Test drive: Chevy’s tweaks make Aveo sweet

This week we test-drive the 2007 Chevy Aveo LT four-door sedan, a gas mileage champ high on looks and practicality. Surprisingly, Aveo’s price tag remains economical while its list of features and size grow considerably. This is a welcome change in a world that usually gives less for more.

Introduced in 2004, Chevy has tweaked and improved the Aveo along the way to arrive at an ‘07 model with a long list of improvements. New this year are exterior and interior designs, a longer and wider body, an improved suspension system and more standard and optional features. Chevy deems these notables rare for the subcompact market, and we agree.

The LT sedan is the top-of-the-line model among the Aveo choices, while at the low end is the Aveo5 Special Value hatchback. Other models are the Aveo5 LS and the LS Sedan.

Deemed the “best-selling car in America” based on the R.L. Polk 2005 “Super Retail Registrations” for the economy car segment, Chevy’s Aveo is now being introduced in 120 countries.

The five-passenger Aveo is powered by Chevy’s E-Tec II 1.6-liter double overhead cam engine, which doesn’t produce much horsepower at 103. However, the engine keeps the mileage numbers high at 26 city and 34 highway with the four-speed automatic transmission (an $850 option). If consumers choose the manual transmission, mileage numbers increase to an even healthier 27/37.

Chevy saves some production expenses by fitting Aveo with rear drum brakes, although the fronts are disc. Four-channel ABS is available, and recommended.

The LT comes standard with 15-inch aluminum wheels, while the lower-cost models come with 14-inchers.

Aveo safety features include driver, front passenger, and side impact air bags.

Believe it or not, this LT economy model offers heated power outside mirrors of the foldaway variety. This item is on the list of new standard features, which also include (for all models unless noted) a driver’s seat fold-down armrest; manual height adjuster and manual lumbar seat adjuster; new interior cloth fabrics; enhanced acoustical package with noise isolation inside the cabin; standard auxiliary input jack for iPods and other devices; AM/FM stereo CD/MP3 Player; and, for the LT model only, six-disc, in-dash CD changer, steering wheel audio controls and six-speaker premium sound system.

Also available is a rear spoiler that is nice but not necessary.

Other standard features include air conditioning with filtration; rear window defogger; tilt steering wheel; floor mats front and rear; cruise control; remote keyless entry with alarm; power windows and door locks; 60/40 split folding rear seat; visors with vanity mirrors; remote trunk release; and fuel filler release lever. Don’t expect the same interior value on the Aveo5, where even power windows and map pockets are not included.

In addition to the automatic transmission, our test model’s options include leatherette seats for $250) and fog lamps at $110. The steering wheel radio controls cost $75, and mudguards added $60. The options totaled $1,345, and a $565 destination charge takes us to the final price of $15,160.

Important numbers include a 97.6-inch wheelbase, 2,542-pound curb weight, 12.4 cubic feet of cargo room, and an 11.9-gallon fuel tank.

Despite its low price, the base LT, in a comparison by Edmunds.com with four other models, was second from the top in cost to the consumer, behind only the 2006 Suzuki Aerio ($14,099). Others price comparisons are the 2007 Hyundai Accent ($12,565), 2006 Kia Rio ($10,770) and the 2006 Scion xA ($12,780).

Nonetheless, the new Aveo impressed us. It’s a little older now in production years, and you could say it’s growing up well. It’s not powerful, but it’s not supposed to be; and it’s inexpensive, but not the “cheapest” out there. We give the Aveo an 8 on a scale of 1 to 10.

Likes: Solid appeal in looks, great standard features, nice ride.

Dislikes: Automatic transmission is an expensive option, rear drum brakes.