Being cost conscious must ring true with a lot of folks. Chevrolet claims its entry-level Aveo auto gets more first-time customers than any other vehicle from Chevy parent General Motors. And cost is a big item with the subcompact Aveo sedan for four, with the base price squeaking in a whisper below $10,000, although loaded it can add a third more.

The Chevy Aveo, from GM's Korean subsidiary Daewoo, is a base auto model, with flair, that can fill a driver's average needs such as commuting, weekend shopping or trips that mandate a comfortable long-range ride. Don't expect it to do hot laps. It won't. And that's not the idea anyway. That way, one wouldn't get the best 24/34 miles-per-gallon fuel economy with the five speed manual transmission or 23/32 with four-speed automatic from the Aveo's 1.6-liter (103-HP) inline four engine.

Aveo — what Chevy calls a "tall car" style for added interior room — was redesigned a year ago for an improved appearance. For 2008, it adds refinements plus a standard tire pressure monitor on the safety side. Fifteen inch spoke aluminum wheels become available. And the LT trim level adds standard chrome door handles and an available power package, with power windows, door locks and keyless entry. Such comfort items as air conditioning and tilt steering wheel are standard on either the LS or upgraded LT sedan or on the Aveo5 hatchback.

Since safety is a major consideration in any subcompact size vehicle, Aveo has a wide range of safety and security features, from the expected GM daytime running lights and standard side impact airbags to available four-channel anti-lock braking system (ABS) plus an engine immobilizer theft-deterrent system.

The Aveo5's special value package adds GM's passenger sensing system and "segment-exclusive" Hold Control that will keep the vehicle in a higher gear selected by the driver for sportier driving. Maybe the Aveo can turn a few hot laps after all.