2008 Chevrolet Aveo: What's New

Vehicle Overview
After just three years on the market, Chevrolet’s entry-level Aveo sedan underwent an extensive redesign in 2007. With all the work done last year, little has changed for the sedan in 2008 except for tweaks to trim packages. The bigger news is the return of the Aveo5 hatchback. As General Motors’ primary contender in the subcompact market, the four-door Aveo sedan competes with other entry-level vehicles, including the Hyundai Accent, Kia Rio and Scion xA.

The Aveo moved upscale last year, with newly available premium touches such as chrome door handles and Leatherette (imitation leather) seats. The Aveo is slightly larger than its 2006 predecessor but offers the same engine and transmission choices.

Notable standard features include side-impact airbags for the front seats, a tire pressure monitoring system and an auxiliary audio input jack for portable music devices such as the Apple iPod.

A five-door hatchback, the Aveo5, makes its return to the Aveo lineup after a one-year hiatus. The Aveo is built in South Korea.

Exterior
Larger headlamps and a prominent chrome grille give the four-door Aveo a contemporary, peppy appearance, while jeweled taillamps evoke the midsize Ford Fusion’s rear. Body-colored bumpers and side moldings, as well as optional chrome door handles, give higher trim levels a premium look. Optional fog lights and 15-inch alloy wheels (in place of standard 14-inch steel ones) make the Aveo about as sporty-looking as a subcompact sedan can get. The Aveo has 12.4 cubic feet of cargo volume.

The Aveo5, a four-door hatchback, took a year off after the Aveo’s redesign last year, but is back for the 2008 model year. Offered as a Special Value Model and LS model, the Special Value Model includes power rack-and-pinion steering and 14-inch wheels.

Interior
The Aveo comes with an attractive two-tone dashboard with chrome-ringed air vents, painted plastic inlays and an upgraded radio modeled after units in GM’s pricier cars. Other features include a standard 60/40-split folding backseat and a fold-flat front passenger seat, which expand the cargo area for longer items.

Two trims are available for the sedan: a base LS and higher-end LT. LS models have standard power steering and tilting adjustable-height head restraints; LT trims add various power accessories. A power package is available on the LT that includes power windows, power door locks and remote keyless entry. Chrome door handles are standard on the LT. Options include imitation wood trim, faux leather seats and a power moonroof. Although the base stereo does not include a CD player, it features a standard auxiliary input jack for connecting portable music devices such as iPods. A CD-player or six-CD changer is optional, the latter with available steering-wheel-mounted controls.

Cabin and cargo dimensions put the Aveo on par with competing sedans such as the Kia Rio and Hyundai Accent.

The Aveo5 Special Value Model comes with an AM/FM stereo. Options include an engine block heater and dealer-installed air conditioning.

LS models include standard air conditioning, antilock brakes and features like a spoiler and fog lights.

Under the Hood
For 2008, both the Aveo and Aveo5 are powered by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder with 103 horsepower and 107 pounds-feet of torque. Transmission options include a standard five-speed manual or optional four-speed automatic.

Safety
Both the Aveo and Aveo5 boast standard front- and side-impact airbags for the front seats. Side curtain airbags are not available. Front disc and rear drum brakes are standard, and antilock brakes are optional. A tire pressure monitoring system is standard for 2008.