2010 Chevrolet Aveo – Affordable Decent Subcompact

First Look

Initially the 2010 Chevrolet Aveo looked like a strong contender for the economy car circlet. And it has all the features and equipments as well to support its candidature; the Aveo comes with a decent vehicle dynamics, super-cheap price tag (as a matter of fact this is one of the least expensive new cars sold in the market), and gives really respectable vehicle dynamics as well. Now considering all these features about the car one could easily get tempted and could go for the car, but before you make any final decision just compare the all new 2010 Chevrolet Aveo with its competitors. This comparison will tell you that the Aveo rather than being a pace setter is a back-of-the-pack runner in the market.

Although, to its credit we would like to tell you that Aveo does come with some of the advanced features such as the faux carbon-fiber trim, vibrant paint choices to catch the attention of youngsters and an MP3-enabled audio system. The car also comes with GMs OnStar feature, which really is a nice addition in such an inexpensive vehicle. But all these features can’t cover the average performance and bland styling of the car. Even some of the useful changes made for the model year 2010 don’t make any significant difference here.

What’s New for 2010 Chevrolet Aveo?

The 2010 Chevrolet Aveo gets improved manual transmission gear ratios, which results in better fuel economy, an increase of 1 horsepower in its total horsepower and lastly a standard rear spoiler for Aveo5 models.

Body Styling and Features

The 2010 Chevrolet Aveo comes in two body styles, one being the four-door hatchback and the second one being a sedan. Both the body styles come with a seating capacity of five passengers and are available in three different trim levels starting from: the base LS, the 1LT and the 2LT.

The base LS trim of Chevrolet Aveo has been sparingly equipped and the standard feature list here includes 14 inch steel wheels, OnStar, a four-speaker AM and FM stereo having an auxiliary input jack and cloth upholstery.

Step up to 1LT trim level and you could get an improved six-speaker audio system having a CD/MP3 player and air-conditioning. Optional equipments for the 1LT include power windows, door locks, keyless entry, satellite radio and cruise control.
The 2LT trim includes all the optional equipments of 1LT trim in addition to the 15-inch wheels, a trip computer, foglamps, heated power side view mirrors, upgraded cloth upholstery and steering-wheel-mounted audio controls.

The 2LT trim of hatchback Aveo5 comes loaded with a rear spoiler. Some optional equipments for the 2LT model includes a sunroof, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, Bluetooth which once more is an option on 1LT Aveo’s and perforated leatherette (vinyl) seats.

Under The Hood

Regardless of the trim level you are getting of the 2010 Chevrolet Aveo, the engine here will be a 1.6-liter, four-cylinder engine generating 108 horsepower of maximum power and 104 pound-feet of maximum torque. The engine here is mated with a five-speed manual transmission, and this also is the standard transmission on all the models, though there is an option of getting a four-speed automatic but that’s available only on 1LT and 2LT variants.

In order to enhance the fuel economy of the car Aveo having manual transmissions, comes with a shift indicator and, another new thing for this year is the taller 4th and 5th gears.

The official estimated fuel economy for Aveo is a respectable 30 mpg combined average for city and highways both.

Safety Equipments

The standard safety equipment for all the trim levels of 2010 Chevrolet Aveo is front-seat side airbags, but the strange thing here is that the side curtain airbags are missing from the car. This is strange because this is one of the options that are getting immensely popular in the subcompact cars. The optional safety equipment on LT trim model are antilock brakes, there also is another condition for this. The automatic transmission is only available on the systems having automatic transmission. Stability control is missing from the car.

Verdict

The 2010 Chevrolet Aveo is an inexpensive and well-brought-up subcompact, though some of the competing models are just too pleasurable to drive and own.

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