Date:16/04/2006 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/bline/iw/2006/04/16/stories/2006041600891500.htm

Back Aveo: How well does it rev

S. MuralidharS. M.

The Chevy Aveo is being offered with two engine options — a 1.6 litre plant and a new 1.4 litre engine. The 1.6-litre is a carry forward from the Chevy Optra, and has been retuned and remapped to suit the performance parameters set out for the Aveo.

As is amply proven by the continued popularity of the Honda City, the buyer in the sedan segment is still influenced by the fuel efficiency factor. As a result, in the Indian context, sedans even in this category ( above the entry-level) still have to strike a justifiable compromise between performance and fuel efficiency.

GM has tried to do just that with the Aveo's two engines, by tinkering with the engine mapping to ensure that fuel consumption is optimised.

The engines also feature GM's VGiS or variable geometry intake system technology, the same technology that is available with the engine in the Optra Royale. This intake system, featuring a unique air intake valve set-up, ensures quicker delivery of power without raising the fuel consumption level.

While the same engine in the Optra is tuned for performance, in the Aveo 1.6 the gear ratios and the engine mapping have been optimised for relatively less nippy performance and better fuel efficiency.

But the trade-off has meant quite a bit of sluggishness in the first two gears and up to an engine rpm level of about 2,000 rpm. The lack of adequate low-end torque also shows up. The Aveo's 1.6-litre engine is a relatively more refined performer in the NVH parameter, though there is not much of a discernable difference between this and the smaller-size, lower-power 1.4-litre engine. The 1.4, on the other hand, whines quite a bit when pushed, but also delivers a relatively nippier performance in each gear. Unfortunately, the small price difference between the Aveo 1.4LS and the 1.6LT will make the smaller-engine variant unattractive for buyers.

The Aveo features a five-speed manual transmission with Chevrolet's trademark reverse gear slot before the first forward gear.

During test runs, we found the gearbox fairly usable, but despite the tall stick shifter, the long throw can be a bit nagging. Further, the gearbox shift quality is also too notchy and clearly below the Honda City and the Ford Fiesta's ultra smooth shifters.

For braking performance, the Aveo features ventilated discs in the front wheels and self-adjusting drums in the rear. The suspension set-up features gas-filled shockers all around and McPherson struts and torsion beam for the front and rear respectively.