The Chevrolet Aveo received five stars in Euro NCAP testing, performing well with regards to both adult and child protection. This is partly thanks to extensive use of high strength steel and impact-absorbing structures. Standard safety equipment includes ABS, electronic stability control, traction control, six airbags and a braking system that activates to prevent the Aveo rolling over.

All five seats get three-point seatbelts, with pretensioners, while pedestrian safety is taken into account with an energy-absorbing bumper system and a specially designed bonnet. A collapsible pedal assembly is fitted to reduce leg injury. Also available is a speed limiter function that provides an audio alert when the driver exceeds a set limit.

The interior has been well thought out with numerous features aimed at improving its practicality and appeal. The dash gets an upper glove box with two compartments and connections for USB devices, allowing owners to plug in phones and MP3 players. A second glovebox is fitted below the dash, while there are large pockets on both sides of the stereo for phones or CDs.

There are also three cupholders – two for the front and one for the rear. One neat touch is a small slot in the centre console that holds parking tickets or cards, allowing you to retrieve them quickly and easily when needed. The boot holds a decent 290 litres with the rear seats up, on a par with the competition. There is an underfloor storage area as well as tie-down hooks to secure loose loads.

The rear seat has a 60/40 split and with the seats down luggage space increases to 653 litres.