2010 Chevrolet Aveo Review
Price
from: RM70,558
to: RM80,558
Installment
from: RM673/mth
to: RM768/mth
2010 Chevrolet Aveo at a glance
The refreshed 2010 Chevrolet Aveo is a small sedan competing in a crowded segment. But with more negatives than positives, there is little chance the 2010 Chevrolet Aveo will be the first on many buyers' list.
2010 Chevrolet Aveo quick specs
| Body Style | Sedan |
| Class | Small Family |
| Assembled | - |
| Engine Range | - |
| Fuel Options | - |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
2010 Chevrolet Aveo ratings (overall rating : 3/5.0)
| Styling | |
| Handling | |
| Comfort | |
| Quality + Reliability | |
| Performance |
| Roominess | |
| Running Costs | |
| Value for Money | |
| Equipment | |
| Environment |
Styling
The 2010 Chevrolet Aveo looks tidy enough to compete in the small family segment. The facelifted headlamps are more angular, and certainly nicer than the boring old ones. Inside, the dash design carries the same neatness, with all the essential controls in plain view. Overall, the styling is inoffensive, and while perhaps short on flair, the same can be said for all other comparable rivals.
Handling
The 2010 Chevrolet Aveo, as expected, is more focused on providing ride comfort for its passengers than agile handling. The steering feels heavy at lower speeds and becomes lighter but more unresponsive at higher speeds. The numb steering and soft suspension setup respond poorly to enthusiastic driving. Body roll is pronounced through corners. Handling-wise, the 2010 Chevrolet Aveo is strictly a point A-to-B car.
Comfort
With the soft suspension setup, the ride is smooth over all but the roughest surfaces. Cabin refinement is good with fairly well-insulated wind and road noise, while engine noise is non-intrusive even at higher revs. The seating position is high and without adequate adjustment options, some drivers may find it hard to get comfortable. Controls and their layout are functional, needing little time to locate and operate.
Quality + Reliability
Cabin materials make use of hard plastics, which are neither nice to touch nor pleasant to see. The metallic trim fails to lift the cabin atmosphere. But importantly, the assembly seems solid, and from the looks of it, everything should work well in time to come. There have been no major problems reported, and if other Chevrolet models are any guide, the Aveo should be mechanically reliable.
Performance
The 1.4-litre in-line four-cylinder engine with 92 bhp and 130 Nm, paired to a four-speed automatic gearbox, is adequate for everyday use. Overtaking would take some planning, but once settled at speed, the 2010 Chevrolet Aveo offers comfortable cruising as the engine is smooth and quiet. At low speeds, the brakes, like the steering, can feel rather numb and need some effort, but the problem eases at higher speeds.
Roominess
The driver and front passenger enjoy good amounts of head- and leg-room. For people under 1.8 metres, the rear seats should be as comfortable as the front. But taller passengers will have to make do with limited headroom. Put a tall person in the driver's seat and the rear will have little legroom left with the driver's seat pushed back. The rear can take in three passengers, but at the expense of much comfort. 60/40 split-folding rear seats provide up to 400 litres of loading space.
Running Costs
Fuel economy is average in the small car segment. Maintenance costs should be acceptable with Chevrolet's expanding network and efforts to bring in cheaper spare parts; the latter will also benefit residual values. Even so, the Chevrolet brand does not command a premium, which is vital on the second-hand market. And with so many competent alternatives around, the Chevrolet Aveo's depreciation could be massive.
Value for Money
The Honda City, Toyota Vios, Hyundai (Inokom) Getz and Kia Rio are some notable rivals. Pricing is key in this segment; the question becomes if the 2010 Chevrolet Aveo can significantly undercut the more capable City and Vios, and the answer is no. For us, the 2010 Chevrolet Aveo does not make our shopping list.
Equipment
The 1.4 SE gets 14-inch steel wheels, manual fold side mirrors, fabric seat material, 6-way adjustable driver's seat and 4-speaker single-CD player. The 1.4 SX adds alloy wheels, driver's airbag, anti-lock braking system, electronic brake distribution, and immobiliser. The 1.4 LUX adds leather-covered steering wheel with radio control, 15-inch alloy wheels, power fold side mirrors, chrome door handles, beige leather seat material, wooden console, 6-speaker 6-CD player with MP3 decoder, and front passenger airbag to the 1.4 SX's equipment.
Environment
The 1.4-litre engine emits 152 grams/km of carbon dioxide. In absolute terms, this figure is pretty good. But for the 2010 Chevrolet Aveo's size and engine capacity, this emission level is only average. Automakers, whether mainstream or luxury, are working towards 'greener' engines, thus auguring well for our environment.
Live Life Drive Verdict
User-friendly controls' layout
Solid cabin construction
Decent loading space
Below average handling
Suspect cabin material quality
Strong competition
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