2009 Chevrolet Aveo Trims and Specs

The Aveo5 is the subcompact's five-door hatchback version. The entry-level LS trim is equipped with only bare necessities, like manual accessories, steel wheels, and a simple four-speaker AM/FM radio. Optional features include alloy wheels, air-conditioning, cruise control, a sunroof, power windows, keyless entry, and a CD/MP3 player.

The Aveo5 did not benefit from the interior upgrades the sedan received for 2008. Buyers seeking more interior comfort and quality may want to steer clear of the hatchback, which retains more of an economy-car feel.

Chevrolet took steps in 2009 to provide further value with its ultra-economy car, the Aveo LS, with a 3-hp boost and one year of standard OnStar service. The outgoing 1.6 was replaced by an ECOTEC 1.6-liter DOHC 16-valve four-cylinder with Variable Valve Timing and Dual Continuous Variable Cam Phasing, which accounts for the new engine's power increase while maintaining an impressive 27/34 mpg EPA estimate with the standard five-speed manual transmission. A four-speed automatic is available, but you’ll sacrifice 2 mpg around town for the convenience of not having to shift.

Front bucket seats with driver's-side height and lumbar adjustment come standard in cloth upholstery, with a split-folding rear. A tilt steering wheel provides further options for finding the perfect seating position, and a center console offers meager storage. While no CD player comes standard, an AM/FM radio with digital media player connection is a welcome replacement, since a DMP is much easier to lug around than a bunch of CDs anyway. A tachometer is not usually found at this level, and is another welcome feature. Variable-intermittent wipers and daytime running lights join a tire pressure monitor and an emergency inside trunk release on the list of pseudo-safety features, while dual front and front side airbags round out the essentials. The Aveo LS rides on 14-inch wheels with wheel covers.

Most noticeable for the redesigned 2009 Chevrolet Aveo5 LT is a new front grille and roomier interior, which at 42 cubic feet is well above standard for the class. Many creature comforts grace this hatchback, including air conditioning and an AM/FM/CD/MP3 player. The Aveo5 LT also gets a new DOHC 1.6-liter ECOTEC four-cylinder engine with Variable Valve Timing and Dual Continuous Variable Cam Phasing. This is good for an extra 3 hp and an EPA estimate of 26/34 mpg when mated to the standard five-speed manual or 25/34 with the optional four-speed automatic.

Owners also enjoy an interior air filter and floormats at this level, along with dual bucket cloth front seats and a split-folding rear. Drivers can find the optimum positioning through a tilt steering wheel and seat height and lumbar adjustments. A center console provides meager storage, and a tachometer and tire pressure monitor keep the driver informed of the technical situation. Those tires, by the way, wrap around 14-inch wheels with covers. A standard cargo cover, just above a rear wiper/washer, is also unique to the hatchback.

Further safety features include dual front and front side airbags, variable-intermittent wipers, and daytime running lights.

Knowing that Aveo shoppers won’t all be satisfied by the rather meager list of standard features on the LS, Chevrolet recklessly added air conditioning, an AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, an interior air filter, and floormats to the Aveo LT. Couple this with already-standard features such as the tachometer, center console, tire pressure monitor, and tilt steering wheel, and you’re really riding in style, albeit on 14-inch wheels with covers.

A new, DOHC 1.6 liter ECOTEC four-cylinder engine sports Variable Valve Timing and Dual Continuous Variable Cam Phasing, which produces an extra 3 hp and an EPA estimate of 27/34 mpg when mated to the standard five-speed manual or 25/34 with the optional four-speed automatic.

Dual front bucket seats are clad in cloth, like the split-folding rear, and the driver’s seat has height and lumbar adjustment. Daytime running lights and variable-intermittent wipers keep vision clear, and safety is covered by dual front and front side airbags.

The Aveo LT2 is the top-tier trim for this ultra-economy car. With air conditioning and cruise control, an AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with satellite radio, power everything, remote entry, and heated rearview mirrors, it’s about as close to a luxury subcompact as you can get this side of the pond.

A DOHC 1.6-liter ECOTEC four-cylinder engine with Variable Valve Timing and Dual Continuous Variable Cam Phasing powers this little sprinter, adding 3 hp in 2009. The EPA estimates 27/34 mpg when paired with the standard five-speed manual or 25/34 with the four-speed automatic.

Front occupants enjoy dual cloth bucket seats, while a split-folding rear awaits those that can manage to squeeze themselves into the back. The driver’s seat has height and lumbar adjustment and sits beside a center console. A tilt steering wheel provides further options for adjustment, and a tachometer and tire pressure monitor keep the driver informed. The LT2 rolls on 14-inch wheels with covers and comes with variable-intermittent wipers and daytime running lights, as well as dual front and front side airbags.

The redesigned 2009 Chevrolet Aveo5 LT2 hatchback gets a new grille and a full 42 cubic feet of interior cargo space, not to mention a new DOHC 1.6-liter ECOTEC four-cylinder engine with Variable Valve Timing and Dual Continuous Variable Cam Phasing. This new technology means an added 3 hp and an EPA rating of 26/34 mpg when mated to the standard five-speed manual transmission and 25/34 with the optional four-speed automatic.

The LT2 is the top-tier trim, with an AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with satellite radio, cruise control, air conditioning, remote entry, power windows, doors, and heated power mirrors, as well as a tachometer and tire pressure monitor. Dual cloth bucket seats with driver’s height and lumbar adjustment are found up front, with a split-folding rear. A center console and standard cargo cover hide valuables and cargo, and a rear wiper/washer will team with the variable-intermittent wipers up front to keep things clear, along with the daytime running lights. Dual front and front side airbags are also standard.