By Tom Crosby
AAA Carolinas

The Chevrolet Aveo sedan is the company’s smallest car, first introduced in 2005, and redesigned for 2007, making it longer, better handling with an improved suspension system and more comfortable inside.

There are two Aveo models, the LS and LT - both four-door sedans with a choice of a standard manual or optional automatic transmission using the same 1.6-liter, 4-cylinder engine, regardless of transmission choice. We tested the automatic LT, top-of-the-line for Aveo but costing less than $14,000 in base price - a perfect first car.

While the wheelbase remains the same, the sedan’s length increased 3 inches, adding needed leg room for taller adults sitting in the rear seats. Improving comfort was a redesign goal. Added as standard equipment on the LT were a fold-down driver’s armrest, an upgraded six-speaker audio system and an auxiliary input jack for iPOD or other devices. The cupholders felt too small for large drinks.

The Aveo is an import from General Motor’s Daewoo plant in South Korea and is sold under different nameplates in 120 countries. (Key competitors are Hyundai Accent, Toyota Yaris, Ford Focus and Kia Rio.)

A front-wheel drive compact car, the exterior redesign gives it a pleasant, youthful look, with moderately flared fenders over 15-inch, 5-spoke aluminum wheels. The chrome-rimmed front grille is divided by a horizontal bar with a gold, Chevrolet bow-tie logo in the center.  Safety features are average for a small car and the steel body is designed well enough to earn a top federal crash rating for a frontal collision. The LT also comes with dual power-adjusting heated side mirrors.

Visibility is adequate, although the rearview mirror produces a strange fishbowl-like visual effect.  Inside, gauges and dials are easily viewed and reached, front-seat headrests tilt, as does the steering wheel, and there is a sunglass holder above the driver’s door.

The 60-40 split fold-down rear seat adds cargo space to the 12.4 cubic feet trunk. Underway, the Aveo is quiet enough, except when pushing for higher speeds (the radio antenna is now built into the rear window). Mileage per gallon is excellent, but there is nothing quick about getting underway. Handling feels solid, and the ride is cushioned with a MacPherson front strut with coil springs and stabilizer bar and an independent link-type rear suspension with gas-charged shocks.