With fierce competition in the subcompact segment coming from the Honda Fit, Hyundai Accent, Nissan Versa, Toyota

The 2010 Chevrolet Aveo hatchback makes a bold statement. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)

Yaris and others, the Aveo5 is ready to face that challenge. With its updated exterior design carrying over from the 2009 model year, this American-badged subcompact is still very much in the game. With a cool-looking and pretty sleek front end, the Aveo’s facelift is a great improvement over the last generation. But it’s not just the front end that has some styling upgrades. The tail end receives a new bumper and updated taillights. Match that with a set of 185/60R14 all-season tires around 14” steel wheels with decent looking covers and it’s not a bad looking ride.

Since the Aveo5 received quite the makeover for the 2009 model year, not too much has changed for 2010. There are, however, a few tweaks here and there to make it a more powerful and safer vehicle. First off, the Aveo5 now has a 1.6L, 16-valve- 4-cylinder, DOHC engine which produces 108 horsepower and 105 lb-ft of torque. That’s an increase of two horsepower from the previous 106 horsepower engine. Ok, I know that’s not that much but when

A unique look from the rear too. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)

you’re in a subcompact car, the more the merrier. Also, the Aveo5 now comes standard with seat mounted side airbags for the driver and front passenger, and there is now a shift indicator light for the manual transmission models.

And speaking of transmissions, the Aveo5 LT comes with the choice of a standard 5-speed manual or an optional 4-speed automatic transmission. The Aveo that I drove had the automatic ($1,150). Of the two transmissions available, I would opt for the 5-speed manual. Why? Well, it’s a personal preference, but I also find that smaller displacement engines perform better when I am the one calling the shots. Plus, it has better reported fuel economy while driving in the city. The automatic transmission uses an estimated 8.2L/100km in the city and 5.8L/100km on the highway whereas the manual transmission

A cool gauge package sets the Aveo apart. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)

uses 7.5L/100km in the city and 5.7L/100km on the highway. There is almost a litre difference when it comes to driving in the city, but even with the auto, fuel consumption is quite modest.

On the inside, the Aveo5 now shares the same interior as its sedan sibling. It’s a basic black, entry-level interior. I can’t say that’s it’s the most exciting or the best-looking in its class, but it looks much better than before. What I liked most about the cabin was the instrument cluster. The backlighting at night was pretty neat and the chrome accents throughout definitely help break up the black that engulfs otherwise. What I didn’t like so much was the perma-fog that seemed to linger on the windows. Granted it has been a little more humid than normal in my town, but even with the defoggers on (in the front and rear) it just wouldn’t go away. And since it was the base LS model, there was no air conditioning to melt away the moisture. This seemed pretty odd

Two-tone seats are a nice touch. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)

since none of the other Aveos I’ve driven had this issue. Maybe a good coating of anti-fog window cleaner would help alleviate this problem.

When I wasn’t battling with perma-fog I didn’t have that bad a time behind the wheel of the Aveo5. With its front MacPherson struts featuring offset coil springs and a 17-mm stabilizer bar, and rear semi-independent torsion beam axle with coil springs, it handles admirably. I also found this spunky little five-door to be quite easy to park, thanks to its compact size and good visibility.

Where the Aveo5 could do better is legroom behind the driver’s seat. And I’m not talking about legroom for me because I’m not that tall, but legroom for anyone taller than six-feet. I bring this up because when my husband sat behind

Decent room in back unless someone tall is in front. (Photo: Canadian Auto Press)

the wheel, his legs weren’t able to extend fully due to hitting the dash. He said that if he had to drive for any extended period of time, it would be extremely uncomfortable. The solution? Perhaps make the driver’s seat go back a couple of more inches. Granted, the passenger in the rear seat would be deprived of legroom, but then they could just sit behind me! And how many times do you drive around with someone in back anyway? If you do and it really becomes a problem you could upgrade to a Cobalt, but it will cost a couple of thousand more, of course.

As pricing is an important part of purchasing a subcompact, the Aveo5’s base MSRP of $13,950 should be welcomed. That’s not bad at all considering it has a hot new look and more power. With the optional automatic transmission and delivery included, the Aveo5 prices out at $16,450. Overall, the 2010 Chevrolet Aveo5 is an affordable solution to a budget minded consumer’s transportation needs.

Interior

Exterior

Mechanical

Safety

Dimensions

Misc