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Mid-size crisis

On paper at least, both the Aveo and the Fiesta have similar specifications. But surely, one of them fits you best. ASHISH MASIH makes your choice easier

BEAUTY AND THE BEST If the Aveo is Miss Universe, the Fiesta is second runner-up. The Chevy is styled to steal hearts at first sight, while the dull-looking Ford has magic reserved for later

A while ago, we made no secret of the fact that the Aveo could be the best car in its class. This wasn't to say that every single Aveo model, in any specification, is automatically superior to every other car in its segment. What we meant was that as a range, the Aveo is well built, roomy, good looking and overall; a quality product. Last year, our hearts and heads were stolen by the Ford Fiesta. We smiled, we cheered, we tried to sneak out the car as often as possible, especially the 1.6 variant. It's now time for a duel between the rivals.

Styling and design

The Aveo with its deep-set grille and prominent Chevy bowtie badge has a purposeful stance. From the front three quarters, the flared wheel arches give it a muscular look. The Fiesta resembles the European Ford Focus ST from the front end while the back looks elegant with lamps that are similar to the Mercedes C-class.

Externally, there is little difference between the top-of-the-line 1.4 and 1.6-litre versions of the Aveo. The larger hearted Aveo has a chrome garnish and the spoiler on the boot, alloy wheels and chrome door handles. The base 1.4 Fiesta can be differentiated from the 1.6 by the lack of a chrome surround grille and its blackened headlamps. The Aveo looks bigger when standing side by side with the Fiesta.

While both manufacturers have played safe with the styling, the Ford's styling borders on the dull. While looks are a matter of personal opinion, we still believe the Aveo's styling has a slight edge over the Fiesta.

Cabin and ergonomics

The Aveo's interiors are a nice place to be. The dashboard is a combination of beige, grey and mock wood (in the 1.6) and the high quality materials used lend a plush air to the cabin. The Fiesta dash is also styled well, but is less flashy than the Aveo's. The Ford's steering wheel is easily the highlight of its interiors - it is wrapped in leather (1.6) and offers a really nice, meaty grip.

Ford has adorned the Fiesta with loads of storage space for small knick-knacks. On the other end, the Aveo's smooth dash is devoid of the very useful recesses and slots. Even the centre console in the Fiesta is better designed for storage. Moreover, the Fiesta's door pockets are huge and can swallow full-size water bottles, whilst the pockets behind the front seats and in the rear doors serves rear passenger well. The Aveo is devoid of these comforts.

A great feature on the Fiesta is the `distance to empty' indicator that tells you how much more you can travel before the fuel in the tank runs out. The Aveo's front seats offer good bolstering. The Fiesta's buckets are a bit smaller, but offer better lower back support. Both cars come with height adjustment for the driver's seat and steering wheel. The Aveo has superior head, leg and shoulder room and hence, if you are travelling three abreast, the Aveo is more comfy.

Powertrain and driveability

Both companies have smartly decided to use their respective 1.6 engines from their current product line-up. The Aveo uses the Optra's unit while the Fiesta shares its heart with the Fusion. On paper, the Fiesta's engines look underpowered - the figures for the 1.4 and 1.6 are 82 bhp and 101 bhp compared to the Aveo's 94 bhp and 102 bhp. The Fiesta seems true to Ford's advertising slogan - `make everyday exciting'. Unlike the Aveo, the Fiesta's gearbox shifts well and there is no notchiness. The Ford's 1.4 has adequate power for the city and feels peppy in traffic, but on the highway you feel a constant need to downshift. The Aveo's 1.4 has an ever-so-slight performance edge. The 1.4 Fiesta though has the sweeter engine, and coupled with the superb gearbox and finely balanced chassis, it is hands-down more fun to drive.

The battle of the 1.6s is actually an easily won contest. The Ford is an eager performer and races to its redline while the Aveo's 1.6 labours. The Fiesta's motor is ultra responsive and loves to be revved. Power delivery is linear and the engine note smoother than the Aveo's.

Overall

The Aveo is a typical Chevy product that combines, space, looks and value for money. It has quality interiors, an upmarket badge. It offers airbags (which is not an option on the Ford) and ABS as options and has a plush feel about it.

The Fiesta on the other end is a proper driver's car from the people who know how to make them. It has a nice ride and decent interior space, and what it lacks in visual styling it more than makes up by the sheer brilliance of its engines and dynamics.

The 1.6 is without a doubt the best driver's car in the class. Even the 1.4 model drives well with a communicative steering, great grip and a fluid chassis. The Fiesta wins this comparison, but just by a whisker and a half.

TECHNICAL DATA

CHEVROLET AVEO (1.4/ 1.6)
How much?
Rs 6.64-7.76 lakh (ex-showroom,
Mumbai)
How big?
Length: 4,310 mm
Width: 1,710 mm
Height: 1,505 mm
Wheelbase: 2,480 mm
Trunk volume: 400 litres
Engine
Layout: 1399cc/ 1598cc, 4 cylinders
inline, petrol
Max power: 94 bhp @ 6200 rpm/ 102
bhp @ 5800 rpm
Max torque: 12.95 kgm @ 3500 rpm/
14.98kgm @ 3500 rpm
Perfomance
Top speed: 175 kph (est)/ 185 kph
0-100 kph - 13.42sec/12.43
Combined fuel eco: 12.45/ 12.2 kpl
FORD FIESTA (1.4/ 1.6)
How much?
Rs 5.99 /7.64 lakh
(ex-showroom, Mumbai)
How big?
Length: 4,282 mm
Width: 1,686 mm
Height: 1,468 mm
Wheelbase: 2,486 mm
Trunk volume: 430 litre
Engine Layout: 1388cc/ 1596cc 4 cylinders in line, petrol
Max power: 82 bhp @ 6000 rpm/ 101bhp @ 6500rpm
Max torque:12.95 kgm @ 4000 rpm/14.88 kgm @ 3400 rpm
Performance
Top speed: 170 kph/ 176 kph 0-100 kph: 13.45/ 11.66 seconds
Combined fuel eco: 12.75/ 12.25 kpl

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