As a comparison, a slightly better deal for low income buyers might be Suzuki's Swift+ at $14,245 ($13,495 + $995

The base Aveo5 comes equipped with a 1.6-liter, 16-valve, DOHC, 4-cylinder engine. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press)

transport and PDI). It's the identical car with a Suzuki "S" on the grille, which might work better for those who value an imported image over domestic. Slightly less functional, Hyundai offers its Accent 3-door to buyers with even less income for $13,990 ($12,895 + $1,095 freight) while Kia's Rio RX-V is pretty well loaded with accessories and an even more spacious interior for $17,245 ($16,250 + $995 transport and PDI). The only sub-compact left is the Toyota Echo Hatchback's 5-speed manual, 5-door LE base model, costing a little more at $15,665 ($14,705 + $960 freight), but at least it comes with a tape deck and Toyota's renowned reliability and high resale values going for it. So what does the base Aveo5 come with? Well, it has a lightning quick (not) 1.6-liter, 16-valve, DOHC, 4-cylinder engine, four beefy P185/60R14 all season tires and some saucy 14-inch steel wheels with wheel covers. It also comes with fog lamps (I'd rather trade the fog lamps in for a CD player mind you), driver and passenger airbags, rear window wiper with washer and front reclining full cloth bucket seats. A heavy duty exhaust system is also standard, which must be for anti-corrosion rather than for increasing exhaust flow being

The 5-door provides comfortable seating for both front and rear passengers. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press)

that the engine only produces 103 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 107 lb-ft of torque at 3,600 rpm, but heavy duty it is. Also on the list is a power steering rack, appreciated in tight parking lots. The standard 4-speaker AM/FM stereo system was sufficient, but I'd opt for the optional CD player ($395) or maybe even spring for the combined CD/MP3 player ($470). I was at least much more on-top of current weather and traffic conditions than usual, so how can I complain? The seats in the front are comfortable and the seats in the rear are quite roomy. I was, once again, babysitting that week so kids were in and out of my car. They enjoyed the back seats because they are comfortable and spacious, however the lack of an air conditioner made for occasional grumbles.