Flip through the car section of the classified ads and you will find it littered with the word 'facelift'. The description is probably used more in one page of ads than in a listing of plastic surgeons.
Never mind that the car's mechanical bits date back three generations. All that matters is that the car is 'lady-owned, rust-free and facelifted to (insert year) model'.
Some of these DIY facelifts are hideous, with parts grafted from a newer model onto an old one.
Thankfully, Chevrolet took it upon itself to give the somewhat ageing Aveo an entirely fresh design. The result is pretty tasteful.
The Aveo5 looks far better than its predecessor. There is something distinctly European about it. Perhaps it's the trapezoidal front grille with a cross-beam, which mimics current generation Audis.
Its snout is now more distinct and the continuous line that forms on the bonnet gives the Chevy a rather aggressive look, which is completed with headlights that are pinched on their sides.
Perhaps Chevy should have stopped there and not included the pseudo side vents which serve no functional purpose.
The rear looks fresh, with clear, contoured tail-lamps. From afar, the Aveo5 looks like it is fitted with a bodykit.
But it is the clever use of curves and indentations that creates this optical illusion.
Under its skin, the Aveo5 is mechanically similar to its predecessor. The same platform, the same engine, the same gearbox options and same wheelbase. But it has grown 40mm longer and 10mm taller - expansions which are not apparent inside and out.
Inside, cabin space feels unchanged. It is 'cosy' and plasticky. Certain panels sport golf ball dimples - an effective attempt to give the interior a contemporary touch.
The Aveo5 comes with an integrated audio head unit. It also has tweeters on the A-pillars, something not often seen in cars in its price range. Details such as these matter. It's a shame the old signal/wiper stalks, complete with the half-exposed metal, are carried over, though.
The test car is equipped with a five-speed manual and it is the one to go for. The manual gearbox makes the car feel far more involving to drive and definitely does a better job at putting the power from its 1.4-litre engine onto the tarmac.
We recall the automatic on the older Aveo being a little numb and power-sapping.
The engine is tuned to produce more low-end torque than its predecessor, but most of the action happens after 3,000rpm. With three grown men (read: more mass than an average young family with two kids and a dog), the car easily keeps up with traffic.
Apart from the second gear in the test car feeling a tad harder to engage than the other gears, the Aveo5 feels better put together and a much better car to be seen in than before. The rejuvenated exterior and interior both give the car a sportier and younger character, which suits the target audience.
The writer is with Torque, published by SPH Magazines.
CHEVROLET AVEO5 (M)
Price: $49,138 with COE
Engine: 1,399cc 16-valve inline-4
Transmission: Five-speed manual
Power: 94hp at 6,200rpm
Torque: 130Nm at 3,400rpm
0-100kmh: 12.3 seconds
Top speed: 178kmh
Fuel consumption: 8.5 litres/ 100km (city)
Agent: Alpine Motors/Starsauto
This article was first published in The Straits Times on 28 June, 2008
