Chevrolet to Debut New Aveo Sedan at LA Motor Show

The popular five-door hatchback will follow after the four-door sedan. (Photo: General Motors of Canada)

Minor updates to the Aveo's mechanical components keep should help keep it running strong in 2007. The 1.4-litre inline-four with variable intake manifold makes 103-horsepower and 107 lb-ft of torque, and can be mated to either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic with Hold Control mode for reduced wheelspin during slippery startups. Meanwhile, the power steering system has been revised to include a centering motion to minimize the effect of crosswinds, while tweaks to the suspension and anti-roll bars are said to give the Aveo a smoother ride.

The Aveo is an important part of Chevrolet's small car lineup, which now includes the Cobalt and the Cobalt-based HHR compact crossover; it comes not a moment too soon, given the release of the 2006 Accent, Rio and Yaris, not to mention that Honda, Nissan and Mitsubishi have agendas that include North American-destined entries into this segment. The new Aveo will be shown first as a four-door notchback sedan, followed by the popular five-door hatchback later this year. Sales of the 2007 Aveo will commence during the summer of 2006.