CHEVROLET AVEO (Kalos) sedan test drive since 2005 sedan

The dreamer's dream

The creators of the new Chevrolet Aveo sedan consider their brainchild the most affordable car for transporting five and baggage. This model is designed for families who can afford only one car. The sale of the debutant will begin in March in the markets of Russia, Spain and Turkey.
 
Two versions of Chevrolet Aveo, developed and produced in South Korea, are available to customers. The first option is equipped with a 1.2 liter gasoline engine with a capacity of 72 liters. p., which works in combination with a mechanical 5-speed KP. The second version, which is equipped with both a 5-speed mechanics and a 4-speed automatic, install a 94-horsepower engine with a volume of 1.4 liters.
 
The exterior of the novelty is designed in a modern style. The new Aveo differs from the predecessor, first of all, in size: the novelty is 75 mm longer, 40 mm wider and 10 mm higher. As a result, the car looks more solid and dynamic.
 
However, solidity is not the only advantage of the novelty. Aveo has undeniable practicality. For example, a 400-liter trunk of 20 liters more than that of the previous generation. If necessary, the rear seat is formed in a ratio of 40/60, and since there are no partitions between the salon and the luggage compartment, it becomes clear: before us is the real dream of the summer resident. Under the even floor of the luggage compartment lies a dock. The standard equipment also includes ABS, airbags for the driver and the front passenger.
 
The salon at first glance seems Spartan. But, looking around, you begin to appreciate the discreet black-gray-sustained gamut of the finish, the convenience of seats and the modern design of the front panel, on which only the most necessary devices are located. Everything secondary is taken to the console between the driver and the passenger. To the touch, plastic panels were not rude and does not look cheap. The upholstery of the seats is made of a synthetic nemark of matter, which once again indicates the universal-practical approach of the creators of the little Chevrolet.
 
The settings are not original. The steering column is regulated only up and down, and the seats move manually. In the richest configuration, the driver and passengers will be able to use the electric windows of the front doors and the adjustment of mirrors in combination with climate control. Even on the road option, 15-inch wheels are installed.
 
The first test is Aveo with a 1.4 engine with a capacity of 94 liters. With. and 5-speed mechanics. Before setting off, I would like to note another important property of the car. In the cabin you are covered by a state of psychological calm and a feeling of modest, but almost homemade comfort. Nothing provokes a person to aggressive driving.
 
The soft and fairly painful engine is clearly sharpened under the city ride. According to the manufacturer, the motor provides a maximum speed of 176 km/h and acceleration to hundreds per 11.1 s. It is gratifying that, despite the decent dynamics, the average fuel consumption is 6.7 liters per 100 km of run. Great indicator!
 
After passing the first turns, it becomes clear that the car is controlled perfectly. Even very steep turns of 70-80 km/h the car passes easily and very accurately. True, the cranes of the body are large enough. The cruising speed on the highway is 110-130 km/h. At higher speeds, aerodynamic noises significantly increase, and the engine becomes heard. At 150 km/h, handling worsens, and the car begins to scour. This is especially noticeable with strong lateral gusts of wind and air strikes that occur during the overtaking of trucks. By the way, after 145 km/h, the car is very reluctant to respond to the further impregnation of the driver. Nevertheless, the sympathy that arose at the first acquaintance did not disappear, but even more strengthened: before us is a typical example of a budget family sedan - leisurely, predictable and reliable.
 
The second test was a less powerful option with a 1.2 liter engine (72 hp), equipped with a 5-speed mechanical KP and 13-inch wheels. Changing to a weaker machine in a modest configuration is always painful, since you involuntarily expect a deterioration in dynamics and comfort. In our case, everything turned out to be not quite so. The interior is almost the same, but without climate control and with manual mirror adjustment. Along the way, it turns out that a different 5-speed manual gearbox is installed on the car.
 
The 1.2-liter motor will probably appear at someone's exacting look not powerful enough, but the car goes well with it. True, there are noticeable nuances. If the 1.4 engine loses the craving in the upper range, then the baby does not have enough lower classes. And there is more noise from him. In fairness, we note that Aveo easily accelerates to 130 km/h and confidently holds this speed even on small lifts.
 
As for the general impressions, Aveo with the 1.2 engine behaves better than it could be assumed before the start of the test. If we talk about the main technical parameters, they are: cruising speed - 90-110 km/h, acceleration to hundreds - 13.7 s, maximum speed - 157 km/h. Acceleration is not very fast, but you have to visit the gas stations less often: the average gasoline consumption is only 6.4 liters per 100 km.
 
Of the disadvantages, a fuzzy gear shift on both versions of a manual box can be noted. In the back seat, only a child can accommodate with the most pushed back with comfort as possible. Yes, and five in the cabin, let's say, it’s cramped. Nevertheless, Chevrolet Aveo is a worthy opponent of cars of a similar class and price category. With the advent of a 2-liter diesel, the Russian debut of which is also expected, a car from Korea will become a truly unique offer.
 
+ Excellent handling, moderately a hard suspension.
- fuzzy gear shift.
 
Technical characteristics of Chevrolet Aveo 1.2 (1.4)
 
The body is a sedan
Equipped mass, kg - 1047
Complete mass, kg - 1540
Dimensions, mm:
- length - 4310
- width - 1710
- Height - 1505
Base, mm - 2480
Trunk volume, l - 400
Maximum speed, km/h - 157 (176)
Acceleration time to 100 km/h, C - 13.7 (11,1)
Control fuel consumption, l/100 km:
- City CMKL - 8.4 (8.9)
- suburb - 5.2 (5.4)
- mixed - 6.4 (6.7)
Engine:
-Type-Benz., 4-cyl., In order, Soch, 8-valve (doch, 16-valve)
- working volume, cm3 - 1150 (1399)
- Power, L.S. at MIN -1 - 72/5400 (94/6200)
- Torque, NM at MIN -1 - 104/4400 (130/3400)
Transmission - fur., 5 -t., Front -wheel drive
Tire size - 155/80R13 (185/55R15)
Wheel suspension:
- Front - Mcphereson
- The rear - lever, twisting. torsiones
Brakes:
- front - disk, ventilated
- rear - drum
Steering - gear -rake
Price, $ - from 11,500 (from 12,500)
 
Text: Konstantin Shlyakhtinsky
 

Source: Magazine 5 wheel [03/2006]