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Daewoo Kalos 1.2

Daewoo has got away with it for too long. Hiding elderly mechanicals under modern-looking bodies and offering failsafe warranties has snared some buyers, but now mainstream rivals have similar packages and even lower prices.

By Charley Chae

February 2003

Daewoo has got away with it for too long. Hiding elderly mechanicals under modern-looking bodies and offering failsafe warranties has snared some buyers, but now mainstream rivals have similar packages and even lower prices. So, the firm has dipped into GM's stocks and pulled out a Suzuki engine to fit into the base version of the new Kalos hatchback. The 71bhp, four-cylinder powerplant is based on the unit in the Wagon R, and produces an impressive 104Nm of torque at 4,300rpm.

For such a small unit, it goes remarkably well, providing an acceptable turn of speed, and yet returning an a frugal 51mpg. The engine has to be worked hard to get the best performance, and becomes noisy near the red line. But stay below 4,000rpm and it is surprisingly refined - more so than the 1.4-litre used in other Kalos models.

It is not only the refinement and economy which make the 1.2-litre attractive, as it's usefully cheaper too. The base model will go on sale in the UK from April with prices starting at ΂£7,495 - ΂£300 below the cheapest 1.4. This includes three years' free servicing, dual front and side airbags and power-steering. It makes a tempting package, but it is worth doing your homework to get a deal that suits you, as the Kalos faces stiff competition.

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FIRST OPINION

    Impressive performance and exceptional economy make this Daewoo's most impressive offering to date. But it's a brave buy when a Skoda Fabia costs less.
 
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