All-new Chevrolet Aveo makes grand entrance into UAE showrooms

Sporting a sleek and sporty new look in 2006, the 2007 Aveo is a totally new car featuring a more dynamic look and attractive interior. Already one of the best selling models in the region, it is a surprisingly roomy, refined entry-level car that delivers several unexpected extras at a unbelievably affordable price of Dhs 39,000.

Chevrolet Aveo sales have risen steadily in the region since it was launched less than three years ago. Last year saw Middle East sales of the present Aveo increase by 85% to more than 11,500 units. Sales till April 2006 are up an impressive 72% over the equivalent period in 2005.

"From a styling point of view, this is a totally new car," said Gerry Groenewegen, regional director of Chevrolet.

"The 2007 Aveo is a vehicle that will serve as a benchmark for exterior and interior craftsmanship. It is a car that will appeal to families and individual users alike who are looking for a small car that offers something more than the ordinary small car."

"The Aveo is not just good looking; it also is roomy, offering headroom, shoulder room and hip room that are among the best in its class," he added. "The new model comes with a 1.4-litre, four-cylinder engine, which offers more power and better fuel economy than the outgoing model and is amongst the best in the segment."

The 2007 Aveo is a true sedan that has an all-new exterior. The front and rear bumpers, radiator grille, headlights and taillights with cylinder-type lamps, outside rear-view mirrors, long outside door handles, aluminium wheels and wheel covers have all been styled to differentiate the sedan from its hatchback sibling.

Edged side character lines, hood character lines that extend to the front bumper, round fog lamps, an optional rear spoiler and 15-inch wheels add a sense of sportiness to the Aveo's progressive design.

The Aveo has a wheelbase of 2,480 millimetres and a height of 1,495 millimetres. Its overall length of 4,310 millimetres and width of 1,710 millimetres are the greatest in its segment. These large exterior dimensions provide the basis for a very generous interior. The wide stance with a front tread of 1,450 millimetres and a rear tread of 1,430 millimetres, which are both among the best in the Aveo's class, provides enhanced handling and makes the sedan very surefooted.

The Aveo has a number of amenities that are generally found in higher-end, higher-priced vehicles; these include tilt steering, a driver's seat armrest, seat-belt height adjusters, power windows, power door locks, intermittent wipers and remote controlled central door locking. The use of wood grain accents on the door panels and instrument panel and optional leather seats provide a luxury feel.

A high seating position provides Aveo passengers a better view of the road ahead. The Aveo's generous trunk provides improved capacity of up to 400 litres. Convenient split-folding rear seats increase the amount of space for carrying cargo.

The Aveo offers strong occupant protection in the event of an accident. It all centres on the stable passenger cell, which is made predominantly of high-strength steel. The B-pillar moves like a pendulum rather than being folded and protruding into the passenger compartment.

Known as Tailor-Welded Blanking, or the pendulum method, this is normally used only in larger, upper-segment vehicles. Providing additional safety are dual front air bags and seat-belt pretensioners, in addition to four-channel, four-sensor anti-lock brakes.