Chevrolet Kalos Kendal
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. Read on and find more details about this car in Kendal.
Hargreaves Morecambe
01524-64949}
01524-64949}
Middlegate
Morecambe
Morecambe
F G Barnes (Maidstone) Ltd
01622-755531
01622-755531
Cuxton Road
Maidstone
Maidstone
Pentagon Nottingham
01158-547777
01158-547777
Cinderhill Road
Bulwell
Bulwell
Hartwell Isle of Wight
0870-904 9500}
0870-904 9500}
Carisbrooke Road
Newport
Newport
Perrys of Whitfield
01304-827500
01304-827500
Honeywood Parkway
Dover
Dover
White Rose Accident and Vehicle Repair
01730-895364
01730-895364
Hilbrow
Liss
Liss
Platinum Chippenham
01249-654321
01249-654321
16-17 The Causeway
Chippenham
Chippenham
Bristol Street
0208-5548800
0208-5548800
Eastern Avenue
Ilford
Ilford
Forest Gate
01536-400111}
01536-400111}
Whittle Road
Corby
Corby
Lloyd Motors
01228-593636
01228-593636
Chandler Way
Carlisle
Carlisle
Provided By: 
Chevrolet Kalos
General Motors wants Chevrolet Kalos 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.
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.
Author: Craig Cheetham
