2009 Chevy Aveo

If you’re considering a hybrid car because you like the idea of increased gas mileage, but are wary of the disadvantages of hybrid cars, the new 2009 Chevy Aveo or Aveo5 might be for you. These new cars from Chevy promise to get around 34 mpg, which is in the same class of the current hybrid vehicles. Unlike hybrids, however, the Chevy Aveos are traditional gasoline powered cars with a modern 16-valve four-cylinder engine and variable valve timing for optimal power and fuel efficiency.

The Aveo is the sedan version and the Aveo5 is the hatchback. Both pump out just over 100 horsepower and lb/ft of torque, so while they’re not ready for the NASCAR circuit they’re not wimply little boxcars, either. They start in the mid $12,000 to $13,000 range, so they’re very affordable as well.

Now, the 34 mpg sounds pretty good, but that’s the best it will get. The actual breakdowns are 27 mpg/City, 34 mpg/Highway for a manual transmission, and 25 mpg/City, 34 mpg/Highway for the automatic (according to Chevy’s specs). This is approaching hybrid fuel effeciency, but not quite there yet. The Toyota Prius gets 48 mpg/City, 45 mpg/Highway (according to federal mileage specs).

But since the Toyota Prius starts at $22,000, almost $10,000 more than the Aveo and Aveo5, you have to consider total cost of ownership. How many times do you have to fill the tank to make back your investment on a hybrid car as opposed to the Chevy Aveo?

It’s not a direct comparison, because the Aveo is a little smaller than the Prius. It’s a nice car to get around in, but noone’s going to mistake you a rock star in it. But if you’re not a rock star, chances are you don’t have rock star money to pay for gas, so it might be worth your while to consider Chevy Aveo‘s increased gas mileage and low sticker price as a great way to save at the pump.

source : fueleconomyhelp.com