Chevrolet unveiled the 5-door Chevy Aveo today for the European market. It's basically the same Aveo 5-door that we get in the US, but with a new front end that is very similar to the new Malibu sedan, although it is so not cute.
Why Chevy bothered to release this design is beyond me. (Look at the useless side fender vents) Luckily the sedan version of the Aveo looks much better than this. In addition to horrible lackluster styling the Aveo is also not sporting much underneath the hood. Buyers have a choice between a 86HP 1.2L or a 98HP 1.4L engine. Unfortunately you won't be able to keep up with your neighbors Corvette.
The main question is Chevy going to replace our current Aveo with this "restyled" version?
Full Story: Autoblog
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PRESS RELEASE:
New Chevrolet Aveo: striking exterior, new entry-level petrol model
• Hatchback and notchback models to bear same name in future
• Striking exterior and high-class interior
• Two petrol engines with 84 and 98 hp; manual or automatic transmission
Zurich. Chevrolet Europe's success story began with the Kalos in 2002. In 2006, the compact-class model range was extended with the introduction of the Aveo hatchback wagon. Since 2002, GM's value brand has sold more than 381,000 vehicles in this compact series to customers throughout Europe. These key models have, in turn, made a significant contribution to Chevrolet's success in the first half of 2007, when the brand chalked up a total of 215,315 unit sales across Europe, achieving a market share of some 1.8 per cent – its best performance to date.
Chevrolet Europe will present the Kalos' successor at the Frankfurt Motor Show (13 to 23 September 2007). The most significant features of this completely reworked model are its striking exterior, its high-class interior and a new, even more efficient petrol engine. Like its notchback stable mate, the new hatchback model will now bear the Aveo name throughout Europe. The five-door hatchback model will be first to hit European showrooms (in March 2008), followed by the three-door model a few weeks later. Like all Chevrolets, the new Aveo will stand out for its excellent value for money.
The Aveo hatchback sports Chevrolet's new design features, as characterised by the big horizontally split radiator grille with a body-coloured crossbeam and the brand logo sitting prominently in the center. The dynamic detailing includes large, curved clear-glass headlamps and fog lamps that project like spotlights from the lower part of the bumper. The bonnet follows the lines of the radiator grille. Eye-catching contours, which flow from the bonnet to the A-pillar, highlight the sporty look.
Additional indicators in the side sections in front of the exterior mirrors enhance safety. In profile, the body's prominent shoulder lines catch the eye, as does their dynamic beading that sweeps from the front to the rear door. The back of the car is dominated by the solid bumper and the round tail lamps in a clear-glass housing.
The modern and high-quality instrument panel is divided into four chrome-trimmed controls and a centre console with striking air vents, a fully integrated audio unit, and large, user-friendly air-conditioning dials. The smooth plastic surfaces and the soft-touch finish of both the instrument panel and the upper half of the door panel are pleasant to the touch.
Comments (11)
must have been in a heads-on collision with an Audi, when it reversed, Audi's grill stuck to it.
Posted by rene | September 12, 2007 2:10 AM
Posted on September 12, 2007 02:10
Looks like the bastard child of a Toyota Matrix and a GTI
Posted by IridiumShadow | September 12, 2007 8:14 AM
Posted on September 12, 2007 08:14
Maybe they didn't get the memo about new front passenger crash standards until the last second, because the front look unnecessarily long for the little engine they drop into that cavern. The rest of the car looks like it's trying to look more like a Fit though. The huge front just doesn't 'fit' with the rest of the styling though!
Posted by Jason | September 12, 2007 8:37 AM
Posted on September 12, 2007 08:37
I wouldnt buy one but I don't think it looks ugly. It's better than the current aveo bland look. The grill def reminds me of Audi. I think it looks good... at least in these pictures... Too bad it has less than 100hp...
Posted by TC | September 12, 2007 8:52 AM
Posted on September 12, 2007 08:52
IridiumShadow, you took the words out of my mouth... just add "red-headed" to your description.
Posted by Tom Underhill | September 12, 2007 10:05 AM
Posted on September 12, 2007 10:05
People don't buy the Aveo because it's styled well, they buy it because it's CHEAP (inexpensive). If Chevy can keep it ~$12-15K, it will sell. I wonder if the Suzuki Reno (the same car) is going to get this same "restyle"?
Posted by CrazyGnome | September 12, 2007 12:35 PM
Posted on September 12, 2007 12:35
Yeah, its ugly like its twin the VW Gti!! ;p
Posted by zippy | September 12, 2007 2:06 PM
Posted on September 12, 2007 14:06
Someone made the comment that the front looks to big for the little engine (I-4, 1.6 Liter) that they will drop in it.
Can someone say "V6 SS variant coming soon"?
Posted by Allen | September 12, 2007 3:16 PM
Posted on September 12, 2007 15:16
This is the only thing that bothers me about the Torque report. Saying something is "ugly" or "gorgeous" is totally subjective to a particular individual.
If you're going to report, stick to the facts; let your readers make up their minds if something is to be deemed ugly.
BTW - I happen to like the way it looks. The primary market that this car is going after (first time drivers, college kids, etc) will appreciate the more aggresive styling.
Posted by gmiller | September 13, 2007 9:46 AM
Posted on September 13, 2007 09:46
Ugly grill
Useless side vents
AND dual exhaust!!
Why?!?!
Is it going to have all wheel drive too?
Posted by Donald | October 4, 2007 4:37 PM
Posted on October 4, 2007 16:37
It has the same kind of grille style as the new Malibu.....so that make the Malibu ulgly too.
Posted by randy | February 9, 2008 1:28 AM
Posted on February 9, 2008 01:28