Fast Facts

Verdict:
An efficient little car that has just the right amount of style to lift it about the competition

Nimble and easy to drive around tight spots, spacious for its size

Interior finish still a small step below Japanese rivals, engine doesn’t like to be worked hard

All in the name of a midlife refresh, Chevrolet’s Aveo5 gets a striking new face among many other changes

By Justin Lee

IT IS NOT only human beings who are interested in stopping the ravages of time. In the car world, manufacturers have midlife updates of their cars to keep an ageing product competitive and to maintain buyer interest. More often than not, these are mainly cosmetic with redesigned headlamps, interiors and bumpers to name a few. Revisions to the mechanical bits are sometimes done in these updates and in most cases comes in the form of improved engine power or tweaks to the suspension.

The Aveo5 started life wearing the now defunct (except in Korea) Daewoo badge and was named the Kalos. It was introduced around early 2003 in Singapore and sported sheetmetal designed by Italdesign.

The Kalos was rechristened the Chevrolet Aveo after General Motors completed its takeover of Daewoo.

Chevrolet has now released a redesigned Aveo, calling it the Aveo5. The makeover is so radical that it looks like a totally new car, but much of the mechanicals remain unchanged.

A large version of the brand’s corporate grille as seen on the Optra Magnum dominates the nose of the car along with new headlamps that appear to be inspired by those on the Epica sedan. At the rear, there are redesigned tail lamps which cut into the revised bumper. There are also side vents added to the front fenders which are purely cosmetic and not actually a hint of the hatchback’s performance potential.

The updated Aveo5 looks suitably sporty and stylish and should appeal to the young or young at heart. That exaggerated mien may look awkward in pictures but it is surprisingly easy on the eye when seen in the flesh.