2007 Chevrolet Aveo

• Competes with: Hyundai Accent, Kia Rio, Scion xA, Toyota Yaris, Honda Fit/Jazz
• Looks like: A smaller, stubbier Chevrolet Cobalt
• Drivetrain: 1.6-liter I-4 engine with five-speed-manual or four-speed-automatic transmission; front-wheel drive
• Hits dealerships: Summer 2006

After just three years on the market, Chevrolet's entry-level Aveo sedan undergoes an extensive redesign for 2007. The new model moves upscale, with available premium touches such as chrome door handles and Leatherette (imitation leather) seats. The new Aveo is slightly larger than its predecessor but offers the same engine and transmission choices.

Notable standard features include side-impact airbags for the front seats and an auxiliary audio input jack for portable music devices such as the Apple iPod.

As General Motors' primary contender in the subcompact market, the four-door Aveo sedan competes with other entry-level vehicles, including the Hyundai Accent, Kia Rio and Scion xA. No word is out yet on whether a five-door hatchback, as offered in the previous-generation Aveo, will be available with this version.

The Aveo is built in South Korea. It will go on sale in summer 2006.

Exterior
Larger headlamps and a prominent chrome grille give the four-door Aveo a contemporary, peppy appearance, while jeweled taillamps evoke the midsize Ford Fusion's rear. Body-colored bumpers and side moldings, as well as optional chrome door handles, give higher trim levels a premium look. Optional fog lights and 15-inch alloy wheels (in place of standard 14-inch steel ones) make the Aveo about as sporty looking as a subcompact sedan can get.

Exterior measurements indicate moderate increases in length and width over the previous Aveo, though height and wheelbase remain virtually unchanged. This translates to a slight increase in front cabin room and a bump to 12.4 cubic feet of cargo volume over the earlier version's 11.7 cubic feet.

Interior
In place of the previous Aveo model's molded plastic interior is an attractive two-tone dashboard with chrome-ringed air vents, painted plastic inlays and an upgraded radio modeled after units in GM's pricier cars. Other features include a standard 60/40-split, folding backseat and a fold-flat front passenger seat, which expand the cargo area for longer items.

Two trims are available: a base LS and higher-end LT. LS models have standard power steering and tilt as well as adjustable-height head restraints; LT trims add various power accessories. Options include imitation wood trim, faux leather seats and a power moonroof. Although the base stereo does not include a CD player, it features a standard auxiliary input jack for connecting portable music devices such as iPods. A CD-player or six-CD changer is optional, the latter with available steering-wheel-mounted controls.

Cabin and cargo dimensions put the Aveo on par with competing sedans such as the Kia Rio and Hyundai Accent.

Under the Hood
The 2007 Aveo is powered by its predecessor's engine: a 1.6-liter four-cylinder with 103 horsepower and 107 pounds-feet of torque. Transmission options also remain the same, with a standard five-speed manual or optional four-speed automatic.

Safety
The Aveo boasts standard front- and side-impact airbags for the front seats. Side curtain-type airbags are not available. Front disc and rear drum brakes are standard, and antilock brakes are optional.
source : car