Overview:
General Motors India, the wholly-owned subsidiary of the US-based auto major General Motors (GM), launched the Chevrolet Aveo's hatch version, the Chevrolet Aveo U-VA recently. The "bow-tie" has always played a vital part in India's automotive scene; GM's tryst with India began in 1928, with assembling Chevrolets. The Chevy, as it is commonly known, has positioned itself as a premium brand in the Indian market.
The Chevrolet Aveo U-VA comes in five variants: 1.2, 1.2 LS, 1.2 LS Techno, 1.2 LT and LT with Option Pack. Airbags can be added as an extra option along with the option pack. The Aveo U-VA is remapped on the Aveo sedan platform and rolled out on a 2,480 mm wheelbase, providing incredible space, and youthful and sporty styling both inside and out.
The UV-A is powered by 1.2-litre engine, which is two litres smaller than the Aveo sedan, while the overall length is reduced to fall in the small car segment, according to the new laws. The UV-A, with attractive styling, competes with the Swift, Indica Xeta and Getz. The U-VA is available in Sterling Silver, Cashmere, Blazing Red and Intense Black. The Chevrolet Aveo U-VA was adjudged the 'Small Car of the Year' at the 2007 NDTV Profit Car India and Bike India Awards.
Powertrain and Performance:
A potent 1.2-litre Inline-4 petrol engine and 5-speed manual transmission are common across all variants. The 8-valve SOHC engine breathes through Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection system and delivers 75 bhp, hitting the highest point of power and strong torque of 110 Nm. The Aveo U-VA exhibits exemplary driving manners and is fuel-efficient. Due to its stylish and aerodynamic design, the Aveo U-VA creates the least drag at high speeds and is an attention-grabber. The suspension system, with McPherson Struts and anti-torsion roll bars dampened by hydraulic shock absorbers in the front, and torsion beam and dampers at the rear, soaks up all the road imperfections with ease.
The standard power steering is very responsive and gives excellent feedback to the driver's inputs. The fine-tuned steering controls and suspension system returns the desired handling and is stable at all speeds. The UV-A rolls on 13" steel wheels and 155/80 R13 tubeless tyres to support the 2,480 mm wheelbase with 188 mm of ground clearance, which is worked out considering the Indian roads. One test drive and you will have no doubt that it's a refined Aveo with a smaller engine, but potent for those who prefer a hatch.
Build and Styling:
Sporting an active design, its fairly low down stature of 1,495 mm emphasises the zing of the all-new Aveo U-VA. The Chevrolet Aveo U-VA's youthful styling is credited to Italdesign, the celebrated studio in Turin, Italy, founded by Giorgetto Giugiaro. Jeweled element headlamps with full-chrome bezels, strong horizontal grille and diamond mesh insert dominate the front view. Its jeweled head and tail lamps give it an elegant look and meticulously blend with the body shape. Its six-window styling gives passengers a commanding view.
The U-VA's peppy design extends into the interior too, highlighted with circular motifs that frequent door trims and the instrument panel. The bright grey gives the interior a well-dressed feel, but the plastic does not look plush. Power windows and switches along with the door trims have a carbon fibre finish that adds to the classy feel of the U-VA. The Aveo U-VA seats up to five adults, giving the passengers enough leg and shoulder room. Storage locations in the cabin are plenty; flexible cup-holders for rear as well as front occupants, dual storage areas on the instrument panels, a deposit box in the centre console and a ticket clip in the driver's sun visor are available. Considering the comfort of the passenger, a good amount of effort has gone into the making of the seats that come with a 40-60 split backrest on the top-end LT model, providing amazing flexibility with space. A rear windscreen wiper and defogger, 14-inch alloy wheels, a leather gear knob, front fog lamps and a digital clock are just a few of the amenities offered in the LT model.
For that energetic and precise feel of the car, a suitable chassis has been provided with fully tested Anti-lock Braking System, available as an option on the LT model. Driver's side airbag, collision-resistant front and rear bumpers and a torsion-resistant body that ensures superb handling are some features provided for the safety of the passengers. High-strength steel is used to give extremely high torsion-rigidity and crash-stability to U-VA's uni-body design.
