Coke and Pepsi, General Motors and Ford. Almost since the birth of the automobile, these two car companies have been deadly rivals, and the battle reverberates around the world and has reached India as well.
Barely a few months after Ford uncovered its Fiesta, GM responded with its counterpunch, the Aveo, positioned perfectly head to head. Both cost almost the same and both come with 1.4 and 1.6 petrol options, and both are after the same consumer.
Similar they might be, however both cars come with different philosophies. While the Aveo is essentially the saloon version of the Daewoo Kalos, the Fiesta (right) is a 'Made for India' car.
GM is banking on Daewoo-derived models, with their value-for-money appeal to seduce cost-conscious shoppers. The Ford, though based on the global Fiesta platform comes with re-engineering unique to this country.
Visually, the GM does have the upper hand. Parked side by side, the Aveo has more road presence than the dull looking Fiesta. The broad shouldered Aveo with its big wide grille and chiseled bumper also looks larger. The Fiesta is just well.. more side dish than entrée.
The interiors on the variants differ. With the smaller 1.4 version, the Aveo looks and feels richer, thanks to better plastics. However on the 1.6, the Fiesta offers a richer experience. Plastic quality however is still better on the Aveo where the three different shades work well to boost the look.
Now for the typical buyer, space is a huge consideration, especially in the back seat. The Aveo has slightly more legroom than the Fiesta. However, the seats in the Fiesta are more comfortable, front and rear. On the 1.6 version, the Fiesta offers more to the passenger with the central armrest and the reading light.
Upfront, the Aveo seats are bigger, but the driver's seating position is very low compared to the Fiesta. While the 1.6 Aveo has a seat height adjuster, the 1.4 does not. As far as bootspace goes, the Fiesta has 430 lts compared to the 400 of the Aveo.
As you can see, this is a close contest - the figures are similar and even though on paper the Aveo (left) seems to have an advantage in certain places on the road, the Fiesta is the engine that charms in both the 1.4 and 1.6. They are more refined, more free revving and far more responsive. The Fiesta also has the typical Ford gearbox; it feels positive and slots well into place. The lever is also better positioned than the Aveo.
As drivers cars, Ford have always had an advantage with a crisp well weighted steering and though this one is not as good as the Ikon, it still motivates you. Add to this combination the remarkable composure of the Fiesta at high speeds and you're driving away extremely satisfied.
Now we're going to hop into the Aveo. This is where the difference becomes apparent - when you drive these cars back to back - the steering feels numb and vague. The Aveo's engines lack sparkle and response and they tend to labour a bit, should you have a heavy foot on the pedal. The Aveo however, does have a very strong mid-range, but still, overall driveability is definitely better in the Fiesta.
However, where the Aveo does score points is the NVH levels, the cabin feels quieter than the Fiesta and less road noise filters in, also the Fiesta suspension tends to clunk around a bit more. This one is quieter.
Well now, how doe sit feel to ride in the back of these cars? I maintain what I said the first time I drove the Fiesta - its ride quality is hard to beat. Though you hear the suspension, you don't feel it at all, it soaks the bumps and potholes with remarkable grace. The Aveo is not bad at all, but it just can't match the Fiesta.
Here are two cars that are significantly close on paper, but are the differences between just that, paper thin? The Aveo looks and feels more expensive than it is and has certain features like an MP3 player and optional airbags, which you miss in the Ford. However, under the skin, the Ford has solidly engineered bits and pieces, which makes it a more rounded product.
Superb dynamics, an eager and responsive engine and a slick gearbox make this car much nicer to drive and if you can live with the plain vanilla looks, it appears that Ford wraps up this chapter quite nicely. The Aveo will be available as a premium hatch soon, so let's see, if Ford is up for round two.
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