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2009 Chevrolet Aveo5 Preview

That nose! Would you just look at that nose! Chevrolet might be using the tagline, "The car you can't ignore" for the new '08

Chevy debuted its Aveo5 in LA, alongside some of its small city-friendly concepts. Notice the resemblance? (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

Malibu, but it just might suit the recently redesigned Aveo5 even better. The new corporate face is all about giving America's bread and butter brand a stronger image, which can be seen on the Chevy's new trucks, SUVs, and cars, and perhaps most clearly of all on this, its smallest model. The slightly blunted nose puts the golden bowtie up front, and combined with new one-piece headlamps, plus a lower valance that would be at home on a sports sedan, the new Aveo5 is anything but modest looking. Interestingly, we couldn't help but notice the similarities between the Aveo5's new snout and that of the Chevrolet Beat minicar concept vehicle. Could this be a hint at things to come?

The facelift comes at just the right time for the Aveo5. Since it entered the market, Toyota refreshed its subcompact hatchback, Nissan entered the spacious Versa, and the Honda Fit not only showed up, but it's about to be redesigned as well. Things within the Aveo lineup have already started to change, first with last year's update for the Sedan. It came dressed to the subcompact party to impress with its classy, chrome-trimmed exterior and handsome overall appearance. While the sedan looks a little more grown up, the 5 is fun and funky, no question about it. In addition to the work

It almost makes you want to ask it why it's so angry looking... (Photo: Chevrolet)

up front, its backside sports new taillights, a rear spoiler and a different back bumper too. In between, things remain pretty much the same, but for a pair of chromed fender vents, which mimic those fitted to the new CTS.

Inside, the Aveo5 receives the same interior that the sedan got last year, which is a massive step forward from the hatchback's previous cabin. Although we don't often talk about interior ambience in subcompact cars, it's worth talking about with the Aveo. The dashboard has a pleasing matte finish with a dimpled texture, and a center console that's well organized with GM's high-grade corporate stereo and simple, basic climate controls. Besides being better built, the Aveo5 can be had with wood trim (carbon fiber and satin chrome are also available), and a two-toned faux leather interior, the sort of features you wouldn't expect from a car this size. It's no Rolls-Royce, but for the money it'll set you back, its accommodations are completely respectable. Other new features to the Aveo5 for next year include OnStar,

Finally, the hatchback gets the same interior as the sedan, and not a moment too soon. (Photo: Chevrolet)

and XM satellite radio in addition to the six-way adjustable driver's seat, power sunroof, cruise control, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, keyless entry (with integrated fob) and heated power mirrors. In terms of safety equipment, the Aveo5 comes standard with front and side/thorax airbags. Four-wheel ABS brakes are optional.

Like many of its peers in the subcompact segment, the Aveo5 is a tall-form hatchback, which helps to improve passenger and cargo space. The upright body makes it easy for this small car to take on five passengers in comfort, and thanks to rear stadium seating, legroom isn't a problem. Though it doesn't have a sliding rear bench or the Fit's fancy Magic Seats, the Aveo5's rear seats split and fold offering up to 42 cubic feet of cargo capacity. Luggage space is a bit on the skimpy side when the seats are up though, at just 7.0 cubic feet.

Perhaps the most important upgrade to the Aveo is its new engine. The old Holden-derived engine was course, loud and at 103 horsepower, at the bottom of the pack for power, but things are different with the new car.

Importantly, the new S-Tec II engine features variable valve timing for improved performance and fuel consumption. (Photo: Chevrolet)

GM has swapped in a new S-TEC II four-cylinder of the same displacement, but it gains dual continuous variable valve timing to make 107 horsepower and 106 lb-ft of torque. The addition of VVT also gives the Aveo a big 8-percent leap in fuel economy over the old car, affording it the ability to travel up to 400 miles between fuel stops.

Addressing issues of NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) is a quiet-tuned exhaust system that features a four-in-one sheetmetal exhaust manifold which should cut back on the buzziness.

Lastly, buyers have their pick between a five-speed manual transmission and a four-speed automatic with "Hold" mode for easier starts on slippery surfaces.

The Aveo5 has always been a simple solution to motoring, but over the years GM has transformed this little subcompact machine bit by bit into a better vehicle by addressing appearance, performance, quality and features. With these model year '09 improvements, there's no question that it's a better way of getting from A-to-B, and now with a more efficient engine, C. The new Aveo5 will start showing up in dealerships mid 2008, and Chevrolet claims to have done some adjustments on the pricing in order to make it the cheapest new car on sale in the States. If that doesn't grab the attention of new car shoppers on a budget, we don't know what will.

Specifications (Aveo5):

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