Review: UK Chevrolet Aveo 1.3 VCDi Eco diesel with start/stop

Here's what North America won't get (yet??) ...

http://www.aveoforum.com/forum/attac...-3-600x399-jpg
(GM image)

http://www.aveoforum.com/forum/attac..._469942_23-jpg

Specs:

• 1.3-litre VDCi diesel
• same engine used in GM's Opel/Vauxhaull Corsa
• either 74 bhp or 94 bhp
• both versions come with an auto start/stop system
• an "Eco" version is cleanest (95 gm/km) & lowest fuel consumption, rated 78.5 mpg (Imperial gallon) combined = 3.6 L / 100 km = 65.4 mpg (US gal)
• "Eco" version is top of the Aveo line, and gets other stuff like LRR tires, cruise control, electric windows and a USB connection

Chevy is positioning the Aveo in the UK as a value leader. Its price undercuts the competition by thousands, e.g. equivalent Ford Fiesta and VW Polo is over £2,500 more expensive.

The Auto Express reviewer liked the little diesel, because the engine's superior torque makes it both more efficient and more entertaining to drive than the petrol/gas versions of the car.

Quote:

---

it feels much more responsive than its petrol counterparts, and in-gear acceleration has significantly improved.

---

("In-gear acceleration"... is there any other kind? :D Coasting down hills much, are we?)

Handling? Not quite as good as their favourite of the moment (Fiesta), but...

Quote:

---

...the Aveo strikes a good balance between handling poise and passenger comfort. The steering is positive and well weighted, and the lack of body roll, combined with generous amounts of front-end grip, means that it’s actually a surprisingly entertaining drive, even on skinny low-rolling resistance tyres.

---

The two main compliants:

• the engine gets noisy when pushed hard
• the start/stop system isn't the smoothest they've tried, "pausing noticeably for each restart and sending noise and vibration into the cabin via the gearlever"

http://www.aveoforum.com/forum/attac..._469942_23-jpg Full Auto EXPRESS review: Chevrolet Aveo 1.3 VDCi Eco | First Drive | Auto Express

What Car? has reviewed the Aveo Eco diesel as well:

Attachment 4806

Proving how subjective these reviews are, they compliment the car for being better than average when the engine is pushed (vs the above review, which said it got too diesely-clattery):

Quote:

---

The Aveo has the edge on many of them for engine refinement, too. It's reasonably quiet at a steady cruise, and you're not subjected to a barrage of vibration every time you pick up the pace.

---

Other likes/dislikes:

Like:

• cheap to own & run: 78.5mpg; 95g/km CO2 (zero road tax, London Congestion Charge exemption)
• generally decent engine performance/refinement for this segment (Eco spec diesel superminis)
• interior space
• good visibility
• more standard equipment & lower price than competition

Dislike:

• steering at speed feels light
• lots of body lean in spirited driving, though grip is acceptable
• motorcycle-inspired instrument cluster isn't as easy to read as it could be
• interior material quality is hit/miss (some cheap looking plastics)

Again, like Auto EXPRESS, if price were equal, they'd take the Fiesta Econetic. But the price difference will steer buyers to the Aveo:

Quote:

---

The thing is, though, the Fiesta is just so much better to drive – it's more comfortable, more manoeuvrable, more fun and more flexible. The interior quality is better, too.

For us, that's easily worth the extra you pay for it. However, plenty of cash-conscious buyers could well decide that the saving you make by choosing an Aveo is one worth taking.

---

Pricing for the Eco version of the Aveo start at £12,795, £1100 less than the base Ford Fiesta Econetic.

Full review: Chevrolet Aveo 1.3 VCDi Ecodiesel review - Car and Car-Buying News - What Car?

Another review, this one from AUTOCAR...

http://www.aveoforum.com/forum/attac...tocar_logo-gif

They apparently prefer the gassers...

Quote:

---

in practice the Aveo is just how you would expect it to be – that is, an adequate if uninspiring diesel supermini.

---

Likes:

• notably comfy
• good visibility
• steering response ("easy to place on the road")
• nice brakes
• decent price

Dislikes:

• engine noise/refinement at motorway speeds
• suspension too soft - body roll (but they like the ride! :D)
• dash & interior quality

Ultimately they suggest that anyone looking to pick up this "mpg-hero" supermini needs to do the math before opting for the more expensive oil burner over the petrol version. The entry level 1.2L gasser starts at £9,750 and the diesel Eco is £12,795.

(I suspect doing the math will almost always show it in buyers' favour to go with diesel, considering fuel prices in the UK.)

Full article: Chevrolet Aveo 1.3D - Road Test First Drive - Autocar.co.uk

I would have loved a diesel version of the Aveo. Hell you hear stories of Diesel Rabbits outliving everything on earth (actually not true, just an exgeration). At least the Diesel Rabbit would go forever on a tank.