Chevrolet Kalos
The Chevrolet Kalos is a small supermini that’s all about low cost motoring. Indeed it’s cheap to buy and run, easy to drive and actually comes with a good amount of equipment, so is great value too. Quite a quirky looking car, it’s not the fastest or most refined out there, but it is a fantastic option for families looking for something simple to live with and quite reliable.
Introduced in 2002, the car has been marketed under a huge number of guises around the world, and took up the Chevrolet Kalos in Europe in 2005, having previously been sold as a Daewoo. Available in both 3 and 5 door hatchback models, as well as a 4 door saloon, the Kalos features some small but punchy engines which excel in preserving fuel economy.
You wouldn’t call the Chevy pretty, but then again it’s not ugly either. It’s just a solid and appealing car that’s understated and doesn’t crave attention, which is actually quite refreshing. The interior features some nice modern designs, but also a lot of cheap plastic which brings the overall quality down a bit. However, people on a budget don’t really care about that because everything is easy to use and does the job well. With a decent level of kit, adequate boot space, and quite a lot of cabin space in the 5 door model, it’s really a good all rounder.
Look, this car won’t break any performance records because it’s not fast at all. It is sprightly however, and the small 1.2 to 1.6 litre engines provide a nippy driving experience around town, and it’s quite composed on normal roads too. Simple to drive, you just get in and go, which is all the more appealing. While the steering isn’t particularly sharp, there is a decent amount of grip and agility is surprisingly good. The ride is also rather soft and forgiving, which means long journeys don’t become testing.
The Kalos isn’t the most expensive car to buy, but going the pre owned route means the possibility of grabbing a great deal is very real. Here at Motors.co.uk you’ll find thousands of cheap used cars for sale, but the best thing is that they are all high quality. For the cashed strapped buyer, this means ‘more bang for your buck’ is the phrase of the moment, and that’s exactly what a second hand Chevrolet Kalos can offer.
So really, if you want an easy going car that doesn’t want to be the centre of attention all the time, the Chevrolet Kalos is a good option. It’s cheap in all respects, but nonetheless a fantastic little car that has a lot to give. Simple, straightforward and quite surprising, families, new drivers and cash strapped buyers should take note.