Chevrolet Aveo 1.2s

Few makers have bigger ambitions than Chevy. But until it starts to benefit from the use of new GM platforms, it has to make do with the legacy of Daewoo. So the Aveo is off the pace – and there won’t be a diesel until an all-new model arrives in 2011.

The Chevrolet brand is on the move, – and its latest offering is the three-door Aveo. It inherits the platform of the Daewoo-built Kalos supermini, and, from launch features an 83bhp 1.2-litre engine and a five-speed manual gearbox.

Priced £7,695, it gets remote central locking, an MP3-compatible stereo and electric front windows as standard. Air-con is £400 extra.

Inside, fit and finish are good for a budget brand. While storage could be better, the long wheelbase means decent rear space, and access to the back is easy. But the high window line can give a claustrophobic feel.

Out on the road, the 1.2-litre Vauxhall-sourced engine is frugal, and has enough torque to keep up with motorway traffic, even with passengers and luggage on board.

Rural roads expose the age of the chassis, though. Body roll is an issue, while the steering is vague.

The generous kit and practicality, plus low price and running costs, should enable Chevy to meet its UK targets of 9,000 Aveo sales this year. But by trying to push old Daewoo underpinnings to the limit, the Aveo