Press Release
Page 3: Engines and Chassis / Market and Model
A notchback sedan with space and grace
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The beginning of Chevrolet's product offensive for 2006
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A design of its own to differentiate it from the hatchback Kalos/Aveo
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Choice of two four-cylinder engines with 72 and 94 hp
The launch of the Aveo in Europe will be the first Chevrolet car to have been designed completely at the new GM Design Centre in Bupyong, Korea. The compact notchback sedan also marks the start of a product offensive that will bring two more completely new models to Europe in 2006 and will also make diesel engines available for the first time during the course of the year.
Wayne Brannon, Executive Director of Chevrolet Europe: "Our brand is continuing its ascent. The number of new registrations in Europe was up by more than 25 percent in 2005 compared with the previous year. And we have not yet reached our normal flying altitude. Over the next few years we are expecting a further boost from new products and new technology." For the new Aveo, the Chevrolet experts predict over 25,000 new registrations in 2006.
The new Chevrolet Aveo notchback sedan is one of the most affordable offerings on the market today for comfortably transporting up to five people and their luggage. It is targeted particularly at families with children, and thus supplements the hatchback models in the range.
Harmonious proportions are a strong feature of the design
The balanced proportions of the new Aveo make for what is, on the whole, a more powerful appearance. High-quality details like the pull out-type door handles underscore the value aspect, and the interior design leaves the "small car world" well behind it. Simply through its dimensions, the Aveo looks significantly more grown up than its predecessor that has been marketed in many European countries. The dimensions of the body have increased in all directions. The new Aveo is 4,310 mm long (plus 75 mm), 1,710 mm wide (plus 40 mm) and 1,505 mm tall (plus 10 mm).
The net result is a much more stretched-looking silhouette, underscored by the dynamically rising sideline, pronounced shoulders and the newly designed 15-inch wheels. At the rear, the decorative strip across the whole width of the car and the unobtrusive spoiler lip emphasise the fuller appearance of the Aveo, as does the 20 mm wider track width. The most visible expression of the brand's new self-confidence and the new design line is the front section. The most striking features here are the three-dimensional headlamps pulled well into the engine hood and front wings, plus the grille surrounded by hefty chrome strips.
Plenty of space in the stylishly designed interior
With a wheelbase of 2,480 mm, the new Chevrolet sedan shows clearly that it is far from being the smallest in its class. This fact is reflected in particular in the spacious interior. Also as regards its luggage-carrying capacity, the Aveo's trunk really can pack it in, accommodating 400 litres (according to the VDA standard), which is 20 litres more than the previous model. By laying the rear seat backrest flat, this capacity can be significantly increased even further.
The instrument panel has been completely redesigned. It is clearly divided into four chrome-bordered circular instruments and a centre console with striking air outlet nozzles, a fully integrated audio unit and large, easy-to-operate rotating knobs for the air-conditioning. The technical structure of the plastic surfaces and the soft-feel finish of the dashboard and the upper half of the door liner are particularly pleasant to the touch. The bright, two-colour design also makes an important contribution to the friendly, inviting impression created by the interior as a whole.
New body structure improves passenger safety and comfort
The body structure of the Aveo has also been upgraded thoroughly. Three clearly defined load paths absorb the forces in the event of a front impact. They are supported over a large area on the new structure of the passenger cell. A new feature here is the use of high-strength steel - for the B post for example - which plays an important role in the case of a side impact. Airbags for the driver and front-seat passenger and two side airbags are all standard.
Modern engines, good drive comfort and high active safety
There is a choice of two four-cylinder gasoline engines with light-alloy cylinder heads for the new Chevrolet Aveo. The smaller unit generates precisely 53 kW/72 hp from 1,150 cm³ and has a maximum torque of 104 Nm at 4,400 rpm. The Aveo 1.2, which comes as standard with a five-speed manual transmission, accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 13.7 seconds and has a maximum speed of 157 km/h. Average consumption (MVEG) is 6.4 litres per 100 km.
The 1.4-litre engine (which can also be delivered with a four-speed automatic transmission as an alternative to the five-speed manual gearbox) naturally offers even greater dynamic on the road. The four-cylinder, four-valve unit with two overhead camshafts generates a powerful 69 kW/94 hp at 6,200 rpm from a capacity of 1,399 cm³. Its maximum speed of 176 km/h (automatic version: 170 km/h) and average consumption of 6.7 litres per 100 km (7.0 l) show that, with this engine, dynamism does not come at the cost of economy. From a standing start, the Aveo 1.4 reaches 100 km/h in 11.1 sec (11.9 sec).
Good drive comfort and high active safety are ensured by the modern chassis design of the Chevrolet Aveo with McPherson suspension struts at the front and a torsion-beam rear axle. Another plus point is the comparatively large - for this class - track width of 1,450 mm at the front and 1,430 mm at the rear. The standard rack-and-pinion power steering is speed-dependent and gives the driver a feel of precision in the steering. The front-wheel drive Aveo is particularly easy to manoeuvre within a very small space as its turning circle from kerb to kerb is just 10.5 m. Both models have been provided with a modern brake unit with standard four-channel ABS and internally ventilated disc brakes at the front (diameter: 236 mm) and stable drum brakes at the rear (diameter: 200 mm).
