[enzl]

One of the reasons I have not been spending so much time on this site any more is that I am tired of the same old arguments by the same old critics who either don't know what the f#$K they are talking about, or are chiming off for the wrong reasons. It amazes me that someone can make such final judgments from a few pictures, without having even sat in the '09, let alone having driven one for a few days.

We got our first '09 Aveo 5 in the other day. The extra power and the reduced harshness is quite a bump above the '08. Yes, when an Aveo is tarted up a Cobalt is not that much more, but there are some people who want the hatch or who think it is going to be easier to park. For a major refresh, the Aveo has now climbed back into the race with the Fit and Versa. They will soon be coming from Mexico which will speed their delivery, too. The interior is quite a bit better than the '08. It may seem a little too dark for some, but I find the lighter greys in the Fit a little too light. C'est la vie.
For the harshest of critics of GM, it would seem that GM is more interested in updating the Aveo than they are the Cobalt. The '09 Cobalt finally gets the graphite interior which masks the hideousness of that nylon cloth and the extra ponies make the car even more impressive, but the general cheapness of plastics in the Cobalt is disappointing - frankly, the Aveo interior is better.

Biz, you're simply revealing a level of bias that transcends reality and logic.

This '09 refresh has been available for testing in other markets for 6 months or more. I haven't read a truly positive article on this car in any reputable source. I'll concede that the interior of the '09 is really nice for an Aveo. But that's it.

This platform is no longer competitive...it wasn't designed to be, even when introduced...it's a cut-rate, Wal-Marted, bottom feeding competitor for the LCD shopper. That's all it will ever be.

The fact that GM intro'ed 3 possible replacements (Traxx, Groove, Beat), had Americans vote on 'em and then not prepare the first versions for US consumption displays the level of concern and vision that GM has for this segment in the US. The 09 Aveo simply confirms this theory.

(Wanna hear my pet theory on why 'Biz isn't here as much: Ironically, it's the same reason I don't come here...Too much bad news for GM. It's simply overwhelming how quickly things got so bad...check out today's financial news...that's record loses 2 of the last 3 quarters...Awful doesn't even cover it. It's really gotta chap some people's asses that me, OC and the rest of the outcasts on this board were right....)

This post has been edited by enzl: 01 August 2008 - 08:10 AM

[Dodgefan]

Maybe GM should ask Ford for help, as Ford seems to know how to do a good B-segment car (Fiesta)

[regfootball]

The "paying a lot more" for a diesel is merely an upfront cost, because in many European markets they depreciate far less quickly that petrol equivalents. In addition, many western European countries tax derv at a lower rate and therefore its priced less than petrol. So the overall ownership cost usually evens out or works out less than a petrol model.

i am certain if the people's socialist republic of california could, they would attempt to legislate to get rid of your diesels too, or make them cost prohibitive, just like here.

[Dodgefan]

GM already does - the Corsa, as well as the Meriva and Tigra spin-offs.

Yes, but none of them, as far as I know can be imported here. I think the Corsa won't be able to make it until the next generation. Could be wrong though.

[Dodgefan]

Since the 2011 will be an upgrade of the current SCSS platform, I can't see why it couldn't be modified just as the Astra was on its Delta underpinnings.

True, although it's just too bad it won't be until 2011, when GM needs cars like this here in the states now.

[enzl]

The Beat is a significantly smaller, A-segment city car that will take on the Ford Ka, Toyota Aygo, Peugeot 107, VW Fox and Fiat 500 in Europe. It effectively replaces the Matiz, not the Kalos/Aveo. GM needs a newer B-segment car to be a serious competitor in the States - the Corsa would be the most logical choice.

According to LLN (and other sources) the Gamma platform (which will underpin Corsa) is also used for these...not sure how the dimensions compare, but that's where I got my (mis)information from...

http://www.leftlanen...us-by-2011.html

"Whichever concept makes it to showrooms, it will be based on the automaker’s Gamma global platform — versions of which underpin the Opel / Vauxhall Corsa in Europe and will be used in the Alfa Romeo MiTo..."

[hyperv6]

I had an Aveo for one day as a loaner.

Good God I feel for the owners of these cars! What a piece of crap.

This car has little power a poor stereo system, it felt cheaper than it was at every point. The engine was loud. The car would hit a bump and leave the lane I was in. The brakes grabbed with a mushy pedal.

It did have a nice sun glass holder that would not hold my glasses.

Either way the people who enter the highway with these daily are a very brave lott. This was one GM car I can say not only do I not want to own but I never want to even ride in again.