So when you are as big a Chevrolet fan as us and you get an invite down to the LAUNCH of an exciting new model it’s not something you decline in a hurry, and to be fair regardless of miles I was going to be there for this, which by the way was 642 miles in total for me. To be honest the NEW Aveo had already interested me with its looks, trim spec and also equipment levels, so when I got the call to go and be a guest of Chevrolet UK to drive this wonderful new car I nearly bit their arm off.
First things first the location was superb, we traveled to Worcestershire and were based at the Dormy House hotel, the food was stunning and the rooms were so so comfortable so all in all not a bad place to reside while testing a car.
As always if you deal with any Staff within the Chevrolet UK Team they are superb, and always happy to help, whenever they can, and to be really honest they are the best people I have ever come across in the motoring world, they are so passionate about the brand and love what they do and this always shines through when you talk to them.
To the car itself, The Aveo which I have enclosed (left) is Chevrolet’s brand new supermini to take on the Ford Fiesta and Hyundai i20 in this sector, this is not only a european model as with the outgoing Aveo this will be a global car with it also going on sale in the states branded as the Sonic. The main difference with this Aveo is , and this is fact this model was designed from scratch by Chevrolet this IS not a rebadged Daewoo as many say UK Chevrolet’s are these days. Now with Aveo there are 3 models and 4 engines to choose from, you have the LS the LT and the LTZ which is the top spec model on sale, but even the standard LS gets, Cruise control with speed limiter, Electronic stability control (ESC), Hill Start Assist, Anti-Lock Braking System, Traction Control, Air Conditioning, starting from £8995, I’ve looked around currently you’ll struggle to get that level of kit on any other Supermini for that money. The three engines available are a 1.2 litre with 83 BHP, a 1.4 with 101BHP, and two diesels for the first time in Aveo UK a 1.3 VCDI unit either in ECO spec with stop the Start the or without , Bonus with ECO VCDI is its more powerful and qualifies for Zeroroad tax due to emissions, both diesels can still do over 70 MPG.
When you Upgrade to LT Spec you add, 15″ Alloy Wheels, Chrome Grille Surround, Body Colour Door Handles, Bluetooth Phone compatibility, Steering Wheel Audio Controls, Outside Temperature Sensor to standard Kit, with this model you can either choose 1.2, 1.4 engines or even choose one of the diesels, although with LS you can only opt for 1.2 currently.
LTZ as mentioned above is the Flagship model adding, 16″ Alloy Wheels, Automatic Headlamps, Front Fog Lights, Rear Parking Distance Sensors, Leather Steering Wheel, Front Passenger Seat Storage, Movable Boot Load Cover. So as you can see there is a lot more to choose from with New Aveo.
The Drive itself in all Engine specs was, refined , comfortable and relaxing , with cruise control you can just sit back enjoy the ride and let the Aveo do the work. The Diesel is a particularly strong package, with a huge amount of torque, and superb pull up hills and out of corners, during our hour test it was also averaging 69.7 MPG and I wasnt really trying to drive economically at all. The Drive itself was on fairly twisty hilly roads and even when pushed to hard into corners the Aveo never lost its composer, or had any Traction control movements. Ive Driven a few cars in this class, and to be fair the Aveo is by far the most rewarding to drive. You feel safe while driving Aveo mainly because it is a Five STAR NCAP car but also because it just feel so compsed while your driving it.
The one I would personally have, (hoping to buy next year) is the 1.2 LT. As a current Chevrolet Spark LT owner, I like the spec this model comes with particularly fold up key (don’t ask), also the 1.2 enigine on my drive still managed 49.0 MPG at one point so for my use this is ideal for me. Also its still fantastically well priced for the kit you get, and the styling is modern, and Sportier looking than the alternatives out there in the supermini class. Also its roomy has a big boot and will seat four people comfortably. What more could you want?
But the best of all its a Chevrolet and its hard to describe but when you drive one you get a sense of passion and pride , you feel the years of the Chevrolet Brand being one of the biggest car makers in the world, and you think why did i ever buy anything else before? Trust me I’ve had my Chevrolet Spark (pictured left) for 2 Years now and I love it, no problems with it at all to report.
If you were to drive any of the New Chevrolet’s you’ll be pleasantly surprised, and impressed so give it a go. As the Advert goes No more missed opportunities, Chevrolet Make It Happen.
This Article was Brought to You by team Chevy_FansUK we are owners and fans of all thing things Chevy find us on twitter @Chevy_FansUK, this article is based on our opinions and has no connection to Chevrolet UK
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