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While the outward appearance of the Chevy Aveo5 could charitably be described as "polarizing", its recently announced pricing will likely polarize a few people, as well. Currently, the Aveo sedan and Aveo5 hatchback boast the lowest average transaction price in the United States of $12,258 according to J.D. Power and Associates, but the 2009 model might end that trend with a big price bump for the redesigned 2009 Aveo5. The new five-door Aveo5 hatchback comes in with a starting price of $12,120, which is $1,125 more than the 2008 Aveo5 that starts at just $10,895. This increase is partly due to the fact that the Special Value edition has been dropped. We should also note that the Aveo5 is redesigned for 2009 and features a number of upgrades, but the price bump will still be felt hard by those looking for the cheapest Point A-to-Point B transportation. The sedan version, meanwhile, now has the same $12,120 starting price as the Aveo5, which means its MSRP has actually been lowered compared to the 2008 model that starts at $12,830. Stepping up a notch to the LT model, meanwhile, will get you standard air conditioning and a $14,255 starting point.

Desirable safety features such as dual frontal and side-impact air bags, front safety belt pretensioners, a tire pressure monitoring system, oil life monitoring system and OnStar come standard on all Aveo models. Available on the up-market LT models are XM Radio, leatherette seating trim, steering wheel audio controls, a power-operated sunroof and power-adjustable and heated outside mirrors. Regardless of what you think of the Aveo's styling (we're not fans), its still relatively low price and decent fuel mileage of 27 mpg city and 34 mpg highway should yield a good chunk of buyers for GM's entry-level model.

PRESS RELEASE

Chevrolet Announces Pricing For 2009 Aveo And Aveo5

Chevrolet today announced pricing for the 2009 Aveo lineup – including the redesigned Aveo5 five-door hatchback – begins at $12,120 (including a $660 destination charge) for Aveo LS and Aveo5 LS, making it one of the most affordable cars on the market. It costs hundreds less than many competitors and comes standard with features such as side-impact air bags and OnStar.

Aveo is also one of the most efficient cars on the road, with estimated fuel economy ratings of 27 in the city and 34 on the highway (with the standard manual transmission). Aveo sedan and Aveo5 LT models start at $14,255 for 1LT trim and $15,520 for 2LT trim (including destination charges). Air conditioning is standard on LT models and an automatic transmission is available.

All Aveo and Aveo5 models are powered by a new, more powerful 1.6L Ecotec engine that uses variable valve timing and other technologies to deliver great fuel economy and responsive performance. Aveo models equipped with the available four-speed automatic transmission also deliver excellent highway mileage ratings of 34 mpg. City mileage ratings with the automatic are 25 mpg.

"Aveo's value story has never been stronger," said Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager. "With great fuel economy from the new 1.6L Ecotec engine, bold styling and a hard-to-match roster of features, including standard OnStar, the Aveo and Aveo5 deliver exceptional value for customers who don't want to sacrifice style and convenience for efficiency."

The Aveo lineup offers a high-value combination of great styling and features not expected in the segment. Crisp, sculpted lines and a wide, confident stance define both the sedan and Aveo5 hatchback's design. This broad-shoulder appearance is highlighted by premium cues, including three-dimensional, richly detailed headlamps that extend into the hood, available front fog lamps and bold taillamps that are set within jeweled bezels. Styling for the Aveo5 is all new for '09, both inside and out.

All 2009 Aveo and Aveo5 models come standard with dual frontal and side-impact air bags, as well as front safety belt pretensioners, a tire pressure monitoring system, oil life monitoring system and OnStar. Available features include XM Radio, leatherette seating trim, steering wheel audio controls, a power-operated sunroof that retracts into the roof for improved aerodynamics, power-adjustable and heated outside mirrors and more.

The Aveo's history of low ownership costs continue with strong ownership coverage. It has the best coverage in America, including Chevrolet's five-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, roadside assistance and courtesy transportation.