Chevrolet Aveo, 2011

 

 

 

 

Chevrolet Aveo, 2011

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The rear suspension incorporates a specifically adapted compound crank (torsion beam), with a double-wall, tubular V-shape beam profile with gas-charged shock absorbers. This design combines all the advantages of a conventional torsion beam axle - minimal space requirements - with low weight and consistent camber control. Thanks to the rear suspension's compact dimensions, the 46 liter fuel tank fits between the rear wheels, enabling a lower mounting position of the seats for greater overall vehicle balance.

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.

Liquid-applied sound deadening (LASD), by means of melt-on patches, is strategically applied to the interior body structure, dampening smaller section interfaces that may resonate over time. When compared to more conventional, adhesively applied damping material, these patches fit almost perfectly into the areas they are applied to. As a result, LASD achieves 10 to 40 percent greater damping performance over adhesively applied materials.

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 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.

Chevrolet Aveo hatchback: coupe-like appearance with five-door functionality
While both the hatchback and the sedan speak a design language that appeals to the young and young-at-heart, their shapes differ in several important aspects. The five-door hatchback comes in a tight, two-box package, with aggressive diving feature lines and short front and rear overhangs. A sharply forward-swept shoulder line extends from the upper rear corner of the greenhouse to the front wheel arches. It runs in parallel to the lower body side scallop, accentuating the hatchback's forward-moving dynamic.

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.

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.

The 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Intelligent sensor suite, six airbags standard
A set of sensors that controls the deployment of six standard airbags is mounted into Aveo's structure. The centerline of the vehicle incorporates the sensing and diagnostic module. Upon receiving data from the car's sensors, this electronic device establishes the severity of the impact and whether to deploy the airbags. In Europe, the Chevrolet Aveo features single-stage airbags for the driver and the front passenger, roof-rail airbags and side-impact airbags as standard.