Car Test
|
R0339 | |
|
June 2003 |
||
| Daewoo Kalos | ||
| Printer Friendly Page | Featured model: 1.4 8v SE 5door | |
|
When Daewoo got into financial trouble, it looked as it its pioneering attempts at simplifying car buying and ownership had come up against the buffers. But no, like a phoenix rising from the ashes, this brand new supermini has made its debut (albeit a low-key one) thanks to a GM takeover.
Bigger than the Matiz city car (that’s now available with a four-cylinder, one-litre engine, incidentally), Kalos takes on Ford’s Fiesta, domestic rival Hyundai’s Getz and, of course, the Vauxhall Corsa. If ever a car needed to be driven, rather than just looked at, this is the supreme example. Its reasonably proportioned, tallish build outside comes with scant protection against parking nudges. Opening a door reveals a lot of hard, grey plastic relieved by reasonable cloth seats, but the modest load deck betrays painted metal on seatbacks and a cheap and cheerful load cover. Folding the back seat is hard work – only the backrests are split and the one-piece cushion releases are stiff; the seatbelts get in the way, too. The back seat is curiously laid-back, with no adjustment and little lateral location is provided, although the cushion is generous. Get in the driving seat and things buck up considerably. The car is easy to enter; even the base S version (without seat height adjustment) suits shorter types and the wheel (which is rake-adjustable) and pedals fall naturally to hand – and foot. There’s a good view forwards (not so good rearwards) with sensible displays and stalks. The Kalos has been setup to provide a comfortable, relaxed drive, rather than going for sharp, agile responses. It exudes a “don’t rush me” attitude and rewards with excellent low-speed tractability, effortless main road cruising and commendably smooth, absorbent ride comfort; whether it’s over undulating surfaces or cat’s-eyes, this small car distinguishes itself on our poorly topped UK roads. We appreciated the precise gearchange, the light, progressive clutch and accelerator response free of the hesitance that afflicted previous Daewoos. If you don’t rush it, this is a co-operative, pleasing car to drive. However the brakes disappointed when used in anger – the last Matiz we tested stopped 4.5m shorter and betrayed no fade. There’s better under-bonnet access on the Kalos than on Matiz (or most rivals); when the three years/60,000 miles of free servicing is up, it looks like an easy DIY prospect for routine jobs. Even AA cover is free for three years, too, but serious rust indemnity is only for six years; also remember that “wear-and-tear” repairs/replacements aren’t covered by the service package. Nevertheless, it must be worth over £500 of anyone’s money. The Kalos’ low list price isn’t likely to be discounted, however, so the £2000 extra you see in rival brochures may be significantly eroded if you shop around. |
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||
=option