Aveo Under the Microscope

The Aveo anchors Chevrolet’s bottom end with subcompact dimensions and a bargain-basement price. A restyled Aveo sedan quietly debuted alongside the glitzy Suburban at January’s Los Angeles Auto Show, but we didn’t get many impressions amid a gaggle of journalists rushing the nearby truck. (OK, we were heading for the Suburban, too.)

At a press event yesterday near Chicago, Chevrolet squeezed a 2007 Aveo into the foyer in anticipation of it reaching dealerships next month. After kicking tires and slamming doors, we think this car might hold a candle to the segment’s much-trumpeted newbies – the Honda Fit, Toyota Yaris and Nissan Versa.

Given that many people buy an entry-level car for basic transportation sans any options, we doubt there are many takers for the demonstrator car. It was decked out with alloy wheels, a moonroof, leatherette upholstery and faux wood trim. The latter seemed over-shined and a bit plasticky, but we’ve seen worse. And while the seats weren’t terribly supportive, they trumped the Yaris’ flimsy chairs.

Fellow scribe Mike Hanley found the rear seatback especially well-angled. It folds down, too – but there’s a hefty ledge between the trunk floor and the folded seat, Mike noted.

The engine is a carryover from last year’s Aveo, a 1.6-liter four-banger that makes a modest 103 horsepower.

But by and large, the overall package seems solid. Especially if you consider its price.

When it hits showrooms next month, the 2007 Aveo will start at less than $12,000. We’re guessing the options ratchet this car up to about $15,000. Do buyers want a subcompact with all the options, or will they stick with crank-down windows and no A/C? Chevrolet hopes for a little of each, so long as they pronounce it right: It’s Uh-VAY-oh, not AY-vee-oh, said spokesman Mike Albano.