THE Chevrolet Kalos is all about value for money.
This supermini is cheap as chips with an after sales package that ensures it doesn't become a drain on the wallet once off the showroom forecourt.
The three-door 1.2 S is the base model of the range with a price-tag a shade more expensive than a skateboard.
Chevrolet's customer care package is a decent three-year deal that pledges a no hassle experience and includes warranty cover plus free AA roadside recovery. Servicing for three years or 30,000 miles is also available for a single payment of £145.
There's no skimping on the kit either as even the S specification gets CD player, power steering, anti-lock brakes, central door locking, immobiliser, plus driver and front passenger airbags.
Also included are electrically operated front windows, dipping rear view mirror, height-adjustable front seat belts with electronic load limiters and three-point safety belts on all seats.
Buyers can also choose the SE or SE Plus on the 1.2-litre model, while the 1.4-litre version comes in SX and Sport trims with the top-spec SE Plus models featuring reversing sensors and air conditioning. Sport models are three-door only and feature a bodykit.
Styled by top Italian design house Italdesign, the Kalos has a sleek, modern appearance.
The interior is reasonably spacious, its raised rear bench and tall body giving enough room for five adults when required.
The driver's seat and steering wheel are fully adjustable ensuring a comfortable position is easily achieved.
The cabin also features lots of clever storage ideas, including extra map pockets on the sides of the seats, a large console tray and clever shopping hooks beneath the headrests from which to hang bags.
Another good idea is a pair of dash-mounted cupholders.
In general it is well laid out but some plastics and fabrics do let the side down when it comes to quality.
Most controls on the Kalos are logically placed with big rotary dials making life easy for the driver.
When it comes to performance, however, the Kalos is pretty uninspiring. A 0-62mph time of just under 14 seconds removes any boy racer tendencies at a stroke.
Having said that the 1.2-litre petrol unit runs sweetly enough and once you've got it up to speed the Kalos cruises along quite happily.
Running costs are minimised by a fuel economy figure in excess of 40mpg and a low insurance rating.
In fact bearing in mind this and the car's lack of pace the Kalos actually shapes up as the perfect supermini for a teenager who has just passed his or her test.
The handling is okay, but the Kalos doesn't take to being flung into corners with the body leaning and grip disappearing quite quickly.
Changing gear doesn't inspire much enthusiasm either as the gearshift is vague and flabby with the steering light but uninformative.
The ride is generally smooth though with most humps and hollows being accounted for.
In a nutshell the Kalos offers all the advantages of a supermini, if a fairly sedate supermini, for the price of a city car.
FAST FACTS
Chevrolet Kalos 1.2 S 3dr
Price: £7,195
Mechanical: 72bhp, 1,150cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 5spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 98mph
0-62mph: 13.7 secs
Combined mpg: 44.1
Insurance group: 3
CO2 emissions: 153g/km
BiK rating: 17%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles, 5yrs paint, 6yrs anti-rust