2006 Chevrolet Aveo: In Depth

A notchback sedan with space and grace

The beginning of Chevrolet's product offensive for 2006
A design of its own to differentiate it from the hatchback Kalos/Aveo
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 cmÃƒÆ’Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ãƒâ€šÃ‚Â³ 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 cmÃƒÆ’Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ãƒâ€šÃ‚Â³. 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).

Design and bodywork

Full-grown compact sedan with a dynamic touch

Modern design methods create concise body language
High-grade materials shape the interior
Stable bodywork structure improves passenger protection

Sportier, more stylish and higher quality: The designers of the new Chevrolet Aveo set themselves clear targets when they got down to work in autumn 2003. The compact notchback sedan was the first project to be taken on by the brand-new Design Centre in Bupyong, Korea. The Deputy Design Director, Sangtak Choi, recalls: "We had three key factors to consider to achieve our goals ÃƒÆ’Ã‚Â¢ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚Â¬ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…â€œ the first was balanced proportions for an overall more powerful appearance, the second was the inclusion of stylish details such as the pull-out type door handles, and the third was to create an interior design that put the classic world of small cars well behind it."

To turn the ideas and specifications into reality, the designers were assisted by the modern aids now available to them at the new Design Centre. Sangtak Choi: "By being integrated into GM's design community, we can regularly exchange ideas and information with our colleagues in GM's worldwide design studios and thus gain valuable feedback and suggestions. Apart from that, we now also have the possibility, through the state-of-the-art digital equipment in our studios, to animate our drawings and are thus able to evaluate them far more accurately." Another contributing factor was that cooperation with developers and designers was considerably improved because they were able to evaluate the feasibility of ideas very much earlier with the aid of digital pre-data.

The new Chevrolet Aveo looks far more grown-up than its predecessor, which was already marketed in many European countries. All dimensions of the body have been increased, but to a differing extent. 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 stretched silhouette that is further underlined by the dynamically rising sideline, pronounced shoulders and the door sills painted in the colour of the vehicle. The overall appearance is boosted by attractive details like the large pull-out type door handles 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 at the edge of the trunk lid emphasize the grown-up stance of the Aveo, as does the 20mm wider track. The rear lights are designed just as strikingly as the front headlamps.

The most visible expression of the brand's new self-confidence and the new design line is the front of the sharply contoured sedan. The most eyecatching features here are the three-dimensional headlamps pulled into the engine hood and front wings, plus the grille surrounded by hefty chrome strips. A chromium-plated cross strut bearing the Chevrolet emblem is a clear attention-grabber in the middle. These optical elements of the Aveo front end impart a sense of dynamism, as do the striking, V-shaped profile edges of the engine bonnet. They extend into the solid looking bumpers and, in combination with the black-bordered circular fog lamps, emphasise the four-door Aveo's sporty appearance.

Generous interior dimensions and high-grade materials

With its generous dimensions and a wheelbase of 2,480 millimetres, the new Chevrolet sedan is intent on demonstrating that it is certainly not among the smallest in its class. The generous outer dimensions are also reflected in the spacious interior. For example, the Aveo sets the standard in its segment with shoulder room of 1,362 mm at the front and 1,340 mm at the rear. It also boasts top statistics for the front legroom of 1,048 mm (898 mm at the back) and the headroom of 998 mm (950 mm). As regards its luggage carrying capacity, too, the capacity of the Aveo trunk has been increased by 20 litres to 400 litres (according to the VDA standard). By folding the rear seat backrest flat, this capacity can be considerably increased.

The interior of the four-door Aveo is both stylish and comfortable. The technical structure of the plastic surfaces and the soft-touch finish of the dashboard and the upper half of the door panels are very pleasant to touch. The materials used are just as high-quality as the woven fabrics of the seats. The bright, two-colour design also makes an important contribution to the friendly, inviting impression created by the interior as a whole.

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. Between the four round instruments is an information display for the trip computer. The passenger airbag is now integrated invisibly into the instrument panel and can, if desired, be deactivated. Like the driver airbag concealed in the sporty four-spoke steering wheel and the two side airbags, it comes as standard. They are supplemented by the safety belt pretensioners.

New body structure improves passenger safety and comfort

The body structure of the Aveo has also been thoroughly modified. 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 ÃƒÆ’Ã‚Â¢ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚Â¬ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…â€œ for the B post for example ÃƒÆ’Ã‚Â¢ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚Â¬ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…â€œ which plays an important role in the case of a side impact. Protection is optimised by the longitudinal reinforcements in the doors. However, the far more torsion-resistant body not only adds to the protection of the occupants, it also contributes to their comfort. Together with a generous insulating mat package, it ensures much better noise comfort inside.

Engines and chassis

Modern drivetrains, good drive comfort and high active safety

Two four-cylinder gasoline engines with 72 and 94 hp
Five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission
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 ÃƒÆ’Ã‚Â¢ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚Â¬ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…â€œ for this class ÃƒÆ’Ã‚Â¢ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚Â¬ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…â€œ 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

Plenty of car and plenty of equipment at a fair price
Notchbacks account for 43 percent of the Kalos/Aveo model range
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 ÃƒÆ’Ã‚Â¢ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚Â¬ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…â€œ the three and five-door Kalos/Aveo. The target group for the new model is also different ÃƒÆ’Ã‚Â¢ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚Â¬ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…â€œ 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 ÃƒÆ’Ã‚Â¢ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚Â¬ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…â€œ 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 passengersÃƒÆ’Ã‚Â¢ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚Â¬Ãƒâ€šÃ‚Â� 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:

Automatic transmission
Onboard computer
Power window
Electrically adjustable and fold-in outer mirrors
Split folding rear-bench backrest
Automatic air-conditioning
Driver seat armrest
Keyless entry system
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."