Prior to the launch of the highly successful Cruze, the Aveo was Chevrolet's best-selling car globally. An all-new Chevrolet Aveo goes on sale summer 2011 and it is designed to expand on the nameplate's success in the highly competitive small car market. It will be offered as a five-door hatch and as a sedan, each delivering excellent ride and handling characteristics and a sporty and sophisticated design, as well as roominess and fuel efficiency.
Equally at home on the daily commute to work or the weekend drive to the countryside, the new Aveo is a compelling choice for young and young-at-heart, style-conscious drivers - and it complements a range of exciting new Chevrolet designs that will be launched throughout 2011, Chevrolet's centennial year.
The latest edition of the Chevrolet Aveo is an all-new vehicle that includes a completely redesigned exterior and passenger cabin, a newly developed chassis and body structure, as well as an upgraded range of fuel-efficient, low-emission engines.
The Chevrolet Aveo has been engineered to make everyday driving in a small car a more dynamic and enjoyable experience, while delivering practical, hands-on solutions and value. In order to ensure responsive handling, engineers developed an all-new chassis for the Aveo that is among the most rigid in its segment.
Featuring a sporty exterior that speaks Chevrolet's global design language, the all-new Chevrolet Aveo appeals to the young and the young-at-heart. This holds true for both body styles, but especially for the five-door hatchback, with its aggressive, flowing body lines. Meanwhile, the all-new four-door version conveys a more mature, upscale feel. The notchback is aimed at young families in particular.
A road-gripping ride
The new Chevrolet Aveo's sporty driving experience is a key feature that contributes to the car's appeal. It consists of an exceptionally rigid body-frame-integral structure, with the upper body and the frame engineered as a single unit, ensuring a more mass-efficient and stiffer structure. Advanced steels used on the new Aveo have considerably greater tensile strength, which improves passenger safety.
A McPherson strut front suspension with coil springs and stabilizer bar, and a torsion beam axle-mount compound link-type rear suspension, deliver a tempered, stable ride. The vehicle's outstanding feedback to the driver is enhanced by electronic stability control (ESC) and a column-mounted electric power steering system (EPS), which is available on models equipped with the 1.2 liter gasoline or 1.3 liter turbo-diesel engines. This sophisticated support system includes a wear compensator to guarantee consistently precise steering as the vehicle ages.
Meanwhile, the Chevrolet Aveo's tight body-frame-integral structure is also key to the vehicle's advanced safety performance. In the event of an accident, the roof will be able to carry 4.2 times the car's weight. A carefully tuned set of sensors is wired to six airbags that are standard in Europe, along with a four-channel anti-lock braking system (ABS) with brake assist. In addition, the driver can activate cruise control with speed limiter function. Once the set maximum speed is reached, the system triggers an audible alarm.
The Chevrolet Aveo also offers a quiet, relaxed driving experience. Refined noise control measures have, in some instances, resulted in a damping performance that is 10 to 40 percent greater than previously applied materials and techniques.
Two distinctive body styles
The new Chevrolet Aveo's external styling will bring a fresh breath of youth and sportiness to the segment. At the front end, the Aveo's large, dual-port grille with the centrally positioned bowtie immediately identify it as a Chevrolet.
A key signature element distinguishing the Chevrolet Aveo is its exposed, motorcycle-inspired headlamps, which are devoid of any lens cover. They are housed in dual tubes, with high-gloss black bezels and chrome rings. Pronounced wheel arch forms, the 114 mm offset between the roof-rails and short overhangs underscore the hatchback's planted, assertive posture.
Sporty sophistication inside
A high level of detail applied in the design of the Chevrolet Aveo's passenger cabin has resulted in a more upscale execution that is typically seen in higher-segment vehicles. On the same trim level, there is no difference in interior layout or styling between the hatchback and the sedan.
The Chevrolet Aveo's distinctive dual-cockpit has been derived from the Chevrolet Corvette - one of the world's most iconic sports cars. It incorporates another distinctive design element - a wraparound instrument panel that flows into the driver's and front passenger's door. To the left and the right, round HVAC outlets protrude from the instrument panel surface.
The instrument cluster further carries the motorcycle theme apparent on the exterior, incorporating a round speedometer and a digital LCD readout. Ice-blue ambient backlighting adds a stylish, contemporary feel to the cabin.
Smartly designed stowage features enhance Chevrolet Aveo's attention to detail. Along with two glove boxes, including one with an integrated USB outlet, various small compartments and door pockets, as well as three cupholders at the front, provide generous storage space for items of many sizes. All electronic devices installed in the upper glove-box can be operated through the steering-wheel controls or radio interfaces.
The notchback's trunk provides 502 liters of cargo volume, ranking it among the best in class; the equivalent of 653 liters can be stored in the hatchback's rear, when the rear seat is folded - more than enough for a weekend foray or the preceding drive to the mall.
Efficient and fuel-saving powertrains
Fuel efficiency and enjoyable driving that creates a small environmental footprint were the main criteria guiding the design of the Chevrolet Aveo's engine lineup. The 1.6 liter gasoline engine (115 hp) gives the Aveo strong acceleration characteristics and an immediate feeling of performance during low-speed driving.
The petrol engine range also includes two 1.2 liter versions rated at 70 hp and 86 hp, respectively, a 1.4 liter unit (100 hp) and a 1.6 liter engine (115 hp). From this autumn, the new Chevrolet Aveo will also be offered with a 1.3 liter turbo-diesel engine - the first in a small Chevrolet in Europe - featuring common-rail fuel injection, start/stop technology and a variable-geometry turbocharger.
The 1.2 liter, 1.4 liter and 1.6 liter four-cylinder gasoline engines feature dual-overhead camshafts and variable valve timing. Their a cast-iron cylinder block is based on a hollow frame structure. The 1.2 liter and 1.4 liter engines feature a cast-iron bedplate that provides a stiffer structure, resulting in quieter and smoother engine performance. The 1.6 liter engine has a toothed timing belt that has a change interval of every 10 years or 160,000 kilometers.
Fuel consumption on a combined cycle is 5.1 liters/100 km for the 86 hp version of the 1.2 liter engine and 6.6 liters/100 km in the case of the 1.6 liter engine coupled with a manual transmission. The 1.2 liter Ecotec gasoline engine will emit 119 g of CO2 per km.
The Aveo will be the first Chevrolet small car to sport a six-speed automatic transmission. One of its principal advantages is the positioning of the gear sets which have been placed on the same axis as the engine crankshaft centerline. Among the benefits resulting from this modification are a shorter powertrain, a lower hood line and increased interior space.
Ride & Handling
The Chevrolet Aveo delivers ride comfort and responsive handling traits that are designed to match the best in the segment. It is a car developed for global markets, but engineers tuned the Aveo specifically for the driving tastes of European customers, giving it a more athletic feel and balancing the vehicle for a broad range of driving conditions.
The Chevrolet Aveo's ride is tempered, stable and comfortable over virtually all road surfaces. It is fun to drive, while displaying vehicle dynamics usually associated with cars in higher price brackets. Moreover, various enhancements to its structural design and powertrain systems have resulted in a vehicle that is very quiet.
A tight chassis for confident road command
A wheelbase of 2525 mm, combined with wide, 1509 mm front and rear tracks, give the Chevrolet Aveo a firmly planted stance, which contribute to a balanced driving experience. The key enabler to its stability and confident road feel, however, is a very tight body-frame-integral (BFI) structure that ranks among the stiffest in the global small-car segment. Throughout the vehicle's structure, 10 percent more spot welds are used, while some of the steel selected to build the new Aveo exhibits tensile strengths of more than 1000 MPa or higher - twice as strong as the 340 to 550 MPa seen in the previous generation.
The chassis' main underbody rails run continuously from front to rear, providing great strength. A long, six-mount engine cradle contributes to lower noise levels, and smoother ride and handling dynamics. Specifically tuned engine mounts - including a hydraulic mount - are tailored to the engine's inherent torque axis, effectively disrupting the transmission of vibration and noise. This configuration also helps control the transfer of momentum, resulting in improved dynamic balance.
Complementing the strong body structure are suspension systems tuned for responsive ride and handling qualities. All models feature a McPherson strut front suspension with coil springs, stabilizer bar and side-load-compensated front strut modules. These are designed to reduce the sliding friction by the bending load on the strut inherent to most suspension geometries. Side load compensation, in turn, allows for the front wheels to be moved further outward, which is key to achieving improved stability.
Sophisticated noise abatement
A stiffer structure also facilitates insulation of the powertrain and suppression of road and wind noise. Due to a drag co-efficient of 0.30, the Chevrolet Aveo has an excellent wind noise rating of 40.5 decibels at highway speed. Special damping mats, which are tailored to each specific powertrain package, act as an abatement to high-frequency noise transfer. Other measures aimed at achieving a quiet, pleasant cabin comfort level include the use of thicker glass for the windshield and windows, and the application of composite nylon baffles in various structural intrusions and of formed resin or felt blanket on the underside of the hood.
Small turn radius and advanced driving aid systems
An array of electronic systems assist the driver in maneuvering the Chevrolet Aveo through everyday traffic and more challenging driving situations. Turning diameter measures a tight 10.1 meters curb-to-curb, and less than three turns lock-to-lock, which are amongst the best in segment. In 1.2 and 1.3 liter diesel-equipped cars, a column-mounted electric power steering system (EPS) is available, which saves fuel when compared with an engine-driven power steering pump. In order to ensure precise steering action over the system's life, a wear compensator continually adjusts its interaction with the steering gear. This GM-engineered proprietary technology is an uncommon refinement in the segment.
The standard electronic stability control (ESC) system may apply individual brakes selectively to counterbalance oversteer and understeer, helping the driver maintain control. It also ensures more precise, controlled performance of the anti-lock system as well as exceptional traction and yaw stability.
The Chevrolet Aveo is equipped with a four-channel anti-lock braking system (ABS) that uses data input from wheel-speed sensors to reduce stopping distances. The enhanced steering control during braking maneuvers coupled with the brake assist system (BAS) allows for more efficient emergency braking. An integrated electronic brake distribution (EBD) system proportions brake pressure.
Front disc and rear drum brakes are standard, along with low-compressibility brake-pads. The front brakes feature vented single 54 or 60 mm piston steel calipers, depending on the powertrain, while at the rear, 19 or 20.6 mm piston steel cylinders are used.
Exterior Design
In line with its agile, athletic disposition, the all-new Aveo exhibits a purposeful, assertive appearance. From every angle, the redesigned Chevrolet Aveo Sedan and five-door models feature exterior forms that convey strength, stability and sportiness. A 114 mm offset between the roof rails and shoulder line, along with a track width of 1509 mm and pronounced wheel arches, ensure a confident, grounded posture. Progressive, raked body lines imply performance and suggest swift movement even when the car is stationary.
The five-door hatchback and four-door sedan versions share a number of design cues that immediately identify them as a Chevrolet. One of the most prominent exterior features is the large, dual-port grille. It consists of honeycomb grille inserts in matte-finish black and chrome surrounds in the upper ports of up-level LT and LTZ models. The iconic badge is center-positioned and sculpted into the cross bar separating the upper and lower grille ports. It is also located on the liftgate, carrying an acrylic-encased dimpled gold finish for a crisp, three-dimensional appearance.
A key design element distinguishing the new Chevrolet Aveo is its exposed, round headlamps. They are devoid of the traditional lens cover and were inspired by the lighting seen on motorcycles. Two dual tubes, with high-gloss black bezels and chrome rings, carry the quad-reflector lamps, bringing a sparkling look to the face of the vehicle. Lower outboard bezels finished in anthracite gray molded-in color and house fog lamps (top trim only).
The hood surface features a subtle centerline crease and crisp outboard scallops, running from the cowl to the forward hood line for a swept, aggressive appearance. A more forward-positioned cowl line and the Chevrolet Aveo's sharply inclined windshield result in a bold, aerodynamic expression.
All wheels feature Chevrolet's five-spoke design and are available in 15 inch steel, as well as 15, 16, and 17 inch alloy styles.
Another distinctive Chevrolet cue is the hatchback's rear door pull handles, which are almost invisible at the rear upper portion of the door behind the glass. Just as in the smaller Chevrolet Spark, the result is a three-door-like appearance with five-door functionality. The front-door handles are mold-in color black on base models and body-color-matched on LT and LTZ models. Beltline chrome moldings are also available on LTZ models.
The rear hatch glass is curved at the outboard edges to flow in unison with the vehicle's rear quarters - a level of sophistication usually found in more premium segments. A standard body-color matched spoiler for enhanced aerodynamic performance runs along the upper and side perimeter of the rear window.
An upscale, sleek presence for the Chevrolet Aveo Sedan
The Chevrolet Aveo sedan shares the hatchback's purposeful, swift look, but features a number of characteristics that contribute to a more upscale, mature appearance. It is longer and wider (4399 mm x 1735 mm) than its predecessor, while its trunk has a cargo capacity of 502 liters - a 102 liter increase over the previous model.
Both the sedan and the hatchback sport a touchpad actuator on the liftgate, contributing to a smooth, refined opening action.
Precision work: minimized body panel gaps and weld joints
The exterior fit and finish on the new Chevrolet Aveo exemplify the attention to detail apparent throughout the vehicle. Door-to-door, door-to-fender, hood-to-fender, and lamp-to-fascia gaps, for example, are all 3.5 mm or less.
All surfaces are free of cladding or unnecessary applications, delivering a unembellished, pure appearance. Secondary surfaces, such as areas seen around door rings upon vehicle entry and exit, have been styled for a flush, finished appearance. This was achieved through welding techniques that ensure a cleaner surface in these areas as well as minimizing sealing between sheet joints and improving corrosion protection.
The Interior Design
A small car with great performance and handling and a distinct, youthful appearance, the new Aveo also challenges competitors with a stylish, user-friendly passenger cabin. Its interior craftsmanship and refinements are designed to engage passengers with everything they see, touch or hear.
Cockpit emphasizes performance
Sportiness and sophistication characterize the Aveo's interior arrangement and details. The all-new Aveo features Chevrolet's signature dual-cockpit theme, originally a trademark of the Corvette, one of America's most iconic sports cars. Another key design element in the cabin is the wrap-around instrument panel. It flows from the dash into the doors.
The mid-instrument panel is available in dark titanium or red brick and is plastic-injection-molded with a low-gloss surface of textured three-dimensional technical grain. Meanwhile, the upper instrument panel and upper door surfaces are black. To the left and right of the instrument panel, round air conditioning (HVAC) outlets protrude from the panel surface. Non-woven materials were used to fabricate the headliner, rather than the traditional felt applications that are more common in the segment.
The instrument cluster carries forward the motorcycle-inspired theme introduced by the vehicle's exterior. It incorporates a round analog speedometer set within an asymmetrical LCD readout, with a large digital display. Both the instrument cluster and the integrated center stack design are illuminated with Chevrolet's ice-blue ambient backlighting, for a more upscale look and feel.
A three-spoke steering wheel is in tune with the theme of sporty refinement. A silver-metallic finish on the bottom spoke section and leatherette trim around the circumference is standard in LTZ models, while cruise control with speed limiter is available on all trims.
Abundant, practical and discreet storage opportunities
Both the five-door hatch and four-door sedan models of the new Chevrolet Aveo offer generous cargo space. This includes an under-seat pullout drawer and a storage compartment beneath the cargo floor (hatchback). The luggage capacity of the notchback is 502 liters, while the five-door's luggage compartment holds 290 liters with the rear seat in the upright position. When the rear seat - a 60/40 design - is folded, the hatchback has a storage capacity of 653 liters. Front-seat travel is among the best in the segment: 189 mm forward, 54 mm rearward, 28 mm up and 37 mm down.
The mid-instrument panel features an upper glove-box with two compartments and outlets for USB and auxiliary devices, enabling discreet connectivity of iPods, smart phones, and other electronic devices. They can be operated through the steering-wheel controls or radio interfaces. A second, large glove-box features a lid that is damped for quiet operation.
Large storage pockets on both sides of the upper center stack in the instrument panel provide easy-to-reach storage areas for mobile phones, CDs and many other items. Three cupholders are located in the center console: Two for the front passengers and one for the rear-seat area.
Comfort and connectivity tailored to satisfy different needs
Tastes and comfort requirements may vary significantly and so does people's need to use modern communications and entertainment equipment. The designers of the Chevrolet Aveo have allowed for such variations. Seats are offered in three trim levels, color-coordinated according to the mid-instrument panel's color. Heated seats are optional on LT and LTZ models.
Two configurations of radios with four- or six-speakers and auxiliary device control are available. The audio system is capable of playing personal devices, such as the iPod through either the radio or steering wheel control. The uplevel radio offers USB/iPod as well as Bluetooth connectivity for wireless devices and also allows hands-free phone operation.
Air conditioning is available on the Aveo and featured as standard equipment, depending on the model or sales region. It includes a standard air and pollutant filtration system.
Engines & Transmissions
Today, a new car, and particularly a new entry to the small car segment, is expected to offer excellent fuel economy and a low carbon footprint, along with great performance and durability.
The Ecotec 1.2 and 1.4 liter gasoline engines make their debut in the new Aveo, while a new 1.3 liter turbo-diesel will be the first diesel in a Chevrolet's small cars in Europe. It debuts this autumn and features a high-performance common-rail fuel-injection system and advanced, electronically controlled variable geometry turbocharger with intercooler.
Fuel-efficient 1.2L and 1.4L gasoline engines
With the introduction of the newest entries of GM's family of small-displacement engines, the Chevrolet Aveo's powertrain benefits from a range of enhancements that display a strong performance and excellent expected longevity.
The engines' cylinder block is based on a hollow-frame structure, with a cast-iron bedplate. This stiff foundation ensures exceptional balance, smoothness and a quieter ride. The engineers also succeeded in raising the compression ratio to 10.5:1, thereby increasing fuel efficiency and improving emissions.
Both the 1.2 and the 1.4 liter gasoline engines feature dual-overhead camshafts and variable valve timing. The four-valve head design provides increased airflow as well as optimized cooling circuitry and inlet ports. Depending on the engines' speed and operating conditions, the valve timing can be tuned for optimum performance over a wide range of engine speeds while reducing fuel consumption.
Among the key features contributing to the 1.2 and 1.4 liter engines' durability and overall performance is improved oil circulation. This was achieved by integrating an oil/water heat exchanger that allows maximum interstage cooling and keeps pressure loss to a minimum. The cylinder block and lightweight aluminum cylinder head have dedicated bores to improve oil lubrication of the cam phasers. Piston-cooling oil jets also enhance oil lubrication, thereby increasing the engine's longevity.
Other highlights of the engines include a 6.3 mm silent chain drive, an exhaust manifold manufactured from stainless steel, with integrated catalytic converter.
The 1.2 liter gasoline engine, which is expected to be the highest-volume for the Aveo range, delivers 86 hp, and 115 Nm of torque at 4000 rpm. Performance figures for the 1.2 liter engine, when combined with the manual transmission, include a top speed of 183 km/h and a 0-100 km/h time of 13.6 seconds. Fuel consumption with the manual transmission on a combined cycle is 5.1 liters/100km, while emissions are 119 g of CO2/km. The 1.4 liter gasoline engine delivers 100 hp, and 130 Nm of torque at 4000 rpm.
1.6 liter gasoline engine delivers greater performance
The Chevrolet Aveo's 1.6 liter gasoline engine is rated at 115 hp. Not only does 1.6 liter engine's larger displacement provide more power, it also supports a robust peak torque of 155 Nm, which gives the Aveo strong acceleration characteristics and an immediate feeling of performance during low-speed driving.
Like the 1.2 and 1.4 liter engines, the 1.6 liter features a hollow-cast iron block and cylinder head made of aluminum. Despite its increased complexity, it weighs three percent less than previous generations of the same family of engines, while exhibiting greater stiffness and structural strength. In fact, the weight of the cylinder block was reduced by 20 percent compared to engine offerings from the previous generation.
The 1.6 liter engine is equipped with a 16-valve cylinder head with dual overhead camshafts. It also uses dual-continuously variable valve timing and shares the use of piston-cooling oil jets and oil circulation optimization features, similar to the 1.2 and 1.4 liter engines.
Further refinements include a crankshaft sensor that is a first on these engines. It is fitted into the cylinder together with the crankshaft seal and measures crankshaft position at all times, thereby enabling smoother and more efficient operation. The Chevrolet Aveo's 1.6 liter gasoline engine has a toothed timing belt that has a change interval of every 10 years or 160,000 kilometers.
When combined with a manual transmission, the 1.6 liter gasoline engine enables the Chevrolet Aveo to attain a top speed of 189 km/h. Acceleration is rated at 11.3 seconds (0-100 km/h). On a combined cycle, fuel consumption is 6.6 liters/100 km. Emissions are 156 g/km.
All-new transmission lineup includes six-speed automatic
A five-speed manual transmission is standard with the 1.2 and 1.4 liter gas engines, while a higher-capacity five-speed manual transmission is matched with the 1.6 liter. A GM Hydra-Matic six-speed automatic is optional on models with the 1.4 liter and the 1.6 liter engines, while a six-speed manual transmission will be offered exclusively with the 1.3 liter turbo-diesel later this year.
Both five-speed manual transmissions use a single-piece, lightweight aluminum housing and feature triple-cone synchronizers for first and second gears, which foster smoother low-gear engagement and easier launch and shifting characteristics. In the higher-capacity five-speed manual, needle bearings for all gears result in low-friction gear meshing, enabling more comfortable shifting.
The Hydra-Matic six-speed automatic transmission that is available with the 1.4 liter and 1.6 liter engines represents Chevrolet's first application of a six-speed automatic front-drive transmission on a small car.
With the unique automatic design, all the gearsets are positioned on the same axis as the engine crankshaft centerline, making the entire powertrain unit shorter and ideal to package into the Chevrolet Aveo.
Thanks to a wide overall ratio spread of 6.00:1, the six-speed Hydra-Matic enables a "steep" first gear as well as a "tall" overdrive top gear, which allows for low-rpm highway cruising and reduces fuel consumption and vibration.
Safety
Ever increasing traffic volumes and limited amounts of space mean that even the most able, experienced and vigilant drivers may find themselves faced with the possibility of a collision in certain circumstances. Occupant safety is therefore an overriding objective for automotive engineers. The new Aveo is equipped with an array of safety features and sophisticated electronic control systems that are engineered to make it one of the safest vehicles in the small-car segment.
The backbone of Chevrolet Aveo's safety design is its exceptionally strong body structure provided by a body-frame-integral (BFI) structure. The BFI design is a single, welded unit consisting of full-length, high-strength frame rails and a safety cage. Welded tubular-section members are used to frame door openings and to support the roof while steel members reinforce the doors.
High-strength steels ensure stiff body structure
More than 60 percent of the body structure, as well as the six-point-mounted engine cradle, use high-strength steel. Ultra-high-strength steel is strategically integrated in the forward portion of the rockers and the center cross bar. The Aveo's engine cradle distributes energy in frontal and side impacts. It is another structural element that helps optimize occupant safety. Together with the front bumper system and the engine compartment rails, the engine cradle bars absorb the brunt of a frontal crash.
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