Chevrolet Aveo diesel, presentation and road test in Switzerland

After a brief pause in which we published one of our usual road tests, we now continue with the novelties that Chevrolet has not presented in Switzerland. We have already seen the Chevrolet Camaro, with its powerful engine and sporty styling that leaves no one indifferent, and we also had the chance to test a philosophically opposite vehicle, the Volt.

Well, another of the novelties we were able to test was the Chevrolet Aveo diesel. The new Aveo has been on sale for several months, but the diesel versions were still to arrive, a gem in the range that will help it gain a lot of ground in sales.

The diesel range of the Chevrolet Aveo consists of two variants of the 1.3-litre engine, producing 75 and 95 CV, an engine that is a familiar face in the range Opel and of Fiat origin. In Switzerland we got behind the wheel of a four-door Aveo saloon (4p) equipped with the 95 CV 1.3D engine.

It is already available at Chevrolet dealerships, but the first Aveo diesel units will arrive in November. This is an important version in the range and probably the one that will concentrate the most sales of this model.

Driving impressions

From the range available to test, we chose a 95 CV Aveo diesel with four-door bodywork and LT+ trim (a equipment level associated with the 95 CV engine and 4-door body that is not available in our market, only LTZ). Most sales will probably be concentrated on the 75 CV engine, but this 95 CV version surprised us with its consumption and behaviour.

We set off in the Chevrolet Aveo, with roughly 125 km ahead of us on country roads through fields and a fairly rural landscape, where we could test the new engine and the car’s handling.

The response of this diesel powerplant is progressive, with no jumps in power, and a push that we feel from 1,500 rpm, standing out for its smoothness, and it has enough performance to move the Aveo without problems. If we look at the figures, it has a torque of 210 Nm delivered between 1,750 and 2,500 rpm, while its top speed is 174 km/h and it accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 12.6 seconds.

In practice, above 3,000 rpm it already starts to run out of breath. When facing an overtaking manoeuvre we notice that we need more margin, but overall it is adequate in urban and extra-urban settings and it does not shy away from the open road. We must always keep in mind that it is a city car.

All diesel versions of the Aveo come as standard with the Start/Stop system, which can be switched off via a button on the centre console.

The car’s behaviour, as we already tested when it was presented at the first drive in Zürich, is a model that has improved notably compared with the previous generation. The suspension is still somewhat soft, but that is normal in this segment, and it has improved dynamically, showing greater stability and composure on the road.

Finally, in the fuel consumption section, after our road test we were able to confirm an average consumption of 4.9 litres, a figure close to the 4.1 l/100 km homologated on the combined cycle.

Notable improvement in quality over the previous generation

When the Aveo was presented we already discussed in depth the new design, interior quality and more. But what best sums up this new generation is the qualitative leap it has made over the previous model.

Externally it has a more personal design, which may or may not appeal, but at least it has character and its own personality, while inside we find a design in the line of the Cruze, with an integrated radio, an original instrument cluster (with nods to the world of motorcycles) and a modern centre console with a current design.

The quality of the finishes has also been improved, with both a visual and practical improvement in some controls and finishes, also focusing on versatility, with plenty of cubbies and storage solutions around the cabin for leaving our things, such as the double glovebox.

Prices and equipment of the diesel range

The new Aveo diesel is available from 12,250 euros (promotional discount included) for the five-door LT trim with 75 CV. As standard in this LT trim (the base trim for the petrol range is LS) it already includes features such as air conditioning, electric mirrors, an integrated CD-MP3 radio with USB and AUX input, Bluetooth for the mobile phone and audio controls on the steering wheel.

• Aveo diesel 5p 75 CV LT 13,750 euros
• Aveo diesel 5p 95 CV LT+ 14,450 euros
• Aveo diesel 5p 95 CV LTZ 15,250 euros
• Aveo diesel 4p 75 CV LT+ 14,600 euros
• Aveo diesel 4p 95 CV LTZ 15,850 euros

A €1,500 promotional campaign on the diesel range must be deducted from all prices. The price/equipment ratio of the Aveo is very interesting, especially now that the quality of the model has increased notably and, with the arrival of the diesel engines, the range is complete.

Photos | Diego G. Moreira