Chevrolet Aveo

Our verdict

Forgettable, underwhelming Korean city car that just can’t match up to stiff competition. If you’d prefer this to a Honda Jazz, it’s time to take a long hard look in the mirror

Comfort

Decent legroom, but rear-seat adults will instantly discover a lack of headroom. Bootspace is woeful at just 220 litres.

Performance

There are two petrol engines: a slow 1.2-litre with 83bhp or a 95bhp 1.4-litre. If you really, really have to choose, go with the more powerful engine. It’s a relative description: it’s still woefully slow and noisy.

Cool

Law 276 of The World According to Top Gear: any car that has obviously had its badge stuck on as an afterthought cannot be considered cool.

Quality

The interior build quality is big step forward over Chevrolets of old, but the overall impression is still one of cheapness. Compare the Aveo to, say, a Fiesta, and the deficits become very, very obvious.

Handling

The suspension handles ruts OK, but the Aveo doesn’t really like corners. There’s too much lean and not enough grip.

Practicality

Tight in the back and boot, and only basic safety equipment as standard. The Aveo’s rivals use their interior space much more cleverly.

Running costs

Good fuel economy and low insurance groups makes the Aveo a cheap little runaround. That said, it’s more expensive than the old Kalos and now barely cheaper to buy than its European mainstream rivals.