Chevrolet?s subcompact economy car,the Aveo,was introduced to the U.S. for the 2004 model year and is among the least expensive new cars available in the U.S. The 2010 Aveo receives a slight boost in power for the 2010 model year,and delivers improved fuel economy due to revised manual transmission gear ratios. The Aveo is available as a sedan or a four-door hatchback.

The base trim features 14-inch steel wheels,cloth upholstery,and a basic radio. The 1LT trim level features air conditioning and an upgraded sound system with CD/MP3 player,as well as options such as remote keyless entry,power windows and locks,satellite radio,and cruise control. Those options are standard on the 2LT trim,which adds a trip computer,upgraded wheels and upholstery,and other amenities. The hatchback (Aveo5) model adds a rear spoiler with 2LT trim. Optional with the 2LT are a sunroof,perforated leatherette seats,leather-covered steering wheel,and Bluetooth connectivity.

The sole engine is a 108-hp,1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that?s coupled with a five-speed manual transmission. With the 1LT and 2LT trim levels,a four-speed automatic transmission is optional. A new shift indicator on the manual transmission helps drivers shift more efficiently to improve fuel economy,Chevrolet says. The Aveo?s EPA estimates are 27 mpg in the city,35 mpg on the highway,and 30 mpg combined with the manual transmission. With the automatic transmission,the Aveo gets 25 mpg in the city,34 mpg on the highway,and 28 mpg combined.

Front-side airbags are standard and antilock brakes are optional with the automatic transmission. In NHSTA tests,the Aveo receives five stars for the driver and four stars for the passenger in frontal impact. In side impact tests,Aveo receives four stars for the driver and three for the rear passengers. The IIHS gave the Aveo an ?Average? rating for frontal offset collisions and ?Marginal? for side impact.

The 2010 Chevrolet Aveo started at $11,965.