Press Release
Page 3: Engines and Chassis / Market and Model
Engines and chassis
Modern drivetrains, good drive comfort and high active safety
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Two four-cylinder gasoline engines with 72 and 94 hp
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Five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission
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Four-channel ABS is standard in all versions
The new Chevrolet Aveo will offer a choice of two four-cylinder gasoline engines with light-alloy cylinder heads. Needless to say, they comply with the Euro-4 emissions standard. The smaller unit generates precisely 53 kW/72 hp from a capacity of 1,150 cm3, and its maximum torque of 104 Nm is generated at 4,400 rpm. The long-stroke engine (bore/stroke: 68.5/78.0 mm) is equipped with a modern Multipoint injection unit. 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, which, with its 45-litre tank, gives it a range of 700 km.
The 1.4-litre engine (which can also be delivered with a four-speed automatic transmission from the Japanese transmission specialists Aisin as an alternative to the five-speed manual gearbox) naturally offers greater dynamic drive performance. 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. The undersquare 1.4-litre (bore/stroke: 77.9/73.4 mm) attains its maximum torque of 130 Nm at 3,400 rpm. The unit also responds well at the lower rpm range because its variable intake system ensures particularly high air throughput and thus provides high torque at low engine speeds. 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 s).
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. This, and the steering gear mounted on the cross member of the front-wheel suspension both contribute to precise, agile handling. 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.
Depending on the trim level, Aveo is available with three different wheel/tyre combinations: 13 inch with 155/80 R 13 tyres, 14 inch wheels with 185/60 R 14 tyres or 15 inch wheels with 185/55 R 15 tyres. Both larger wheels are also available in light alloy. 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).
Market and model
A practical, compact, and stylish notchback sedan
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Plenty of car and plenty of equipment at a fair price
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Notchbacks account for 43 percent of the Kalos/Aveo model range
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Target for 2006: Sales of over 25,000 units in Europe
The new Chevrolet Aveo notchback sedan is certainly one of the least expensive ways to transport up to five people and their luggage in comfort. The additional space in the rear is the main thing that differentiates it from its successful sister models – the three and five-door Kalos/Aveo. The target group for the new model is also different – primarily single-car families with children. The hatchback version, on the other hand, is often used as a second car or as an entry-level vehicle for youngsters as they leave the family nest.
Chevrolet sees particularly good prospects for the four-door Aveo in countries where the car market is only just developing and where many families have to work hard to afford even one car. In the more mature markets, it tends to be car buyers with a more pragmatic outlook who favour the practical aspect of having a separate trunk. This type of customer is particularly common in Spain, for example, where the traditional notchback form has always played a key role in the small car segment.
The new Chevrolet Aveo will be no exception. Chevrolet marketing experts expect Russia, the Ukraine, Turkey, Spain and the region we call Southeast Europe to be the main ,markets for the Aveo. In total, Chevrolet plans to sell more than 25,000 four door Aveos throughout Europe in 2006. This should add further weight to the brand's consistent growth in Europe. Last year, Chevrolet Europe broke through the 200,000 barrier by November. With some 200,400 new registrations across Europe in the first eleven months, the brand with the bow-tie recorded an increase of 26.7 percent compared with the same period of the previous year. Its market share in Western Europe is 0.9 percent, and in Central and Eastern Europe more than twice that – 2.2 percent.
All in all, the new Chevrolet Aveo will be sold in more than 120 countries around the world. In 2004, its predecessor model, with around 91,000 vehicles, had a 43 percent share of the total Kalos/Aveo production of 208,000 units.
The Chevrolet Aveo also underlines its claim to be a "small sedan with the potential to indulge its passengers� through its comprehensive range of available equipment. Depending on the country and equipment level (for more information, please consult the price list), the Aveo has the following features, either standard or optional:
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Automatic transmission
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Onboard computer
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Power window
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Electrically adjustable and fold-in outer mirrors
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Split folding rear-bench backrest
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Automatic air-conditioning
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Driver seat armrest
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Keyless entry system
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Power door lock
"The new Aveo fits in perfectly with our product philosophy," explains Wayne Brannon, Executive Director of Chevrolet Europe. "With its clear and stylish design and its outstanding amount of space, it offers young families in particular more car for their money."
