Chevrolet Kalos 1.2 S 3dr

The long-awaited three-door version of the Kalos supermini - now bearing a Chevy badge - goes on sale with the rest of the range this week, and is another variation on an existing theme.

But to Chevrolet, it's more than that. Parent company General Motors wants the brand to appeal to younger buyers who wouldn't have considered a Daewoo in the past. And with the temptation of low running costs, three years' free servicing and neat, Giugiaro-penned styling, the three-door edition of the Kalos has plenty of promise.

We drove the entry-level 1.2-litre which, at ΂£6,995, comes with reasonably good levels of standard kit. Electric windows, a Blaupunkt CD player and twin airbags are included, but you have to opt for the ΂£2,000 more expensive SX model if you want air-conditioning.

The Kalos's transition from five doors to three is quite successful - deeper side scallops and flared rear wheelarches set it apart, giving it a more sporting look. Inside, the cabin is well laid out and the driving position comfortable, with excellent headroom front and rear.

Access to the back is only easy from the passenger side, though, as the driver's chair doesn't slide forward when you tip it.

On the road, the Kalos makes a reasonable case for itself, but there are more rewarding cars to drive in this class. Our biggest criticism concerns the gearbox, which has a sloppy feel and a wide gate - it's too easy to hit third when you're changing from fourth to fifth. The brakes aren't that special, either - they pull the car up smartly, but the pedal lacks feel. That said, there are areas where the Kalos excels, the principal one being ride comfort.

Our test route included some badly rutted roads, and it absorbed the bumps comfortably, transmitting very few of them into the cabin. The handling is adequate, although the Kalos is prone to understeer if you turn in too quickly.

This may not be a car you buy with performance in mind, but the little 1.2-litre powerplant is willing enough. It pulls well around town and can hold its own up steep inclines, although it tends to lack refinement at high revs.

Chevrolet, then, has given its supermini broader appeal. It still feels cheap, and it lacks the dynamic talents of some European rivals, but it's a good looker, is exceptionally comfortable and keenly priced.

While it's not going to set the world on fire, if you want no-nonsense transport, then the Kalos's value and aftersales package are hard to beat.