Chevrolet Aveo hatchback [AUTO REVIEW]

With its targets trained firmly on class leader the Suzuki Swift, the second-generation Chevrolet Aveo supermini has much improved levels of standard equipment across the range and sports a motorbike-inspired interior design. An LED speedometer and a funky rev counter lend a sporty feel to the inside of the Aveo, while the coupe-like, Volkswagen Scirocco-resembling exterior styling -- which includes in-vogue hidden rear door handles and more aggressively styled headlights -- only increases its appeal. Along with this, the Aveo is also more practical than its predecessor, even beating the Swift and Ford Ka for space and practicality. The diesel model is also one of the most economical cars in the class. And with prices that undercut many of its class-leading rivals, Chevrolet has made the Aveo a very tempting package for buyers on a budget looking for a car that's simple and easy to drive.
The Aveo is comfortable, but petrol engines are coarse
The Aveo strikes a pretty good balance between reasonable handling ability and decent ride comfort. Two petrol models are available -- an 83bhp 1.2-litre and a 99bhp 1.4-litre -- while the frugal 1.3-litre diesel is offered at either 74bhp or 94bhp. The whole engine range performs well, with suitably brisk performance, but the Aveo can be quite noisy (especially when you start it up) and somewhat strains on the motorway, which is partly because of the five-speed manual gearbox. That gearbox is fairly accurate, however, and when paired with the Aveo's very light steering, it does make it easy to drive around town, although you do have to work it hard to keep up with traffic on faster roads. Its exterior dimensions make parking and tight spaces easy to negotiate. A six-speed automatic gearbox is available on the 1.4-litre petrol car, but is much less efficient and is often noisier than the manual.