I drove the xA back to back with the Aveo. The xA and xB both share their architecture with the Echo, as well as its center-mounted speedometer, which didn't really bother me.
The xA has a very rough ride, though it does handle well. I was the only driver that day that wasn't put off by the roughness of the ride. The Aveo's ride is much better, without any real compromise that I could find in its handling. Engine and road noise are -far- less intrusive in the Aveo, and thus it feels quite a bit more solid, and less like a tin can.
Performance is similar with both cars. The Aveo's stick shift is clunky, but the automatic is good, and the hold mode allows it to be shifted manually.
The xA's interior has hipper look to it, but the Aveo's interior is certainly nothing to sneeze at, especially in comparison with the Echo.
Other than subjective styling, and the fact that the xA seems to have a slight edge in the prestige factor, I can't see any clear advantage in the xA, and the Aveo has several.
Questions are welcome.
Ghrankenstein