Chevrolet Aveo is small in size, but big for GM's business

The Chevrolet Aveo, which celebrates its first birthday in the Middle East region, has led the way over the last twelve months in redefining the perception of small cars.

"We have been enjoying fantastic sales figures for the Chevrolet line-up every month to date," said Gerry Groenewegen, Regional Marketing Manager for Chevrolet. "Growth has been fuelled by the introduction and strong market acceptance of the new Chevrolet Aveo along with its stable mates in the small and mid size categories - the Optra and Epica."

Groenewegen adds that GM was always confident that the Aveo would exceed all customer expectations, and as a result prove a valuable addition to the GM line-up.

"Such was the response to the launch of the car last Summer, that we soon extended the product offering, introducing a hatchback alongside the notchback together with a choice of engines. As a result Aveo sales over the past twelve months have surpassed all projections fuelled by sales from a diversity of customers ranging from students to car rental companies."

Groenewegen says that customers have been pleasantly surprised by the roominess that this refined entry-level car delivers along with a range of extras normally only found on bigger, more luxurious cars.

"For its size the Aveo is also powerful, efficient and nimble with a refined, responsive powertrain and chassis that will help redefine the perception of small cars," he says.

"We are also very proud of the fact that this is the only light car to receive the US government's highest safety rating for frontal crash performance - five stars for both driver and front passenger," he adds.

The Italian design of the car is also another feature which has impressed customers. "It is very evident and comes from the famous Turin firm ItalDesign which styled its swept-back look, enhanced by "character lines" along its flanks," says Groenewegen.

"However the other major attraction is the fact that there is beauty inside the Aveo along with plenty of ticks next to the space and specs column.

Pop open one of its flyweight doors and you'll find 50 cubic feet of interior space in front and 41 in the rear, despite its modest exterior dimensions, making it the roomiest interior in the segment and enabling it to comfortably carry up to five adults.

In addition to class-leading passenger room, Aveo offers anti-lock brakes, air-conditioning, remote-controlled central locking, alloy wheel rims, power windows, a CD player and an electric mirror on the passenger side. Safety features are also extensive and include single-stage frontal air bags, safety belt pre-tensioners and height-adjustable shoulder belt anchors for the front seats as standard. The rear seat features shoulder belts in all three seating positions.