Chevrolet Kalos Review (2005 to date)

Quick Summary

There's no use pretending that the Chevrolet Kalos is on a par with the best superminis out there. It's a solid little product but it's up against some excellent alternatives on the used market. The best points are the looks, the interior space and the equipment levels and only the quality of the interior plastics is noticeably poor. The driving experience won't offend too many people and if ride comfort is your top priority, you should be impressed. There is certainly value contained within the package and that'll be more than enough to swing the balance for many cash-strapped families.

Overall:

Models Covered:(1.2, 1.4, three & five-door supermini [S, SE, Ikon, SX, Sport])

SOMEBODY’S KALOS IS YOUR GAIN

The Kalos was Chevrolet's first offering in the supermini sector and although it campaigned predominantly on low prices, it was good enough to put a lick on some more mainstream names as well. Tracking down a used example shouldn't be too difficult and nor should it prove a big risk.
Used Chevrolet Kalos for sale

History of the Kalos

First seen in the UK at the 2002 Motor Show, albeit badged as a Daewoo, the Kalos wowed the crowds with its avant-garde styling and neat interior detailing. The acquisition of Daewoo by General Motors and its subsequent demise, lead to the Kalos being reinvented as a Chevrolet from January 2005 onwards. If prices for the Chevrolets are too steep, you coulkd always seek out one of the older Daewoo models.Things kicked off for the Chevrolet Kalos with 1.2 and 1.4-litre engines offered in three or five door hatchback form. Trim levels ranged from entry-level S through SE to range topping SX but there was also a Sport option available with the 1.4-litre engine with nice leather seats and a naughtier-sounding exhaust but no extra performance. The Kalos Ikon was available briefly from August 2005 and there was also an SE Plus special edition which retailed for the same price as the SE but with extra equipment.
Used Chevrolet Kalos for sale

Chevrolet Kalos Road Test

With 94bhp on tap, the 16v 1.4-litre Kalos is pleasantly punchy, accelerating to 60mph in 11.1 seconds and on to a top speed of 110mph. This car feels a good deal stronger than your average 1.4-litre supermini, especially in the upper reaches of the rev range. Drive the car in a more sedate fashion and you'll eek out a reasonable return, the car clocking up an average of 40.8mpg. The 1.2-litre engine option is slower but only fractionally more economical with a 43mpg average.The driving experience isn't sporty and the car rolls around a little too much in corners but the ride is very smooth and there should be few complaints about the amount of engine noise in the cabin. A four-speed automatic option is offered, making the car an even better city slicker. Of course, this takes the edge off the performance a little (11.7s/106mph), but for those who battle with the urban sprawl and crawl home every night, that will represent an acceptable trade off.
Used Chevrolet Kalos for sale

Buying a Chevrolet Kalos

As with all cars that get used to ferry children back and forth, check for rips, stains and other damage to upholstery and minor trim parts. Also bear in mind that the Kalos will likely have been largely used as an urban scoot so check for parking knocks. Other than that, expect the usual Chevrolet reliability but check the service history to ensure it's been looked after properly.
Used Chevrolet Kalos for sale

Chevrolet Kalos Typical Pricing

The first 1.2-litre S 3-door models fetch £4,600 with an SE or SX 5-door at between £400 and £500 more. The 1.4-litre cars up the anti with a 3-door SX available for around £5,000 - roughly the same as the 3-door Sport - and the automatic gearbox adding £800 to that total. Insurance for all Kalos models is eminently reasonable, starting at Group 3 for the 1.2-litre cars and rising to Group 6 for the 1.4s.
Used Chevrolet Kalos for sale

Chevrolet Kalos Parts

(Estimated prices, based on a 2005 1.4SX) Parts prices are hardly astronomical, a clutch assembly will be around £90 and an air filter should be close to £12. Brake pads are around £35 a front set with a water pump relieving you of nearly £60.
Used Chevrolet Kalos for sale