Maybe I am being a little too harsh on the Aveo5 for not having all the bells and whistles I am used to. After all, those that

For a mere $850 over the base price, you can get into the more comfortably equipped LS version. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press)

want more can pay for the LS version. Both base and LS trim feature the same drivetrain, but the latter adds power door locks, power windows, power heated outside rearview mirrors, keyless remote, and a CD player, all for a mere $850 over the base 5-door, or $14,785 (plus freight and PDI). Additionally the Aveo5 LS is available with a rear spoiler, front and rear mud guards, 14-inch aluminum wheels and a power sunroof. Also, base Aveo5's can be equipped with air conditioning as a stand-alone option for $1,150. A stand-alone rear liftgate spoiler can be had for $295 as well. The Aveo5 drives relatively well, but it isn't a vehicle that I would want to push to the limit. At lower speeds it did

To make the most of the Aveo5's 103 horsepower, the standard 5-speed manual transmission is recommended. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press)

what it was told to do, however, and got me from A to B with no hiccups. I appreciated that my test Aveo5 came with the standard 5-speed manual transmission. I liked manually shifting the high-revving, low-output economy car because it enabled me to use its 103 ponies to the best of their collective abilities. It is slow off the line but eventually would get up to speed, posted speed that is. The shift throws are quite long and the linkage isn't exactly tight, but the car's performance is definitely better with the do-it-yourself gearbox.

I was most impressed with the Aveo5's brakes. The front discs and rear drums stopped effectively on dry roads and even put up a good fight on wet surfaces. All in all, they preformed very well. Even the base car can be equipped with 4-wheel antilock brakes (ABS), a $565 expense that could very well prevent an accident.