMPH/65MPH, primarily because it needed another gear to cover 100KM +, running at 2200RPM isn't exactly easy on your mileage (if 120KMPH then 3000RPM, which practically divides the results by two).
Black leatherette uh? Can't believe they omitted to option that on the sedan. Not everyone likes beige :0.
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Emanuel 6:54PM (11/14/2007)
Cody said: the chevy aveo... the car for those who've given up on life...
That is halarious! This front end says AUDI all over it. I can't believe they copied it so close to the Audi front end. I think its a tad bit to aggressive, but whatever
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Greening 6:03PM (11/14/2007)
EPA-estimated fuel economy of 26 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway
Huh?
We owned a 3 cylinder Geo Metro 10 years ago & got 60 MPG. Aren't we going backwards?
How about some real fuel efficiency so we can buy a new car?
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spots 6:30PM (11/14/2007)
No you didn't- no Metro got 60 mpg ten years ago- I drive mine VERY gently- and the best I can get is around 47 mpg on the highway. Mine's a 99, so it's close to 10 years old now, and basically identical to a 98 or 97 Metro. The ONLY Metro variant that routinely topped even 50 mpg was the early 90's Gen I Metro XFi model- and that one wasn't available with air conditioning.
I kind of like the looks of the Aveo5, though I'd prefer a 2 door hatchback instead of the 4 door hatch- and the gas mileage just isn't there. Why would I want to drop about 10 mpg? I sure don't- and won't.
I'll keep my Metro as long as it'll still run.
Greening 8:57PM (11/14/2007)
The model we owned was the XFI and no longer available after I totalled mine.
Hate to disappoint you, but I was getting 60 MPG. If you couldn't get that with a manual transmission, you need to re-think your driving habits. Much of our driving was not highway.
In the snow or when I needed A/C, I alternated with an 87 Accord LX that got +40 MPG. When I gave it away with + 200,000 miles on it, it still had the original clutch.
Either way, my point was that greater fuel efficiency was/is achievable and we're moving in the wrong direction.
Bill 11:24PM (11/14/2007)
How many airbags did your Metro Xfi have? The same number as my 83 Honda Civic 1300FE that got 55 mpg. NHTSA crash test score? My Civic didn't have A/C either.
The buying public demanded safer cars, and safer cars are heavier, hence the MPG difference.
As a famous trekkie said, "You can't change the laws of physics".