Fuel economy is also pretty good compared to most larger compacts and the other Koreans available, but 8.8 L/100 km in the city and 6.1 L/100 km on the highway means that Hyundai's Accent gets better city mileage, where both cars are most likely going to be used the most, plus the Toyota Echo Hatchback, Echo sedan or even the larger Corolla are more sparing on

Lots of features or a lack thereof, the Aveo5 offers one very good thing: transportation. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press)

fuel. The comparitively large Honda Civic experienceds better fuel efficiency too, as does the MINI Cooper and Dodge SX 2.0. The Ford Focus does not, and neither does the hot-selling new Mazda3. The biggest surprise is Kia's subcompact Rio also doesn't fare as well in fuel economy. While there are better and worse in this category, the Aveo5 is still quite affordable and practical. But what would stop someone from spending $15K on a used vehicle or another brand with more features? And what about the safety net of a really good warranty? GM's bumper-to-bumper coverage of 3 years or 60,000 km, and powertrain warranty of 5 years or 100,000 km doesn't quite measure up to its Korean competitors. The Hyundai Accent, for instance, gets 5 years or 100,000 km in bumper-to-bumper coverage and 7 years or 120,000 km powertrain, while still offering a well made car with commendable driving dynamics. Kia offers a much better warranty than Chevy as well. But these are Korean cars, and the Aveo5 is a Chevy, right? Yes and no. While the Aveo wears a bowtie at grille central, it is actually a rebadged, made-in-Korea Daewoo Kalos (the Daewoo brand not being sold in North America anymore). This means that Chevy is selling a Korean car without a Korean warranty, which makes Hyundai and Kia look pretty good.

Still, the Aveo5 offers a sub-compact alternative to Hyundai due to its 5-door layout, and Kia due to its 5-door layout and bare-bones equipment and subsequent lower base price. Long term warranty or not, lots of features or lack thereof, the Aveo5 offers one very good thing: transportation. It sure beats taking the bus.

Specifications (base 5-door):

• Price Range (MSRP): $13,935 - $16,515
• Body Type: 5-door subcompact
• Layout: front engine, FWD
• Engine: 103 hp, 107 lb-ft of torque, 1.6-L, 16-valve, DOHC I-4
• Transmission: 5-spd manual (optional 4-spd automatic)
• Brakes (front/rear): disc/drum
• Curb Weight: 1,070 kg (2,359 lbs)
• Seating Capacity: 5
• Cargo Volume (behind rear seats/seats folded): 200 / 1,190 L (7.1 - 42.0 cu ft)
• Fuel Economy (city/hwy): 9.0 / 6.4 L/100 km (26 / 37 mpg)
• Warranty (mo/km): 36 / 60,000 comprehensive - 60/100,000 powertrain
• Competitors: Hyundai Accent 3-Door, Kia Rio RX-V, Suzuki Swift+, Toyota Echo Hatchback
• Web site: www.gmcanada.com

Note: Additional larger photos are available in the photo album.