A cheap little runner
THE Chevrolet Kalos is maturing well, and despite its high depreciation, actually costs less to run over three years than the VW Polo.
Surprising I know, but it’s because the VW is so expensive in the first place, and the Kalos so reasonable, despite having similar equipment.
I drove the 1.2SE, which has a smooth engine, but with hardly enough power for the job.
It doesn’t pull well from low speeds, and it doesn’t want to rev either, so it’s unrewarding and pretty pedestrian.
It will keep up on the motorway, but takes all day to get up to speed.
Economy is very good, and it has a reasonably comfortable ride but the handling, while safe enough, does not inspire confidence.
It comes with free servicing for three years – a big saving for private buyers – and safety and security are both pretty good, if not up to the best.
Interior
There is space enough for four in comfort, but the tiny boot would have trouble taking luggage for two of them.
Equipment is good, with aircon, remote locking and electric windows and mirrors, but the gearchange can be notchy and occasionally difficult to get into second.
FAST FACTS
Price: £8,360
Mechanical: 71bhp, 1,150cc, 4 cyl petrol driving front wheels via 5 speed manual gearbox
Max speed: 98mph
0-62mph: 13.7 secs
Combined mpg: 44
Insurance group: 3
CO2 emissions: 153g/km
BIK rating: 17%
Warranty: 3 years, 60,000m, 5 years paint, 6 years anti-rust, 3 years breakdown.
Marks: /10.
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Categorised as: KALOS