Chevrolet Aveo 1.2 (2008) CAR review

The Chevrolet Aveo might sound like a new model, and even looks like it at first glance. But the Aveo is really a facelifted Kalos, and the name is taken from the booted saloon version that was sold elsewhere. Now it applies to the whole family of small Chevrolets, the five-door version of which arrives in Britain in April, with a new three-door following a month later.

Is there still any Daewoo in this?

Well, the Kalos was launched back in 2002 as a Daewoo, and took on the Chevy name when GM took full control and rebranded the whole range. Mechanically and structurally, this car is the same but decorated with a new, faintly Audi-esque front end and new tail lamps. The interior has been refreshed too, with a new facia and door trims though Audi will be the last name on your mind in here. Of greater importance is that this car is the first Chevrolet to be built in Europe, with a new plant coming on stream in Poland.

Isn't the Aveo getting on a bit already?

When the Kalos was launched, it was basically sound but not state of the art. The Aveo really doesn't move the game on. There's a slight air of Ford Fiesta about it: it looks a bit dated now, the interior trim is hardwearing rather than stylish and it feels small inside. But the Fiesta is about to be replaced by an all-new model, and even the outgoing version is a real hoot to drive. Sadly the Aveo is not.