Chevrolet Aveo first generation restyling: pros and cons, sores and weak points of the car

The Chevrolet Aveo is a compact car that was developed specifically for emerging markets and offered at an affordable price. The car had a stylish appearance, reliable engines with gearboxes and good equipment, and the restyling released in 2005 somewhat refreshed the appearance of this car and improved its sales.

Body

The car was produced in three body styles: 3- and 5-door hatchback and sedan. The latter was modernized in 2006, the hatchback only two years later. The developers failed to hide the outdated design. Proof of this was the results of crash tests according to Euro NCAP. The sedan was tested after restyling. The car earned only two stars, which were reduced to one after stricter requirements.

As a consolation, we can say that the Aveo is adequately protected from corrosion. True, the paint peels off on many specimens, but this does not contribute to the emergence of pockets of corrosion. The exception is the rear trunk door of a hatchback: brown spots appear around the lock and the strip above the number.

Technical characteristics, comparison of Chevrolet Aveo modifications

• First generation

The first generation of the Chevrolet Aveo with the T200 index was presented in 2002. Serial production has been established in 11 countries. Over the five years of production, the model has not been subjected to restyling or fundamental changes.

Chevrolet Aveo has become truly a people's car, a favorite of the majority.

In 2006, the T200 was replaced by the T250 - an updated version with significant improvements, innovations, and changes. The first-generation budget car was equipped with gasoline-type power units, in-line cylinders, and distributed injection.

The ride height has been increased compared to subsequent versions and is 160 mm. The engine power is small, but the horsepower is enough to perform most daily functions.

Transmission: four-speed automatic and five-speed manual. The platform is front-wheel drive with a transverse power plant.

The suspension is classic, as for class B cars: MacPherson spring type at the front, multi-link dependent at the rear. The steering rack is of a mechanical type, with a pre-installed hydraulic booster to increase comfort during rotation.

Braking system: front disc, rear drum type with ABS system.

The main feature of the T200: ease of maintenance, availability of spare parts, budget price of components, relatively long service life.

Among the disadvantages are the following: insufficient sound insulation, high fuel consumption, stiff suspension. The second row of seats is cramped for three passengers of average build. The trim on the door panels is made of cheap plastic, the joints are sharp, there are obvious flaws.

• Second generation (restyling T200)

The official presentation of the T250 took place in 2005 in China. Moreover, calling the model the second generation is not correct, since it is actually a reworking of the T200.

The three-door T250 looks much nicer than the classic four-door. Neat bumpers, swollen wheel arches, huge headlights, extended honeycomb radiator grille.

Length 3950 mm x width 1700 mm x height 1510 mm. The wheel arch width is 2450 mm, the ground clearance is 155 mm. Curb weight 995 kg.

The interior of the Chevrolet Aveo is discreet and ergonomic. The steering wheel is four-spoke. The instrument panel is informative and zoned. Center console with round ventilation deflectors.

2DIMM type radio with the ability to install a liquid crystal display with multi-touch support. The air conditioner controls are mechanical.

The interior trim is budget-friendly, but the joints are smoothed out, without obvious flaws. The rear row of seats is designed for three passengers, but in fact it can comfortably accommodate two people of average build.

The front seats are also adjustable; lateral support is present, but not so pronounced. The usable luggage compartment space is 400 liters in a sedan, 225 in a hatchback, and 985 liters with the rear row of seats folded. Under the false shelf in the trunk a stowage wheel is stored - a small-sized wheel.

In the Russian Federation, the Chevrolet Aveo is equipped with four-cylinder naturally aspirated engines with a distributed injection system. Basic models: 1.2 / 1.4 liters with power ratings of 84 and 101 hp.

Transmission: five-speed manual, four-speed automatic. Acceleration to hundreds in 12.0 seconds, top speed 170 km/h. Combined cycle consumption 6.5 – 6.6 l / 100 km.

Suspension: front MacPherson spring type, rear dependent multi-link. Steering is rack and pinion type with pre-installed hydraulic booster.

The front brake discs are ventilated, the rear brake discs are drum. Security system: one front airbag, steering column height adjustment, ABS.

In the basic configuration: fabric interior trim, audio preparation, immobilizer, 13-inch wheels. Top versions have two front airbags, air conditioning, power steering, on-board computer, and full power accessories.

• Second generation

The second generation of the Chevrolet Aveo was presented at the end of 2010. First of all, the model is aimed at the young, active generation who loves to travel and go on picnics.

The car is offered in two body variations: a sedan and a five-door hatchback. The front part of the car has undergone deep processing, minor changes affected the interior. Aveo in the new body looks much more attractive, harmonious, with moderate aggression.

A class “B” car has the following characteristics: length 4400 mm x width 1740 mm x height 1520 mm. Ground clearance 155 mm.

The steering wheel in the cabin is especially expressive; in the Aveo it is three-spoke, with a rim and functional buttons for controlling the radio. The central dashboard is harmonious, maximally informative, with a liquid crystal display.

The usable luggage compartment space in the sedan is 503 liters, in the hatchback it is 295 and 655 liters with the rear row of seats folded.

Power units, suspension type, and other indicators are identical to previous models (generations).

Equipment

All Aveos come standard with a driver airbag, a split-folding rear seat and a height-adjustable steering column. In addition, richer versions have 4 airbags, a music system that plays MP3 files, power steering, central locking and front electric windows. Air conditioning was installed only in the top-end LT trim level, and was available for an additional fee in other versions.

Basic configurations of Chevrolet Aveo

The Chevrolet Aveo line is manufactured in sedan, three and five-door hatchback versions. The layout is front-wheel drive, front engine, 4 x 2 wheel arrangement.

Power units: volume from 1.2 to 1.6 liters, depending on the configuration. Transmission: five-speed manual, four-speed automatic.

Dimensions: length 3925 mm x width 1685 mm x height 1510 mm. Ground clearance is 150 mm for the hatchback, 155 mm for the sedan. Load capacity 220 liters. Useful luggage compartment space is 400 liters for the sedan and 980 liters for the hatchback with the rear row of seats folded. Fuel tank capacity is 45 liters.

Engines

The Chevrolet Aveo was offered only with gasoline engines. Unfortunately, none of them are economical. Even the youngest 1.2-liter engine with 72 hp. consumes about 8.5 liters of gasoline in the city. Therefore, it is worth paying attention to engines with a displacement of 1.4 and 1.6 liters - they at least provide acceptable dynamics.

All power units have hydraulic valve lash compensators, and the 16-valve 1.2 liter has a timing chain drive. The vast majority of owners do not complain about the reliability and durability of the motors. True, if you do not take into account minor problems with the ignition system.

Much more inconvenience is caused by the delicate clutch of a manual transmission (the cost of a new one is about 3,000 rubles), and besides, the bearings in the gearbox wear out quickly. In the latter case, it is often more advisable to purchase a used box for 4000-5000 rubles.

Exterior

The appearance of the first generation Chevrolet Aveo restyling was developed in the Italian design studio ItalDesign. It is not surprising that this car had such an attractive and organic appearance, and this taking into account the savings in its production. At the front, the appearance of the car is formed by two large headlights, as well as a radiator grille, on which there is a Chevrolet emblem in the form of a cross. The Chevrolet Aveo is made in a classic style, you can’t expect any original solutions here, but the car still makes a positive impression and invariably attracts the eye.

The restyled version can be recognized by the updated headlights, which received completely transparent lenses, as well as by the updated bumper, which seems to continue the radiator grille. Also for restyling, special wheels of the original design were prepared, new stampings on the body and roof rails appeared, which were painted in the color of the car. The changes are noticeable in the interior, the car received more powerful and economical engines, the equipment was improved, while the cost of this model remained unchanged.

Is it worth buying?

The first generation Chevrolet Aveo does not deserve much attention. Many competitors offer better levels of safety and comfort. But, if someone is looking for a cheap and well-maintained car, then this option should not be discounted. A well-equipped Aveo from the first owner with low mileage and at an attractive price is a tempting offer.

Interior

In the interior of the Chevrolet Aveo, you can feel the budget of this car; not very high-quality plastic is used here, cheap velor fabric is also used, and it is impossible to order leather seat upholstery even for an additional fee. The car has a simple, but at the same time quite ergonomic interior. There are a number of complaints about the quality of fit of the interior panels; a few years after the start of operation, the interior was already beginning to rattle, and it was extremely difficult to get rid of such crickets.

However, it is necessary to note the ergonomics of the interior. In expensive versions, there is a small digital display on the central panel on which multimedia data is displayed. The instrument panel features a tachometer and speedometer with white surrounds for easy reading. There is also a small monochrome digital display, which displays data on current fuel consumption, the amount of gasoline in the tank and other necessary service information.

Typical faults and problems

— rapid wear of suspension elements. Fortunately, repairs are very cheap.

- light bulbs often burn out. The problem concerns, first of all, low beam and dimensions. In a sedan, access to them is difficult: the easiest way to get there is to remove the headlight.

— poor quality of paintwork: the paint soon chips, but the body does not bloom in places where it is chipped.

- wear and tear of the floor covering.

Second generation (T300; 2012)

T300

Hatchback (pre-facelift)

Sedan (pre-facelift)

Interior

Development

The second generation Aveo debuted at the 2010 Paris Motor Show, using the Gamma II Global subcompact platform.[11] Earlier this year it was announced as the Aveo RS concept, shown in concept form with 19-inch wheels and an M32

a six-speed manual transmission paired with a 1.4-liter turbocharged
Ecotec
engine producing 103 kW (138 hp).[12]

Development of the second generation Aveo was led by GM Korea, with Opel engineers leading the development of the platform, as well as significant input from engineers from Australia's Holden and Chevrolet of the United States. Aveo marked the debut of the global subcompact Gamma II platform.[13] The exterior design was led by Australian designer Ondrej Koromhaz from Holden, who worked at GM Korea from 2005 to 2007. Koromhaz described his goal for the Aveo as a "four-seater motorcycle" and took inspiration from motorcycle designs, especially the Aveo's exposed headlights and motorcycle-style dashboard.[13] For Chevrolet Sonic models built in the United States, the Sonic features suspension tuning performed by Corvette Racing engineer John Buttermore.[14]

Marketing and production

Chevrolet sells new Aveo under Chevrolet Sonic

nameplate in the Americas, Japan, Israel, the Middle East, South Africa and some Southeast Asian markets.
In Australia and New Zealand it was sold as the Holden Barina
until supplies ran out in early 2022. In Europe it retained the "Aveo" name, although sales ended there in 2014 as the Chevrolet brand was discontinued in Europe.

The North American Sonic is available as a 4-door sedan or 5-door hatchback. It comes with a 1.8-liter inline-four engine producing 101 kW (135 hp) and 169 N⋅m (125 lb⋅ft) or a 1.4-liter turbocharged inline-four engine producing 103 kW (138 hp). hp) and 201 N m (148 lb-ft) of torque.[15] The 1.8-liter engine uses one of the few cast-iron blocks with a timing belt; The 1.4L turbocharged engine uses a timing chain to drive the camshafts.[16] The 1.8-liter inline-four engine is mated to a standard five-speed transmission. manual or six-speed automatic transmission, while the 1.4-liter turbo engine has a six-speed manual transmission.[17] It is noteworthy that the Sonic is the only car in its class assembled in America. For the 2015 model year, US Sonic added OnStar with 4G LTE and a standard built-in Wi-Fi hotspot (including 3GB/three-month data trial), a 1.4-liter turbocharged engine that became standard on LTZ models, and a new exterior color - Blue velvet.

On August 2, 2011, the Sonic began production at the Orion Assembly plant, with the first cars arriving in showrooms in October.[18] The Sonic was the only subcompact car sold in North America that was built in the United States.[19]

Sonic used a water-based "three-wet" painting process that eliminates the need for an oven to bake the primer; this reduced paint shop floor space by 10% and consumed 50% less energy per vehicle painted. Chevy was the first American automaker to use this process.[20]

The Bolt (based on a different platform) joined Aveo/Sonic on the Orion assembly line in 2016 at a combined rate of 90,000 per year.[21]

The Barina, sold in Australia and New Zealand, was sourced from South Korea and is only available with the 1.6-litre engine. Family 1 engine, with either a 5-speed manual or a conventional 4- or 6-speed automatic.

Asia, South America and Russia

The Chevrolet Sonic had its ASEAN debut at the 2012 Bangkok Motor Show in March 2012 as a 4-door sedan and 5-door hatchback. It was rolled out of the GM plant in Rayong, Thailand on July 3, 2012 as a 4-door sedan.[22] Chevrolet Thailand later expected 3 new trim options; LS, LT and LTZ in 4-door sedan and 5-door hatchback models (LS will only be available with the 4-door sedan), which will be powered by a 1.4-liter engine with the option of a 5-speed manual transmission. or 6-speed automatic transmission. Delivery of the 4-door sedan began in late July 2012, followed by the hatchback in August 2012.[23] Built in Thailand, the Sonic was exported to other ASEAN countries such as the Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia. Production stopped in 2015.

The Japanese model was introduced at the 2011 Summer Sonic event at QVC Marine Field[24] and later at the 2012 Summer Sonic event at QVC Marine Field.[25] Production models went on sale on November 12, 2011. Early models included a 5-door hatchback with a 1.6-liter I-4 Ecotec engine (115 hp) and a 6-speed automatic transmission with TAPshift. The base model is based on the equivalent of the North American LTZ trim level, and the LT model includes alloy wheels and metallic paint.[26][27][28] Smaller engines allow lower operating costs compared to the annual Japanese road tax obligation.

The Sonic is also assembled at GM's Colmotores plant in Bogota, Colombia, where it was initially introduced only for the domestic market and then exported to the Andean region.[ citation needed

] As of December 2012, production was also being carried out at the GAZ (Gorky Automobile Plant) plant in Nizhny Novgorod, Russia,[29] but the contract was terminated during 2015.[10]

Trim levels

2013 Chevrolet Sonic RS (USA)
US market Chevrolet Sonic trim levels are as follows:

L.S.

/
1LS
: Power door locks, manual windows, AM-FM stereo with auxiliary audio input and four speakers, fifteen-inch steel wheels painted black with plastic wheel covers, cloth seats, OnStar, air conditioning, 1.8 L I4 engine five-speed manual transmission, and a rear split folding seat.

LT

/
1LT
adds: power windows, AM-FM stereo with single-disc CD/MP3 player, Bluetooth with stereo streaming and auxiliary audio input, fifteen-inch alloy wheels, and steering wheel-mounted audio controls. And the optional mylink system with rear view camera.

LTZ

/
1LZ
adds: AM-FM touchscreen stereo with USB and auxiliary audio inputs and Bluetooth with stereo streaming and app capabilities via MyLink, seventeen-inch alloy wheels, leatherette seats, 6-speed automatic transmission, 1.4L I4 engine and remote start engine. Also included is a rear view camera with guides.

R.S.

adds: unique dark silver alloy wheels, rear wing spoiler, RS badging, body kit, leatherette seats with suede inserts, 6-speed manual transmission and upgraded 1.4L I4 engine.

Facelift

At the 2016 New York International Auto Show, Chevrolet introduced an updated North American version of the Sonic hatchback and sedan. The facelift brought a restyled front fascia, new LED taillights and updated equipment. The Barina sold in Australia and New Zealand was only available with a 6-speed conventional automatic transmission, the 4-speed model was dropped, with the same 5-speed manual transmission in the standard model. .

• Facelift (USA)
• Hatchback Facelift (China)
• Facelift sedan (China)

Transmissions

Safety

Marketing

In the Sonic marketing, GM commissioned the car for a skateboarder. Rob Dyrdek doing a full 360 degree spin (called a kickflip) off a ramp and over an oversized skateboard.[34] In addition, GM released a commercial for Super Bowl XLVI called "Stunt Anthem", which featured a kickflip, as well as other sounds of skydiving, doing jump ropes, and scenes from the okay, get started clip for the song "Wanted/Getting." "Song featured in the advertisement"We are young" to Merry.

Recommendations

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10. ^ a b
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33. Additional system
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