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Daewoo Kalos 1.4 SX

Will it be second time lucky for Daewoo? When the Korean firm first opened its forward thinking retail 'outlets' in 1995, it offered only recycled Vauxhalls. Gradually, though, the products improved, the most convincing being the Giugiaro-designed Matiz. So it's no coincidence that the new Kalos also hails from the famous Italian styling house - but has it got what it takes to make a dent in the supermini market?

By Chris Thorp

December 2002

Will it be second time lucky for Daewoo? When the Korean firm first opened its forward thinking retail 'outlets' in 1995, it offered only recycled Vauxhalls. Gradually, though, the products improved, the most convincing being the Giugiaro-designed Matiz. So it's no coincidence that the new Kalos also hails from the famous Italian styling house - but has it got what it takes to make a dent in the supermini market?

The high-profile designer has come up with a pleasant-looking Fiesta rival. There's more than a hint of Hyundai Getz about the bodystyle, although the newcomer has a more interesting front and a neat line down the side. It's a conventional shape, and breaks away from modern trends in the mini-MPV class, but the Kalos is a vast improvement on previous-generation Daewoos.

It's a shame the same design standards weren't applied to the interior. It's comfortable enough, but the tasteless seat material used in our test car did nothing to lift the cabin's low-rent feel. Thankfully, the dashboard is better, with attractive hooded dials and round air vents, although the materials used feel as though they were bought on a budget. Fit and finish also left a lot to be desired, with some irritating rattles.

The new hatchback offers practicality which isn't far off rivalling the class leaders. There's lots of head and legroom in the back, but the boot is disappointingly lacking in size and a high sill makes loading difficult.

Turn the key, and at first the engine seems quiet and refined, the 83bhp 1.4-litre unit feeling punchy when travelling slowly. Go faster, though, and that illusion is soon shattered, with next to no acceleration available at motorway speeds, and an unrefined engine note. A 0-60mph sprint time of 13.3 seconds and a 105mph top speed reflect the poor performance, while 37.7mpg fuel economy is not good in this class.

The new Daewoo also loses marks for ride and handling. Its steering is spongy, leaving little opportunity for fun on twisty roads. On a smooth surface the ride appears reasonable, but when things get bumpy, Kalos passengers really know about it.

The 1.4-litre unit is currently the only engine available, but it will be joined by a 1.2 and 16-valve 1.4. There are two trim levels, with the SE priced ΂£7,795, and the higher spec SX driven here at ΂£8,395. However, even the cheaper model boasts comprehensive equipment, with electronic brakeforce distribution, remote central locking and electric front windows as standard.

Even better, the company is still offering three years' free servicing and AA cover. Upgrade to SX and you gain air-con, a height-adjustable driver's seat, electric rear windows and a roof spoiler. The competition comes on two levels - the mainstream Ford Fiesta variety or the budget Hyundai Getz and cut-price Citroen C3. A similarly well equipped Getz with a 1.3-litre engine is ΂£7,995, undercutting the Kalos by ΂£400.

However, the Daewoo looks a better bet when compared to the Ford. A 1.4-litre LX Fiesta with five doors will set you back a hefty ΂£9,995, although it beats the Hyundai hands down dynamically. The Citroen will be a much bigger headache for the newcomer, with the firm's current VAT-free promotion making a C3 1.4 LX only ΂£7,753.

As a budget car, the Kalos looks good value, but when compared with the class leaders, chinks in the Daewoo's armour become all too obvious.

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FIRST OPINION

    The Kalos feels like a missed opportunity. It looks impressive and is roomy, but the quality of the cabin and ride will need to improve if it's to take on Ford's Fiesta. However, we can't argue with the keen pricing, amount of kit and free servicing which go to make this car a good budget buy.
 

AT A GLANCE

    All-new Kalos five-door hatch is on sale in showrooms now
    Daewoo's traditional free servicing package is still included
     
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