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For many buyers, fuel mileage is trumping all else, and compact cars are experiencing a growth in popularity.

Chevrolet’s Aveo is built by Daewoo, GM’s Korean subsidiary. Major competitors include the Honda Fit, Toyota Yaris, Hyundai Accent, Kia Rio and Nissan Versa.

Although the Aveo was redesigned in 2007, it gets an attractive new face for 2009, a slightly more powerful engine and a revised interior. The grille is similar to that of the Malibu.

The Aveo is available as a sedan or a five-door hatchback. Base prices start at $11,460 for the LS and top out at $14,860 for the 2LT.

For 2009, the Aveo’s 1.6-liter engine has 106 horsepower, a slight increase over last year’s. Fuel economy is rated at 25 mpg in the city and 34 on the highway with the automatic transmission.

The Aveo is tall and narrow to provide decent interior space in spite of the smallish overall size. The upright seating position gives good headroom and legroom. The chassis has a 97.6-inch wheelbase. The overall length of 152.7 inches is more than 2 feet shorter than Chevy Cobalt.

When I adjusted the driver’s seat for legroom, I had to stretch to reach the steering wheel comfortably. Moving the seat closer made my legs feel crowded. I eventually found a compromise, but it was never ideal. And speaking of the driver’s seat: I felt as if I was sitting on it instead of in it.

The Aveo5 hatchback is more practical than the sedan because the 60/40 rear seat folds down to create the interior configuration of a small station wagon.

The instrument panel is attractive. Its pebbled surface is visually interesting without being gimmicky, and the gauges are easy to read both in daylight and at night. The air conditioning has cabin filtration and rear-seat air vents.

The audio and HVAC systems are nicely integrated into the center stack. Controls are attractively styled yet easy to operate. The wiper is the only switch that felt clunky.

The new four-cylinder engine delivers modest acceleration. The automatic transmission softens performance a little, but it is more relaxing in city commuting.

The Aveo’s ride is comfortable, but a tad softer than I like. MacPherson struts are used in front while the rear axle is a torsion beam. The brakes are vented discs in front and drums in back, and anti-lock is optional.

Standard safety equipment includes front and side airbags. Anti-lock brakes are optional.

Price The base price of the test car was $13,595. Options included the automatic transmission and anti-lock brakes. The sticker price was $16,295.

Warranty Three years or 36,000 miles with a five-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty.

2009 Chevrolet Aveo5

Engine: 1.6-liter, 106-hp 4-cyl.

Transmission: Automatic

Front-wheel drive

Wheelbase: 97.6 inches

Curb weight: 2,542 lbs.

Base prices: $13,595

As driven: $16,295

MPG: 25 city, 34 hwy.

To reach Tom Strongman, send e-mail to tstrongman@kc.rr.com.