Overall rating:

The old "that'll be the Daewoo" catchphrase may be a distant memory, consigned to Chevrolet's past, but the company is continuing to stick with the value-for-money philosophy first seen on its predecessors. Backed by a five-year warranty, the latest Aveo is also brimming with equipment and boasts an ample range of engine choices.

Key Facts

Model tested: Chevrolet Aveo 1.3 VCDi LTZ
Pricing: £13,615
Engine: 1.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder diesel
Transmission: six-speed manual, front-wheel drive
Body style: five-door hatchback
Rivals: Fiat Panda, Ford Fiesta, Volkswagen up!
CO₂ emissions: 108g/km
Combined economy: 68.9mpg
Top speed: 108mph
0-62mph: 12.6 seconds
Power: 95hp at 4,000rpm
Torque: 210Nm at 1,750rpm

In the Metal:

There's no room for shrinking violets in the supermini sector, but with the Aveo Chevrolet may have tried a little too hard. The basic shape is very simple, and actually a little uninspiring, but it's plastered with details - including the opinion splitting exposed lights.

They're said to resemble the fairing-free units found on a motorcycle, just like the digital speedometer pod above the steering wheel. Admittedly the cabin has plenty of room, front and rear, but the plentiful plastics are scratchy and low-rent.

Driving it:

While we also tried the 1.2-litre petrol on the launch, it has to be said that the 1.3-litre diesel is a big step up, at least in terms of performance. It's still unrefined though, an old-school diesel rattle penetrating the interior with ease - whether stationary or at speed.

Still, like its petrol-engined sibling the diesel has a decent, if not class-leading chassis. Sure there's some body roll, but on the whole the Aveo is well-behaved, even hanging on gamely through ever-tightening bends. The extra weight of the diesel unit has affected the ride slightly though, the stiffer springs and 16-inch alloys on our test example filtering every road scar into the cabin.

Light steering, which is overly keen to self-centre, and decent forward visibility make it easy to manoeuvre in town but the chunky C-pillars make the view backwards restricted. Expect it to be competent and you won't be disappointed, but look for anything above that call of duty and you'll likely feel short-changed.

What you get for your Money:

Value for money is what Chevrolet stands for, though the £13,615 list price of this LTZ version pitches this particular model close to some very talented rivals, including the new Fiat Panda, Ford Fiesta and upcoming five-door Volkswagen up!

Opt for the 75hp 1.3 VCDi in LT trim and you'll save yourself around £1,300 though. And you'll still benefit from plenty of standard kit including air conditioning, cruise control and electric front windows, while, like every other Chevrolet, the Aveo comes with a five-year 100,000-mile warranty.

Worth Noting

There are three different flavours of 1.3 VCDi engine, one with 75hp and two with 95hp. The ECO model only emits 95g/km CO₂, thanks in part to a 20Nm reduction in torque and a five- rather than six-speed manual gearbox. Interestingly, despite the drop in torque and longer gearing, the ECO car is actually quicker from 0-62mph, due to needing less gear changes to get there.

Summary

Despite the rather vibrant exterior and interior design, the end result of Chevrolet's latest supermini errs on the dull side of life. That's not to say it's without merit though, as the Aveo offers value for money, practicality and in the case of the 1.3 VCDi diesel engine in particular, efficiency and economy too.