The cheerful Giugiaro-styled Kalos was Daewoo’s final new supermini for Britain and the clearest bridge between the independent Korean company and GM-era Chevrolet.
Officially sold through the British Daewoo network.
Rare through attrition rather than high original price.
History and UK context
The Kalos reached British showrooms in 2003 after appearing at the 2002 British motor show. Developed through Daewoo’s financial crisis and launched under GM ownership, it replaced the ageing Lanos and became the first of the company’s new post-takeover generation. Italdesign gave it a tall, friendly five-door shape with an unusually roomy cabin for its compact footprint.
The UK range began with an 83bhp 1.4-litre petrol engine, soon joined by a more economical 1.2 and a 1.4 16-valve. Equipment was generous in SE and SX grades, with airbags, electric windows and air-conditioning common. A mildly sportier Blue edition added lowered suspension and cosmetic changes without transforming performance. From January 2005 the same basic car wore Chevrolet badges, making Daewoo-badged Kalos examples a short-lived British curiosity.
UK specifications
| UK Daewoo sales | 2003–2005 |
|---|---|
| Body | Five-door supermini; saloon in limited markets |
| UK engines | 1.2 8v, 1.4 8v and 1.4 16v petrol |
| Power range | About 70–94bhp |
| Transmission | Five-speed manual; four-speed automatic on selected 1.4s |
| Drive | Front-wheel drive |
What is it like to drive?
The Kalos prioritises space, easy controls and a compliant ride. Its tall cabin gives good headroom and useful rear-seat space, although the boot is modest. The engines are willing enough in town but long gearing and modest power blunt acceleration on faster roads. Steering is light rather than communicative, and the car feels happiest as uncomplicated urban transport.
Buying guide: what to check
Rust can affect sills, rear arches, subframes and brake pipes, so inspect underneath rather than judging the shiny upper body. Confirm timing-belt replacement on the 1.4 engines and listen for suspension knocks. Check for coolant leaks, rough idling, warning lights and tired clutch operation. Test central locking, electric windows and air-conditioning. Many mechanical parts cross over with the later Chevrolet Kalos/Aveo, but Daewoo-specific trim and badges are becoming scarce.
Why it matters now
The Kalos is historically interesting because it sits directly on the badge-change fault line. It arrived as a Daewoo, matured as a Chevrolet and helped establish the pattern for GM’s later Korean-built European range.
See every model in our rare and forgotten Daewoo hub.
Research sources
Image sources and licences
Love cars you don’t see every day?
Get forgotten cars, surprising motoring stories and the most interesting finds from Unusual Cars by email.
Free to join. No spam. Unsubscribe whenever you like. See our privacy policy.
