Quickie Used Car Review - Chevrolet Aveo Hatchback (2003-2009)

2003-2009 Chevrolet Aveo Hatchback

The Good: Cheap, comfortable inside the city

The Bad: 1.5 engine not fuel efficient, low grade materials, lifeless steering

The Say: Offers a low price, but competitors are better buys.

Go For: 1.2L
Avoid: 1.5 LT

Price Range: P150,000-P350,000
Our Rating: **

Related Review: Used Car Review - Chevrolet Aveo Hatchback (2003-2009)

See the different versions of this vehicle:
2003-2008
2008-2009

Vehicle Overview
Apparently, this vehicle was an intended replacement to the Daewoo Lanos whose development was done prior to GM's takeover of the bankrupt Korean car maker and was the first to be released after the acquisition of the American car maker. The aim of this vehicle is simple: sell this vehicle at an affordable price but with generous amount of equipment. For the Philippine market, the hatchback was sold from 2003 until it was killed in 2009. Three years later, it was replaced by the Sonic.

Going inside the cabin will reveal two things: a not-so-spacious interior (although comfortable to be in) and a dashboard filled with hard plastic. Four passengers would fit fine though squeezing isn't that good plus trunk space isn't that big also.

Driving this car wouldn't inspire anything, it does the job decently without any drama. Occupants would be treated to a high seating position and an expansive outside visibility. The smallish 1.2 is more relaxed while the larger 1.5 is underpowered since you have to extract each gear to get you going. One thing to keep note for manual models is the location of the reverse gear, which is beside the first gear.

What Should I Get
Going for the hatchback gives you two variants throughout selling life. The sole variant was first released in August 2003 that gets an 83hp 1.5 engine and with initial equipment like power windows, power door locks (removed in July 2006), rear wiper, tachometer, CD player, alarm, and keyless entry. Updates occurred which added several equipment involved airbags in July 2006 and the return of power passenger side mirrors also in that same month (it was ditched in November 2005). Some units wore alloy wheels or steel wheels, depending on the year. A March 2008 update had an engine update and now carries dual airbags, ABS brakes, alloy wheels, rear wiper, all power features, CD player with MP3 and auxiliary jack, alarm, and keyless entry. Added in July 2006, the 70hp 1.2 model is basic at best since it rides on steel wheels, free of power amenities except steering, no rear wiper, no security features and a basic audio system with CD and MP3 function. If you are hell bent on this car, the 1.2 is we pick but you could do better.

How Much Would It Cost Me
Yes, it is cheap to buy especially that low resale values attract potential buyers. The good news end here as this vehicle has limited parts availability and high fuel consumption compared to rivals. Yup, maintenance costs are also on the upper scale when compared to the Japanese and Korean competition. Check out for the alternator and the transmission, weak points of this vehicle.

Quickie Used Car Review - Chevrolet Aveo Sedan (2006-2013)

2006-2013 Chevrolet Aveo Sedan

The Good: Numerous equipment, not expensive

The Bad: Cheap plastics, less space

The Say: Apart from price, it does not excel in any way.

Go For: 1.4 LT
Avoid: 1.6

Price Range: P220,000-P450,000
Our Rating: **

Related Review: Used Car Review - Chevrolet Aveo Sedan (2006-2013)

See the different versions of this vehicle:
2006-2010
2010-2013

Vehicle Overview
Apparently, this vehicle was an intended replacement to the Daewoo Lanos whose development was done prior to GM's takeover of the bankrupt Korean car maker and was the first to be released after the acquisition of the American car maker. The aim of this vehicle is simple: sell this vehicle at an affordable price but with generous amount of equipment. For the Philippine market, the sedan configuration arrived three years later after the hatchback's release. Unlike the latter, this one was sold until 2013, where it got replaced by the Sonic.

Going inside the cabin will reveal two things: a not-so-spacious interior (although comfortable to be in) and a dashboard filled with hard plastic. Four passengers would fit fine though squeezing isn't that good plus trunk space isn't that big also.

Driving this car wouldn't inspire anything, it does the job decently without any drama. Occupants would be treated to a high seating position and an expansive outside visibility. Unlike the hatchback which gets a weak engine, the sedan utilizes a somewhat smaller but more powerful engine which is adequate for one's needs. One thing to keep note for manual models is the location of the reverse gear, which is beside the first gear.

What Should I Get
A sole variant sporting a 94hp 1.4 engine was first sold from October 2006 until the line-up was expanded in 2010. The single model has all power amenities, alloy wheels, dual airbags, ABS brakes, fog lamp, 60/40 fold rear seats, CD player with MP3 capability, alarm, and keyless entry. That variant became the LS (has a manual transmission) or the LT (only with an automatic) in 2010. Other variants that came out include the L which does have steel wheels with cover, no airbags, no ABS brakes, power windows, power door locks, and no security features and the LT Sport which adds body kits and a rear spoiler available in either 1.4 or a 103hp 1.6 engine. Among the variants, no need to look beyond the 1.4 LS or LT since the LT Sport models aren't that common plus you get most kit with what we recommend.

How Much Would It Cost Me
Yes, it is cheap to buy especially that low resale values attract potential buyers. The good news end here as this vehicle has limited parts availability and high fuel consumption compared to rivals. Yup, maintenance costs are also on the upper scale when compared to the Japanese and Korean competition. Not much problem points here as not much of this vehicle were sold throughout selling life.

Used Car Review - Chevrolet Aveo Hatchback (2003-2009)

A hatchback comes under the scrutiny of Myk Belmonte for this week.

2003-2009 Chevrolet Aveo Hatchback

History
Hatchbacks are one important vehicle when it comes to the college landscape, especially some folks (or in this case, students) value practicality in a sense that they will fit tiny alleys without putting a ding to their car. While hatchbacks are tough sell before, they are now accepted by the society thanks to their perceived benefits.

We all know that the Aveo was first conceived as a Daewoo under GM's management. Since we had reviewed the sedan (which is more successful locally) last October, everything under its worldwide history can be seen here.

After the local GM distributor's focus towards gas guzzling SUVs and vans from America and China, its was damn time to launch passenger sedans made in Korea in the name of the Aveo and Optra. The former, the subject of our review, was first available in hatchback guise in late 2003 with a trunked version of it in 2006. Unlike competitors that were either cheaper in price or slightly expensive, the Aveo was glued to dealer floors. Due to disappointing sales, it was dropped after 2009 until the Sonic hatchback filled its void three years later. Variants include the 1.2 L and 1.5 LT.

Value and Costs
Due to its unpopularity in the market plus the low resale values associated with Chevrolets, Aveos can be cheaply picked up in the market. While you get it for less, other competitors from Japan of the same period are better purchases so think many times before committing on buying one.

As mentioned on our Aveo Sedan review, parts availability isn't great and also its fuel consumption. Quality is a demerit, so be careful.

Exterior and Interior
There is nothing to write home about the outside styling, despite some interesting light quirks, fender flares, and even some body kits in later models, this won't make you stand out from the crowd. Until its 2008 update which had a huge grille (that the Captiva possessed later on), the grille was basically one piece that is clean to look at. A way to distinguish the 1.2 from the 1.5 is the alloy wheels, it is standard among the latter models.

Good thing about this hatchback is the cabin, which possesses an upright steering position and easily reachable controls. Do take note that 1.2 models do not have any power amenities (save for the power steering) while 1.5 variants have complete power features. Lest we forget that shifting to reverse is just beside the first gear.

Engine
Let us have a rundown on the available engines of this beast starting with the basic (and what we recommend when buying): the S-TEC 1,150cc with 70hp at 5,400rpm and 104Nm at 4,400rpm. Before throwing us some stones, we say that the 1.2 is a better pick since it is more relaxed although one must be attentive to the noise that the engine produces since a tachometer does not come standard for the 1.2 model. Despite the availability of power amenities in the E-TEC 1,498cc carrying 83hp at 5,600rpm and 128Nm at 3,000rpm, we'd avoid this one since despite an additional 300cc worth of power, the figures are comparable to a Vios 1.3. Underpowered at its best, trashing the available gears to extract every ounce of power is needed plus fuel consumption is much worse for this engine.

Driving Impressions
Driving fun isn't the best thing that the Aveo is known for, but hey you get a comfortable driving position and a composed ride (thanks to the suspension settings). Steering is lifeless at best which is a handy tool when it comes to maneuvering.

Verdict
The used car kingdom gives you tons of automotive treasures that one can obtain for less cash. While the Aveo has some virtues, its apparent weaknesses as well as some superior competitors have dwarfed this choice. Look elsewhere is what we recommend.



The Good:

• Cheap to buy
• Comfortable
• Easy to drive

The Bad:

• Cheap interior materials
• Less efficient 1.5 engine
• Lifeless steering

The Pick: 1.2 (if you are determined on buying this car)

THE SPECS

Engines: 1,150cc S-TEC and 1,498cc E-TEC II I4 gasoline

Power: 70hp @ 5,400rpm (1.2), 83hp @ 5,600rpm (1.5)

Torque: 104Nm @ 4,400rpm (1.2), 128Nm @ 3,000rpm (1.5)

Fuel Consumption: 5-8km/L (city), 7-10km/L (highway) (*estimated and varies)

Transmission: 5-speed manual, 4-speed automatic (1.5 only)

Suspension: Front independent McPherson strut, rear torsion beam

MORE INFO

Price (New): P570,000-P760,000

Price (Now): P180,000-P290,000

Rivals: Honda Jazz, Hyundai Getz, Kia Picanto, Suzuki Swift, Toyota Yaris

On Sale: 2003-2009

Resources:

http://www.aveoforum.com/

Contacts:

Chevrolet Pasig - (02) 672-1485

Chevrolet Quezon Avenue - (02) 374-1250

Photos from http://olx.ph/40870521

Car Profiles - Chevrolet Aveo Hatchback (2003-2009)

2003-2009 Chevrolet Aveo Hatchback

The Good: Cheap, comfortable inside the city

The Bad: 1.5 engine not fuel efficient, low grade materials, lifeless steering

The Say: Offers a low price, but competitors are better buys.

Go For: 1.2L
Avoid: 1.5 LT

Price Range: P200,000-P345,000
Our Rating: **

Related Review: Used Car Review - Chevrolet Aveo Hatchback (2003-2009)

See the different versions of this vehicle:
2003-2008
2008-2009