Autoblog

Video: Promo clips show off Chevrolet's Paris debuts

Chris Shunk — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 15:30:00 EST

Filed under: Videos, Paris Motor Show, Chevrolet, GM

2011 Chevrolet Aveo interior - Click above to watch the videos after the jump

Curious about the new products that Chevy is bringing to the Paris Motor Show? You've already seen the Cruze hatchback, Aveo, Orlando and Captiva here on Autoblog, but you haven't seen them in motion. More importantly, though, we see the first glimpses of these new cars' interiors.

We're kinda digging the gauge cluster on the Aveo (above), which has a very motorcycle-inspired look to its single large, round tachometer and digital cluster. Love it or hate it, the interior appears to be a major step forward from anything GM has ever put out in the subcompact class before. Similarly, the Cruze hatchback and Orlando have what appear to be nicely appointed two-tone duds.

Hit the jump to watch all four videos for yourself. The Cruze is batting lead-off, followed by the Captiva, Aveo and Orlando. And once you've taken in the videos, partake in the below poll by telling us which Cruze you prefer; the sedan or the five-door. It may not be a fair fight since the hot hatch is a "show car" with design elements that may not make production, but who says a tussle has to be fair?

[Source: YouTube / Sports Car Illustrated]

View Poll

Continue reading Video: Promo clips show off Chevrolet's Paris debuts

Video: Promo clips show off Chevrolet's Paris debuts originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 Sep 2010 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 2011 Chevrolet Aveo caught post-Detroit

John Neff — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Spy Photos, Budget, Hatchback, Chevrolet

2011 Chevrolet Aveo spy shots - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Chevrolet Aveo RS concept received a fairly warm reception at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show. The question now is how closely will the production version adhere to what we saw in decidedly unsunny D? Here are some fresh spy shots of the production Aveo to help us answer that.

The quick and dirty answer is that the production Aveo will stick close to the basic proportions of the RS concept, and the sharply tapered nose combined with miniscule front and rear overhangs appear intact as well.

Camouflage obscures much of the car's exterior, but our spy photographers did manage to get a clear view of the interior, which appears to be remarkably faithful to the concept. Chevy designers kept the trick dual analog/digital gauges perched atop the steering column, and the center stack retains the same flared out shape. The big difference we're seeing are the radio controls, which in this prototype appear to be from the GM parts bin. The concept featured a better integrated set of buttons that fit well within the console's layout. The production version? Not so much.

Stay tuned as we're likely to see the production version make its official debut for the end of this year's auto show season.

Gallery: 2011 Chevrolet Aveo spy shots

[Source: CarPix]

Spy Shots: 2011 Chevrolet Aveo caught post-Detroit originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Jan 2010 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chevrolet Aveo RS concept proves small hatches are ready for a renaissance

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 00:01:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Budget, Hatchback, Chevrolet

Chevrolet Aveo RS concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

If by chance we thought about the Chevrolet Aveo at all during the past several years, it was usually because of its unfortunate styling and cheap feel. Starting with next week's 2010 Detroit Auto Show, Chevy is out to change the Aveo's image into a product that we might actually desire. The process begins with the Aveo RS concept, which provides a preview of what to expect from the next-generation production Aveo when it arrives in showrooms sometime next year.

The B-segment of small cars in the U.S. is shaping up to be a real battle royale with the new Ford Fiesta arriving soon, Fiat bringing over the stylish 500, the Volkswagen Polo and, of course, the incumbent Honda Fit and Toyota Yaris. It remains to be seen how much the segment will grow unless gas prices start climb again. Regardless, those of us who appreciate good small cars are certainly in for more feast than famine in the next several years. Follow the jump to learn more about Chevy's redesigned entry in the resurging small car segment.

Gallery: Chevrolet Aveo RS concept

Continue reading Chevrolet Aveo RS concept proves small hatches are ready for a renaissance

Chevrolet Aveo RS concept proves small hatches are ready for a renaissance originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Jan 2010 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit Preview: Next-generation Chevrolet Aveo RS to appear at Cobo

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 10:20:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Budget, Hatchback, Chevrolet

On Wednesday night, Chevrolet held a media preview in Motown to discuss and show off some of what will be coming up at the Detroit Auto Show next month. Unfortunately, we were not allowed take any photos or video at the event, although General Motors officials did say we could write about anything that was discussed.

The presentation kicked off with an introduction to new Chevrolet general manager Jim Campbell who just assumed his role a week ago. Campbell and Mike Simcoe, director of exterior design, then spent the next half-hour showing off the same batch of new Chevrolets that we were shown in the GM design dome last August. All of these cars including the forthcoming Orlando MPV, Cruze, Camaro convertible, Volt and the all-new 2012 Malibu are promised to be in U.S. Chevrolet showrooms within the next 24 months. The Orlando remains pretty true to the 2008 concept, with the only real changes being to the details of the light clusters - just don't look for it at the Detroit show.

Anchoring the entr- level end of the Bowtie's lineup will be the Spark and Aveo. Campbell reaffirmed that the Spark will be coming to the U.S. in 2011, putting to rest - at least for the moment - rumors that the program had been canceled. The bigger news is the next Aveo which will get its first public viewing at next month's show. Read on after the jump for more details and observations.

[Image: The Detroit News]

Continue reading Detroit Preview: Next-generation Chevrolet Aveo RS to appear at Cobo

Detroit Preview: Next-generation Chevrolet Aveo RS to appear at Cobo originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Dec 2009 10:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: First look at the 2011 Chevy Aveo

Sam Abuelsamid — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 12:04:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Budget, Hatchback, Chevrolet, GM

Back in August, in the wake of General Motors emergence from its pre-packaged bankruptcy, the automaker gave select members of the media a preview of several upcoming products. Among those was the next Chevrolet Aveo, which will take up the B-segment mantle to battle the new Ford Fiesta, Mazda2, Honda Fit, and Toyota Yaris. Unlike the current Aveo, which is built in South Korea by Daewoo, the new model will be built at the Orion, MI assembly plant north of Detroit.

While there had been speculation that the ungainly-looking Chevy Viva from Brazil would be the Aveo replacement, that is an entirely different car - although it will likely share some mechanical bits with the Aveo.

At the August preview, GM design manager Bob Boniface confirmed to us that the Aveo moniker would be retained because, in spite of the baggage the current model carries, it does have recognition and launching a new nameplate has been deemed too expensive a proposition. Of course, that was three months ago and the Aveo is still a year or so away from launch, so things could change. Whatever it's called, early spy shots from Brenda Priddy and Co. suggest that it's shaping up to be a better-looking car than the current model, with a wider stance that looks less tippy.

[Source: The Detroit News]

Spy Shots: First look at the 2011 Chevy Aveo originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 22 Nov 2009 12:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM Brazil unveils the Chevy Agile, thankfully, it's not the new Aveo!

Sam Abuelsamid — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 09:55:00 EST

Filed under: Hatchback, Chevrolet, South America

General Motors Brazil has just released the first official image of its new Agile small car. Thankfully, contrary to earlier speculation, the somewhat awkward-looking car that you see here will not be GM's new B-segment model for North America (oft referred to as Viva). The North American model will actually retain the Aveo name when it debuts next year and wear styling that emulates the even smaller Chevy Spark in some respects, only stretched over a longer platform. We saw the next-generation Aveo last week and while it doesn't quite have the style of the competing Ford Fiesta, from where we sit, it's a huge improvement over either the current Aveo or the Agile shown here.

We don't know many details of either the Aveo or the Agile yet, so it's possible that they'll share some underpinnings. Judging by the way the Agile sits on its wheels, it looks like it is designed for less-developed markets where road quality might not be up to most US or European standards and more wheel travel is required. The Google translated press release is after the jump.

[Source: General Motors Brazil]

Continue reading GM Brazil unveils the Chevy Agile, thankfully, it's not the new Aveo!

GM Brazil unveils the Chevy Agile, thankfully, it's not the new Aveo! originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 22 Aug 2009 09:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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IIHS tests roof strength on microcars, Smart Fortwo comes out on top

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 09:58:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Budget, Sedan, Safety, Hatchback, Chevrolet, Honda, Hyundai, Mini, Smart, Toyota

IIHS microcar roof tests - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has just tested the latest batch of the smallest cars on the market to determine the strength of their roofs in the event of a rollover accident. Coming out on top with a "good" rating was the Smart Fortwo, which isn't all that surprising - due in large part to the runabout's diminutive size, Daimler put lots of effort into the design of its so-called Tridion safety cell.

Somehow, we're equally as unsurprised that the Chevy Aveo scored the lowest of the six automobiles tested. Chevy's least expensive car earned a "marginal" rating from the Institute. Sitting in between those two bookends were the Honda Fit, Hyundai Accent, Mini Cooper, and Toyota Yaris, all of which scored "acceptable" ratings.

It's interesting to note that the Smart Fortwo fared quite a bit better in this kind of test than in the Institute's series of frontal offset crash tests versus a Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan. Click past the break for the official press release.

Gallery: IIHS microcar roof tests

[Source: Insurance Institute for Highway Safety]

Continue reading IIHS tests roof strength on microcars, Smart Fortwo comes out on top

IIHS tests roof strength on microcars, Smart Fortwo comes out on top originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Aug 2009 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Chevrolet Aveo replacement postponed until 2011

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Sat, 23 May 2009 12:04:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Chevrolet, GM, Earnings/Financials, South Korea

According to Reuters, Chevrolet's Aveo replacement has been postponed until January 2011 due to the well-publicized financial troubles at General Motors and its Korean subsidiary, Daewoo. Previously, the Aveo's replacement, codenamed T300, had been expected to bow in April of 2010.

Over the first four months of 2009, Daewoo has reported a whopping 44.5-percent decline in total vehicle sales, which comes as particularly bad news for The General since the Korean automaker accounts for a quarter of GM's total production. Much of that slumping production is being lost to rivals like Hyundai and Kia in oh-so-important emerging market of China, where Daewoo's sales dropped by 3.2-percent even in the face of an expanding market.

In effort to keep the doors open in the face of such heavy losses, GM Daewoo is reportedly seeking additional loans from the Korea Development Bank after running through all $2 billion of its available credit lines. We hope they work it out... suffice it to say that the Aveo's replacement can't come soon enough.

[Source: Reuters]

REPORT: Chevrolet Aveo replacement postponed until 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 23 May 2009 12:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2009 Chevy Aveo 5

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 20:01:00 EST

Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, Budget, Chevrolet, New Car Reviews

2009 Chevy Aveo 5 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Until the new Chevy Spark here in 2011, the entry point for getting into the General Motors product line-up remains the Chevy Aveo. The Korean-built Aveo is available in two forms, a four-door sedan and five-door hatch. The hatchback is dubbed the Aveo 5, an example of which spent some time in the AutoblogGreen Garage during the week following the Detroit Auto Show. This is the first opportunity we've had to sample the Aveo and it turned out to be something of a mixed bag.

The Aveo 5 is the smallest model in the current North American GM lineup and fits into the sub-compact B-Segment. Dimensionally the Aveo slots in between the Toyota Yaris and Honda Fit and almost matches the Scion xD. Until the Ford Fiesta arrives late this year, the Fit is generally considered the overachiever in this class. Find out how the Aveo 5 stacks up against the Fit after the jump.

Gallery: Review: 2009 Chevy Aveo 5

Continue reading Review: 2009 Chevy Aveo 5

Review: 2009 Chevy Aveo 5 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Jan 2009 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Spy Shots: Chinese Chevy Lova reveals next-gen Aveo?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 15:58:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Budget, China, Chevrolet

Click above for more spy shots of the Chinese Chevy Lova

We were hoping to get a new sub-compact from Chevy that would ape the design of the Beat concept, but we're seeing more of a Malibu influence in these spy shots of what appears to be the next-gen Lova in China, or what we know as the Aveo in the U.S. The front grille especially looks inspired by the Malibu's schnoz, which is fine, but the rest of the car -- in particular the tall greenhouse -- is still easily identifyable by its econo-car roots.

You can also see a few shots of the interior in the gallery below. Though not very clear, the instrument panel looks agreeable, though you can bet the materials were chosen to hit a specific price-point rather than look and feel like high quality pieces.

Truthfully, however, we don't really know if this updated Lova has anything to do with the U.S. market Aveo, and these pics aren't the greatest. Still, it could hardly be any worse than what we've got now... right?

Gallery: Spy Shots: Chevy Lova

[Source: Jalopnik]

Spy Shots: Chinese Chevy Lova reveals next-gen Aveo? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Sep 2008 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Penny pinchers: Chevy Aveo billboard speaks to the frugal

Dan Roth — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 13:57:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Chevrolet

We might have suspected it'd eventually come to this. Chevy has started paying people to pay attention to its Aveo. Well, not exactly. In a unique piece of advertisement, Chevrolet erected a billboard in London with an image of an Aveo hatchback decorated in real one-pence pieces. It was certainly a clever ploy to grab the attention of the public and illustrate the 769,500 pence price of the car, but it didn't stand a chance against the prying fingers of passersby. In a mere 30 minutes, human vultures had picked the billboard clean of currency. Perhaps it's some kind of sad commentary on the nature of society, though it's kind of amusing to think that you could dig around for pocket change, and with a little determination, go buy an Aveo.

[Source: Carscoop]

Penny pinchers: Chevy Aveo billboard speaks to the frugal originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Jul 2008 13:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Oh snap! Consumer Reports rips Aveo a new one

Chris Tutor — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 17:59:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Budget, Hatchback, Chevrolet, Carsumer Advocacy

Click above for high-res gallery of the Chevy Aveo

Consumer Reports isn't known for completely trashing cars in its reviews. In fact, the publication is more often criticized for going too easy on them and finding something to like in everything that passes through the CR garage. But dang if they didn't just tear apart the 2008 Chevy Aveo sedan, going so far as to say its big-bro Cobalt is an all-around better car and better deal for bargain shoppers. They cite Cobalt's comparable fuel economy, better handling, quieter more refined interior and, after discounts, better price.

The magazine calls the Aveo a "miserable little car" and, since they couldn't find the name "Aveo" anywhere in the car's interior, thinks GM might think so, too. CR says its readers certainly thought the Aveo was miserable, rating the hatchback and sedan variants at the very bottom of their classes.

Worse than the Cobalt? Ouch. We tested the 2007 model and gave it a resounding score of "eh." Any Aveo owners out there who want to defend their little Korean cars' reputation? Anyone?

Gallery: Autoblog Garage - 2007 Chevy Aveo

[Source: Consumer Reports]

Oh snap! Consumer Reports rips Aveo a new one originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Jun 2008 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Number of sub-$15k cars in U.S. falls by one-third

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 08:31:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Trends, Budget

Click above for more high-res shots of the 2007 Chevrolet Aveo

Every year, cars get just a bit more expensive. There was a time, which doesn't seem too long ago, that ten grand and a signature was all you needed to walk out of a dealership as the owner of a brand new car. Today, not so much. In fact, according to J.D. Power and Associates, $15,000 gets you just two-thirds of the choices you had just two years ago. Holding up the bottom of the list is the Chevrolet Aveo, which, along with the base-model Cobalt, makes GM the only American player in the cheap-car sweepstakes. The 2009 Aveo, however, has a higher base price than before thanks to the elimination of the lowest price value model. The Koreans in the form of Hyundai and Kia offer three choices, and the remaining five slots are ably filled by Japanese manufacturers.

While there may be a few more vehicles that have base prices below the $15,000 mark, J.D. Power's numbers actually reflect transaction prices rather than MSRPs. Some vehicles, like the Honda Fit, are able to maintain some driving enjoyment to go along with their low prices, and these cars often command higher prices because of the demand for them.

Gallery: Autoblog Garage - 2007 Chevy Aveo

[Source: JD Power via Winding Road]

Number of sub-$15k cars in U.S. falls by one-third originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Jun 2008 08:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #88

Dan Roth — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 17:31:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Podcasts, Budget, Hatchback, BMW, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Ford, Jaguar, Jeep, Mini, Toys/Games, Australia, FPV, Tata

UPDATE: Back by popular demand, direct download of the podcast has been added as a link below.

The biggest news of the past week: the suckfest that was the Knight Rider movie. Alex liveblogged it so that we didn't have to watch. Sure it was crap, but was it really that bad? The original was a clunker, too, remember. There's car stuff going on, too, and we move on to covering what's in our respective Autoblog Garages. Keep an eye out for some new reviews, and John has a podcast-exclusive announcement, too.

We spin off into a small car smackdown, postulate on who should buy Jaguar if Tata flips them, and boomerang back to our MINI vs. Aveo sales number deathmatch. In this week's installment of "Fords We Don't Get," there's a new Austrailian Falcon that is available in full-on sinister. It's badass in FPV trim, not available here, and ~~Alan Mullaly wants one~~, too. One Ford we are getting is the Fiesta (Verve) and that's something to actually be excited about. That's about it, thanks to Adam Curry for the plug, it's 52 minutes of fun this week.

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Autoblog Podcast #88 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 Feb 2008 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LA 2007: 2009 Chevy Aveo5 arrives in the U.S.

Drew Phillips — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 16:31:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Budget, Hatchback, Chevrolet

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

Continue reading LA 2007: 2009 Chevy Aveo5 arrives in the U.S.

LA 2007: 2009 Chevy Aveo5 arrives in the U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Nov 2007 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Frankfurt 2007: Chevy Aveo falls down ugly tree in Frankfurt, hits every branch

John Neff — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 19:04:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Europe, Hatchback, Chevrolet

Ladies and gentlemen, the new Chevy Aveo for the European market is proof positive the grass is not always greener on the other side (at least for now). Previously known as the Kalos in Europe, the new Aveo five-door should vaguely remind you of the same car sold in the U.S. as the Chevy Aveo5. Except, that is, for the hyperbolic front end with its gargantuan grille. When we first reported on the car prior to the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show, there were actually many readers who commented on how much they liked the car's new looks. These people are more than welcome to move to Europe, as far as we're concerned. (I'm into my fourth stein at the moment, so excuse me for my frankness). The cherry on top of the Aveo's design is surely its fender vents, which tie with those on the 2008 Ford Focus for most useless.

What's worse, the Aveo is powered by your choice of a 1.2L producing 84 HP or a 1.4L producing 98 HP, neither of which is powerful enough to whisk you away from the pointing and giggling you'll encounter while behind the wheel. Chevy calls the interior "high-class", though we think you'll agree after seeing it in pictures that the wide expanse of unadorned black plastic says otherwise.

We said earlier that the grass isn't greener on the other side for now because, well, this car could be coming to the U.S. At the moment, both the U.S. and Europe are sold similar version of the Chevy Aveo four-door sedan. While Chevy still offers us the current gen Aveo5, there's a good chance it will be replaced with this one soon. Sigh...

Gallery: 2008 Chevy Aveo 5-door (EU)

Continue reading Frankfurt 2007: Chevy Aveo falls down ugly tree in Frankfurt, hits every branch

Frankfurt 2007: Chevy Aveo falls down ugly tree in Frankfurt, hits every branch originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Sep 2007 19:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chicago Auto Show: Chevy dealers go to Xtremes

Frank Filipponio — Fri, 09 Feb 2007 14:26:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Chicago Auto Show, Concept Cars, Chevrolet

High-res gallery available by clicking image

The Chevy dealers of Chicagoland decided to add a little extra pizzazz to the Chicago Auto Show this year by toting out some of their best accessorized concept vehicles from the past few years -- cars and trucks that help customers see what they can do with their own Bowtied babies. Love it or hate it, the HHR is like Chrysler's PT Cruiser in more ways than one. It's also a blank canvas for customizers. While there were a few modded wagons on display, our favorite was the neo-Nomad white HHR two-door. Lowered and sporting a 270-horse 4-cylinder, this is one stylish, relatively understated ride. The rest of the display was a bit more Xtreme.

Continues after the jump

[Source: Chevy]

Gallery: Chevy Xtreme Concepts

Continue reading Chicago Auto Show: Chevy dealers go to Xtremes

Chicago Auto Show: Chevy dealers go to Xtremes originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Feb 2007 14:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chevy launches 2007 Aveo sedan

Alex Nunez — Thu, 17 Aug 2006 12:51:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Sedan, Chevrolet

UPDATE: Chevy released a video promoting the new Aveo which tracks two PR-infused 20-somethings as they travel to Lollapalooza. Cringe factor is HIGH, watch at your own risk.

During a webcast that will begin shortly, Chevy GM Ed Peper will officially launch the new 2007 Chevy Aveo sedan for the US market. (The car's page is already up at the Chevy website, if you're interested in checking out the specs in detail.)

The new Aveo gets a dose of panache with a restyle that bestows some chunky good looks on Chevy's low-priced econocruiser. The beefy nose, with it's raised, V-shaped center section is very evocative of the VW/Audi look out there today -- this is not a bad thing at all. The lower fascia gives the car a mildly aggressive appearance, with nicely integrated foglights available as an option.

Two trim levels are offered, LS ($12,395 base) and the more dressed-up LT ($13,925 base). Both are powered by a 1.6L Ecotec that pumps out 103 horses and 107 lb-ft of torque. Variable geometry induction helps increase available torque even at low speeds. Of most interest to many Aveo buyers, however, is its fuel economy. With the 5-speed manual the Aveo has an EPA rating of 27 mpg city / 37 mpg hwy. Opting for the 4-speed automatic drops the number down to a still-respectable 26/34.

The interior is said to be comfortable for passengers over 6" thanks to the car's taller bodystyle, and maximizes available space with handy storage areas and grocery hooks. The rear seat splits 60-40 and allows pass-through from the trunk if you're hauling any big stuff. The seats themselves are covered in cloth as standard, but perforated leatherette is an option that looks pretty nice (see photo after the jump). Also optional is a seat-mounted side airbag system for the front passengers.

The dash layout is very "new GM," with controls logically arranged and an attractive, readable gauge cluster. The look is trimmed with either imitation wood or aluminum inlays, which break up the sea of grey that faces the two front seat passengers. All available radios sport an auxiliary input jack that you can plug your MP3 player into.

GM also promises a better ride quality than the outgoing car. We'll reserve full judgement until we get our hands on one to test, but the 2007 Aveo looks like a very attractive option for anyone shopping for a new economy car. The styling is eye-catching, the cars are nicely-equipped, and it's easy on your wallet when it comes time to pay up at the gas station. That's enough to make a pretty good first impression on anyone.

(Photos, press release after the jump)

[Source: GM]

Continue reading Chevy launches 2007 Aveo sedan

Chevy launches 2007 Aveo sedan originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Aug 2006 12:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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