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Chevrolet Aveo 1.3 VDCi Eco

We try the 78.5mpg diesel version of the Chevrolet Aveo supermini.

Chevrolet Aveo 1.3 VDCi Eco front cornering

Text: Paul Bond / Photos: Otis Clay

October 2011

While Chevrolet is keen grab headlines with the rebirth of its famous Camaro muscle car – it’s also introducing a new efficiency champion, the diesel version of the Aveo supermini we drove back in May.

The 1.3-litre VDCi diesel under the bonnet will be offered with either 74bhp or 94bhp, but all versions come fitted with an auto start/stop system as standard, which means the lower powered version emits just 97g/km, while the Eco version tested here is even cleaner, managing just 95g/km and returning an impressive 78.5mpg.

It’s the same unit fitted to the Vauxhall Corsa, and with 190Nm of torque on tap, it feels much more responsive than its petrol counterparts, and in-gear acceleration has significantly improved. It’s smooth enough when you’re cruising off the throttle, but like many eco-specials, if you start to push the engine; a gruff and clattery soundtrack starts to intrude the cabin, a problem that’s particularly noticeable in the middle of the torque band.

It’s a shame too, as the rest of the Aveo’s road manners are remarkably refined. Road and wind noise are both well suppressed, and it rides very comfortably indeed, and without the unwanted noise, the spacious and practical cabin is a relaxing place to spend time. The start/stop system is not the most sophisticated we’ve tried, pausing noticeably for each restart and sending noise and vibration into the cabin via the gearlever.

On the move, the Aveo strikes a good balance between handling poise and passenger comfort. The steering is positive and well weighted, and the lack of body roll, combined with generous amounts of front-end grip, means that it’s actually a surprisingly entertaining drive, even on skinny low-rolling resistance tyres. It’s not the equal of our current class favourite the Ford Fiesta, but it does cost significantly less.

The eco-diesel tested here only costs £600 more than the top-spec ‘LTZ’ petrol versions, still comes equipped with big car features like cruise control, electric windows and a USB connection, and undercuts the equivalent Ford Fiesta and VW Polo by over £2,500.

For an alternative review of the latest Chevrolet Aveo visit our sister site carbuyer.co.uk

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1 Comment

Could it be the one time mighty GM is waking up? Methinks unlikely!

At first glance it seems like good news for GM shareholders! But having seen the GM stands at the important IAA in Frankfurt I am not so sure!

They are still on a muscle car trip in the USA and still bringing PS monsters no one is buying - see the Cadillacs in Frankfurt etc!

GM needs a completely new management and board in Detroit - what its bringing both in the US and Europe is simly not state of the art or advanced technology!

They have been overtaken by HYUNDAI and its sister brand KIA - this is fact - and SAIC in China are set up to do the same slightly longer term!

This Chevrolet Aveo is a sign that the Deawoo side in Korea at least is trying in the right direction - why is mainstream GM not going the same way?

By vandenplas4litre on 18 October, 2011, 8:32am

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Pictures

Chevrolet Aveo 1.3 VDCi Eco front cornering
Chevrolet Aveo 1.3 VDCi Eco rear cornering
Chevrolet Aveo 1.3 VDCi Eco dash
Chevrolet Aveo 1.3 VDCi Eco badge
Chevrolet Aveo 1.3 VDCi Eco panning
Chevrolet Aveo 1.3 VDCi Eco detail
Chevrolet Aveo 1.3 VDCi Eco boot
Chevrolet Aveo 1.3 VDCi Eco front three-quarters

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FIRST OPINION

    The Aveo is a good looking, comfortable and practical supermini that demands consideration, and this diesel version only broadens that appeal further. It's well-priced too, and comes much better equipped than rivals like the Kia Rio 1.1 CRDi. It's decent to drive too, but the rough engine note will put some buyers off, and it can't quite compete with the class leaders when it comes to quality. 

 

AT A GLANCE

    Price: £12,795
    Engine: 1.3-litre turbo diesel
    Power/torque: 94bhp/190Nm
    Transmission: Five-speed manual, front-wheel drive
    0-62/top spd: 11.7secs/108mph
    Economy/C02: 78.5mpg/95g/km
    Equipment: 15-inch alloys, wheel mounted audio controls, Bluetooth, air-conditioning, MP3 compatibility, electric windows, heated mirrors, ESP.
    On sale: January 2012
     
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