SecondHandSense: Daewoo/Chevrolet KalosWe should begin with the question of identity when it comes to considering the Daewoo / Chevrolet Kalos.
It started out as a Daewoo in 2003 but by 2005 had become a Chevrolet (above), as General Motors stepped in to rescue the Korean manufacturer, which had set out to be a global player by offering economy-sized cars at economy prices.
The Kalos was designed as a competitor for the Ford Fiesta, Toyota Starlet and Opel Corsa, among others, but it has never really succeeded in impinging on the public's consciousness as a truly viable alternative.
This is due in large part to the car's design. Design is not part of the Korean manufacturing culture and its car companies rely heavily on outside influences. Those designs that have originated domestically are dull, of hybrid roots and sometimes border on the sombre. Where Korean manufacturers impress is with their level of standard equipment. Thus it is not unusual to find extras such as ABS and air conditioning on their budget-priced cars.
Ineffably dull, especially in its saloon guise, the Kalos may be but it is worth a look if you need something comfortable, nippy, reasonably spacious and well equipped. It is not a car that delivers any engaging driver experience - its ride and handling are quite good on Irish roads but everything feels about as impressive as the black plastic that surrounds the driver.
It comes with a choice of four-door saloon and five-door hatchback styles. The saloon looks dumpy and gives you the impression no one spent a lot of time trying to make it distinctive, while the hatchback manages to lift the profile a little. Even its nearest domestic rival, the Hyundai Getz, has a bit more sparkle about it.
The older engines are eight-valve jobs that are good around the city but are not really meant for much more. The 1.2-litre is nippy enough and the 1.4-litre obviously has a bit more poke, but these are engines to do a limited job and they do it quite well.
There are no EuroNCAP crash test results available on the car before 2006, when it was first tested. However, even three years into its life the Kalos was not impressive in the tests. It scored just three out of a possible five stars. This is not exactly reassuring news but considering the entry-level price, it's not surprising.
A 2005 hatchback version with a 1.2-litre engine, 25,000 kilometres on the clock, metallic paint, immobiliser, two airbags, CD player and adjustable steering wheel is on offer for €9,799. A 2005 saloon version with a 1.4-litre engine, similar mileage and equipment is on offer for €9,900 and a 2006 hatchback with a 1.2-litre engine and 15,000 kilometres up is on offer for €10,999.
The Kalos then is a cheap option but not a very impressive one on several fronts. On the whole, I would rather have a Fiesta.