Chevrolet Kalos (05-08) - Review

Review by Parkers on
Last Updated: 21 February 2011
It may not be the most stylish or sporty of small hatchbacks, but the compact shape and generous specification make the Chevrolet Kalos a good car for small families or those who don't travel long distances. It competes at the value-for-money end of the small car market alongside models like the Hyundai Getz and Citroen C3. It was previously available as the Daewoo Kalos (see separate review), with the same styling and as similarly low prices. But unlike this Chevrolet, it wasn't available with three-doors. It may be cheap to buy, but this shows in the lack of interior quality and refinement - which is especially noticeable at motorway speeds.
2 out of 5

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2 out of 5

Summary

New price range:

£7,149 - £10,470

Used price range:

£1,215 - £3,761

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Value for money and cheap to run, well equipped

Lacks refinement, cheap interior, noisy on the motorway

It may not be the most stylish or sporty of small hatchbacks, but the compact shape and generous specification make the Chevrolet Kalos a good car for small families or those who don't travel long distances. It competes at the value-for-money end of the small car market alongside models like the Hyundai Getz and Citroen C3. It was previously available as the Daewoo Kalos (see separate review), with the same styling and as similarly low prices. But unlike this Chevrolet, it wasn't available with three-doors. It may be cheap to buy, but this shows in the lack of interior quality and refinement - which is especially noticeable at motorway speeds.

Driving & Performance

  • Performance

    2.5 out of 5

    "There are just two engines available - a 70bhp 1.2-litre and a 92bhp 1.4. The lower-powered engine..."

  • Handling

    2.5 out of 5

    "While not offering an exciting drive, the Kalos does offer a painless one. It's no sports car -..."

Comfort

  • Comfort

    2.5 out of 5

    "The Kalos is comfortable enough for town driving, but the seats don't offer enough back support for..."

  • Practicality

    3 out of 5

    "At 220 litres, the boot is big enough for a modest family shop. Fold down the seats (which are split..."

  • Equipment

    3.5 out of 5

    "The entry-level S has rake-adjustable steering wheel, electric windows, and an RDS radio/single CD..."

  • Behind the wheel

    3.5 out of 5

    "The interior feels modern, but you can see where Chevrolet has skimped on costs - it lags behind the..."

Costs

  • Running costs

    4 out of 5

    "Insurance groups are low, depreciation average and you don't need to worry about servicing,..."

  • Green credentials

    2 out of 5

    "The Kalos scores fairly poorly on the eco front. With an average of 159g/km CO2 across the line-up,..."

Safety & Reliability

  • Safety

    2 out of 5

    "Originally, the Kalos scored just two stars (with one struck through) in the Euro NCAP - which is..."

  • Reliability

    3 out of 5

    "The Kalos appears to be fairly durable but the interior may not stand up to heavy punishment."

Buying & Selling

  • Buying new

    4.5 out of 5

    "It's a modern supermini design that's cheap to buy with a good warranty, generous equipment and..."

  • Buying used

    3.5 out of 5

    "There aren't huge numbers around, but you shouldn't have too many problems tracking down a Kalos."

  • Selling

    3.5 out of 5

    "Any well cared for, low mileage Kalos will sell easily, especially if it has a service history."

Gallery

  • Interior Chevrolet Kalos (05-08)
  • Exterior Chevrolet Kalos (05-08)
  • Exterior Chevrolet Kalos (05-08)
  • Exterior Chevrolet Kalos (05-08)

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Owners' reviews