Chevrolet Kalos
Ratings
2 stars
Summary
Not Recommended. A lowest common denominator supermini.
Review
Even the least demanding aren't going to find much to like about the Kalos other than its compellingly low price tag and competent driving experience.
The bland styling is, at best, unexceptional. But once inside the cabin the material quality feels very low, especially when compared to mainstream rivals. Front seat occupants enjoy a reasonable amount of space and it's respectably roomy in the back by supermini standards too - but the nasty trim and switchgear seem like they have been supplied by the lowest bidder's second cousin.
Dynamic performance is better than you might expect. The Kalos rides pretty well over rougher surfaces, and the chassis delivers respectable levels of grip, especially considering the low expectations that most buyers are likely to bring with them. But the 1.2 and 1.4 litre petrol engines are loud and thrashy, and neither is capable of delivering much in the way of performance.
Despite apparently attractive pricing, steep depreciation means that the Kalos is actually a fairly poor medium-term investment, and anyone considering picking one as a cheap runabout would be best advised to find a two or three year old example which has already suffered most of the residual value collapse.
Ratings Breakdown
Styling
2 star
Bland, boring and completely unmemorable. Only the badge on the back tells you what it is.
Handling
3 star
Not too bad providing your expectations aren't too high - the Kalos grips well and behaves predictably at the limit.
Comfort
3 star
Ride quality is respectable, but the cheap-feeling cabin means that longer journeys feel like purgatory.
Quality & Reliability
2 star
Built to last, but the complete lack of any kind of quality feel to the cheap cabin materials means the Kalos is massively off the pace compared to more mainstream rivals.
Performance
2 star
Neither of the two thrashy-sounding engines on offer can deliver anything more than leisurely performance, although the (marginally) brawnier 1.4 litre petrol unit feels far better.
Roominess
3 star
Respectably proportioned for a supermini, and with a decently sized boot by class standards.
Running Costs
2 star
Low insurance and cheap maintainance bills will be offset by the ski-ramp depreciation and indifferent fuel economy.
Value for money
3 star
Basic versions lack much in the way of kit, and although top-enders bring additions like aircon they start to look expensive considering the Kalos' bargain basement aspirations.
