Cut-price Kalos arrives
BY BRUCE NEWTON | 1st Apr 2003
Automatic transmission versions of the Italian-styled and South Korean-built 1.5-litre small cars will add $2000 to the asking price.
While competitive, the pricing is not best in class, with the entry level Toyota Echo hatch priced at $14,490 and the new Hyundai Getz XL even cheaper at $13,490. But both these cars are three-door hatches powered by 1.3-litre engines.
Of course that's not taking into account another group of 1.0-litre cars from Daihatsu and Daewoo itself which undercut those prices.
The Kalos is identical in base level price with such segment contenders as the 1.5-litre Getz three-door GL, four and five-door Kia Rio, Proton Satria and the Suzuki Ignis.
The Kalos replaces the Lanos as the GM-owned company's mini car contender and actually undercuts the official four and five-door pricing for that car.
Despite that Kalos is well equipped, with standard air-conditioning, front and rear power windows, a four-speaker CD stereo system and dual front airbags.
Daewoo is also trumpeting the car's versatility, with a 60/40 split-rear seat, a driver's side compartment for mobile phone or sunglasses, central floor table unit for spare change or drinks, a passenger seat fold-down tray table with cupholder and a passenger seat hook for a bag or jackets.
The Kalos' 1498cc E-Tec engine generates 62kW and 128Nm. Claimed top speed is 170km/h with a 0-100km/h dash time of 13.3 seconds.
Local distributor GM Daewoo Australia, which is owned by Holden, is shooting for 500 Kalos sales per month.
The Kalos will fit neatly into the market below Holden's Euro-built Barina, which recently climbed in price to start at $16,990.