Aveo

Short test: 2011 Chevrolet Aveo

Vehicle: 2011 Chevrolet Aveo LT with Premium Sound Pkg, Sport Pkg, 4-speed automatic and ABS
Price as tested: CDN$21110

2011 marks the end of both the Aveo and its nameplate. Why Chevrolet is so desperately needs to get rid of the Aveo in flavor of the new Sonic nameplate really have demostrated how unremarkable this GMDAT-developed subcompact fare agains its tough rivals.

Considering the fact that the loaded Aveo costs $21 grand with ABS optional, while you can get a similary equipped but class-leading Fit with it as a standard feature. The most pitiful about Aveo’s braking feel suffers from the same fate as the “old GM” product, which means they are spongy and completely lack of any feedback. It takes lots of pressure to take the Aveo from any speed to a halt.

Even though the 4-speed automatic’s fuzzy logic program is very smart in Aveo’s case, its very much willing to up and downshift to compensate for Aveo lack of well-honed refinement. Having do with 4-speed automatic while Fit already have 5-speed automatic. Yes, both Mazda2 and Toyota Yaris are still having to do with 4-speed automatic. At least both Mazda and Toyota have a far superior dynamic abilities than this little Chevy does. This 108hp and 105 lb/ft of torque have enough grunt but certainly not up to today’s refinement.

Dynamically speaking, Aveo’s suspension is tuned toward comfort rather than sportiness. Its certainly far from the sportiest car in subcompact class: Mazda2. The limit is benign and body rolls are very obvious. Steering feels numb and imprecise. However, the chassis is strong enough to compensate for its lost of any driving pleasure. Aveo is best for those who are seeking for appliance than anyone who is looking for driving pleasure.

Without any proper factory rebate, its a very tough job for GM to get those Aveo off the dealer lots. That’s because any properly loaded Aveo with ABS already escalated into its competition’s range. Add to the fact that both Honda Fit, Ford Fiesta and Mazda2 already considered as class-leaders, GM has no choice but to bring the whole program back to the drawing board. As demostrated by their effort on Cruze, the Sonic seems like a very promising solid bet.

Likes:
Comfortable ride
4-speed automatic’s fuzzy logic program
Base price

Dislikes:
Unremarkable handling
4-speed automatic
Price when loaded
Optional ABS

Competitions:
Honda Fit
Toyota Yaris
Ford Fiesta
Mazda2
Nissan Versa

2009 Chevrolet Aveo5

Vehicle: 2009 Chevrolet Aveo5 LT
Price as tested: CDN$15770

Performance: With Aveo’s 1.6 liter DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder engine, you won’t expect breathtaking performance. But with the latest generation, Aveo has scored with variable valve timing for better fuel economy and responsiveness. This little mill is good for a 106 horses and 107 lb/ft of torque, which is a slight improvement over its predecessor’s 105 and 103, respectively. The refinement of this GMDAT build engine has been better than expected, although it remains noisy at higher rev. 107 lb/ft of torque is decent judging by its maximum torque arrives at 3600rpm. Throttle response is acceptable. However, we found Aveo’s biggest shortcomings: manual gearbox, remain intact. The 5-speed’s throw is long and clutch isn’t so progressive. Gates aren’t exactly well-defined. There is a sense of rubbery feel through the manual gearbox. Its a surprise for a little car to have better automatic gearbox than manual gearbox, Aveo is the case. Aveo’s 4-speed automatic has always been a surprise in previous iteration. With the improved fuzzy logic program, it actually learns driver’s right foot quickly and efficiently through driver input. The 1st gear is low enough to enthuisastic launch in this little mill, 4th gear is tall enough for cruising although 5th is a welcome gear. 2nd and 3rd’s fuzzy logic programs have set delightfully well for mid-range. If you are looking to buy an Aveo, take the automatic gearbox.

Handling: The Aveo has confident if not entertaining dynamic qualities. The steering feel light but vague, while the turn-in is acceptable. Its suspension is comfortably compliant that put more emphasis on ride comfort than driving enjoyment. It feels a tad too soft through corners, with lots of understeer and body rolls. However, its ride is surprisingly comfortable and compliant. Just wish for more rebound damping when driven through patholes and rough pavements.

Brakes: Aveo is standard with front discs, rear drums but ABS as an available option. The braking feel and modulation are acceptable if not spectacular. Even if its an entry-level car, GM should make ABS standard across the board instead of making it an option. GM shouldn’t cut corner when it comes to active safety feature in small car. You can afford a small car doesn’t mean you can’t afford to be in a safe car.

Interior: The materials and fit-and-finish have been much improved in the latest Aveo. You still can find plenty of hard and cheap plastic materials abound, however, the level of execution have taken a huge step forward over its predecessor.

When it comes to ergonomics, the stereo is smart enough to placed above the climate control unit. Instrumentation gauges are clear and analog, while all the power items standard on our uplevel LT tester.

Conclusion: The 2009 Aveo marks a quantum leap forward over its predecessor, especially when it comes to engine and interior ambience. Here lies the rough. If you add the optional feature like ABS, Aveo’s price can escalate into the Fit and Yaris level. Which, on the other hand, are much better driving cars with more solid quality reputation.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2009 Chevrolet Aveo5
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Performance: 2/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 2/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 3/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 3/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 3/5
Value-for-money: 2/5

Overall rating: 2.25/5

2007 Pontiac Wave sedan

Vehicle: 2007 Pontiac Wave Uplevel sedan with 15″ wheels
Price as tested: CDN$17085

Performance: Wave is basically Pontiac’s version of Chevrolet Aveo. Both Wave and Aveo share the same underpinnings, right from the body panels to powertrain. The only differences are the grille and badging. Don’t expect any remarkable performance as Wave motiavtes by a 1.6 liter DOHC 16-valver 4-cylinder little mill with 103 hp and 148 lb/ft of torque. The engine always feels breathless and noisy at any engine speed. That’s despite the refinement and NVH already much improved over the previous car, its still not on par with class leaders in subcompact class. During acceleration, the horn and stereo are useless given how noisy it is. On the other hand, its 5-speed manual has to be some of the worse I have ever driven. The throws are long, gates poorly defined and ratios set too high. Not to mention the clutch travel is unprogressive. Take-off engagement point is a nightmare as one never able to find where to grab the clutch. To describe the clutch and shifter feel as poor simply as an understatement.

Handling: Ride quality is surprisingly supple for an econocar with basic suspension setting. That means front MacPherson struct and rear beam axle. The suspension absorbs poor pavements without transferring too much impact harshness into the cabin. However, its handling dynamics remain unremarkable. With tons of body rolls and understeer when pushing into any twisties road. The optional 15″ tires don’t make much difference than 14″ in the same circumstances. Steering feels rather numb and need constant correction with side crosswinds. Its very obvious Aveo is tuned as a comfort-oriented econocar than a capable handler.

Brakes: The front discs with rear drums provide acceptable braking feel. Its quite a refreshing change with GM’s typical mushy pedal feel and long stopping distance. However, making ABS as an option is an absolute unacceptable act even for an econocar costing 17k.

Interior: Aveo is pretty well-equipped for an econocar. It got everything from power windows, locks, mirrors and some smart ergonomics. Stereo has placed on top of the quality HVAC knobs. Although those velour seats have “rental car” feel, its actually pretty comfortable. For an econocar costing 17k, the use of materials and build quality are much better than expected.

Given its a subcompact sedan, its cargo layout is definitely a compromise. Even if it already got 40/60 split fold-down rear seats, you still can get much accessible space within. A nifty tip for those buying an econocar, while choosing between hatch and sedan. Hatchback has always been a more versatile choice.

Conclusion: Wave is a surprisingly drivable car consider it starts at 15k and a loaded one costing below 20k. This review also sums up the year of subcompact car. We started to review Yaris sedan, Caliber, Fit; up until Versa and Wave. The last economy car which will be available at similar price range, will be VW’s reintroduction of Mk4 Golf 2.0 as Citi Golf, this fall.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2007 PONTIAC WAVE
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Performance: 1/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 2/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 2.5/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 2/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 1/5
Value-for-money: 2.5/5

Overall rating: 2/5