2007 Chevrolet Aveo Sedan Preview
Chevy Revises Aveo Sedan with Premium-Inspired Exterior and Interior

Edited from carpages.com

Originally designed by ItalDesign, the Aveo's first update comes from Chevrolet's in-house stylists, who've freshened the subcompact to better suit Chevrolet's brand image. The new car features a refined look that sports a bigger, chunkier chrome-plated grille with the prominent golden bow-tie logo. The new car also sports a new V-shaped hood, with wider, brighter clear-lensed headlamps and new bumpers with available foglamps.

"Customers will recognize the Aveo sedan as a 'smart buy' that delivers on Chevy's Total Value Promise," said Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager. "With its good looks, enjoyable driving experience and 'big car' personality, it is a great addition to Chevy's new lineup of small vehicles."

The visual update to Chevrolet's tall-bodied city car also includes a new character line that stretches from the nose to tail along its sides, as well as more pronounced fender flares. At back, the tail features new triangular-shaped lamps with clear-lenses. Impressively, these changes give the Aveo Sedan a distinctively European look. Despite its more complex and ritzy looking exterior, extensive wind tunnel testing has dropped the car's coefficient of drag from 0.35 to 0.33 cd.

The new Aveo also has a completely redesigned interior. The new dashboard features round air vents, a dash-top clock, rubberized plastics, and a new center console with revised HVAC controls and a flush head unit for the stereo system. Depending on trim level, buyers can brighten the Aveo's interior with faux aluminum, wood, or carbon fiber accents.

Available in base LS and upscale LT trims, Chevrolet's smallest car can be optioned out with big-car features like leatherette seating surfaces, a six-disc CD stereo system with MP3 jack, power glass sunroof, remote keyless entry, and a multi-function steering wheel with cruise control. This is in addition to the basics like power windows, six-way adjustable seats, power mirrors and keyless entry.

"Customers will also be pleased with unexpected features such as a standard radio input jack for iPods and an array of options, ranging from a power sunroof and six-CD changer sound system, to steering-wheel mounted audio and cruise controls," added Peper.

The Aveo's safety equipment list is also quite long. Dual two-stage front airbags are standard, and side airbags are also included in base fare. Four-channel ABS brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution is also option. The Aveo list goes on to include LATCH child-seat attachment, front seatbelt pretensioners and a five-star NHTSA safety rating - something that you won't find on very many spec lists.

Minor updates to the Aveo's mechanical components should help keep it running strong in 2007. The 1.6-litre inline-four with variable intake manifold continues to make 103-horsepower and 107 lb-ft of torque, and can be mated to either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic with Hold Control mode for reduced wheelspin during slippery startups. Meanwhile, the power steering system has been revised to include a centering motion to minimize the effect of crosswinds, while tweaks to the suspension and anti-roll bars give the Aveo a smoother ride.

Specifications:

• Body Type: 4-door subcompact sedan
• Layout: front engine, FWD
• Engine: 103 hp, 107 lb-ft of torque, 1.6L, 16-valve, DOHC I-4
• Transmission: 5-speed manual (optional 4-spd automatic)
• Brakes (front/rear): disc/drum
• Curb Weight (est.): 2,360 lbs
• Seating Capacity: 5
• Cargo Volume (est.): 7.1 cu ft
• Fuel Economy (est. city/hwy): 26 / 35 MPG

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