The Chevrolet Aveo can trace its lineage back to the GM-based reskins Daewoo produced in the mid-1990s, including the Lanos with which it is most comparable to.
After Daewoo’s collapse and GM’s takeover, the line-up included the Kalos supermini, which was followed in 2007 by a facelifted variant with the historic Chevrolet moniker and the new Aveo name applied. The latest version, the second-generation Aveo, was first shown at the Paris motor show in 2010.
We’re still trying to get accustomed to the idea that Chevrolet is making competitive cars for European consumption. Its UK line-up has grown substatially and although the Spark is quite forgettable, the promise of the Captiva and Cruze was followed very convincingly by the Orlando, which garnered itself three and a half road test stars and made some friends at this magazine.
So it’s with a high level of interest and not a little expectation that we welcome the Aveo – because it interests us as a Chevrolet, too, and not just because this Korean-built supermini will also form the basis for the next-generaton Vauxhall Corsa.
The Aveo, offered as a five-door hatch only in the UK (although a saloon can be had in some markets), is available with 1.2 and 1.4 petrol engines and a 1.3 turbodiesel that, in Eco trim, promises great frugality.
