CHEAP really can be cheerful in today's car world.
There is an enormous market for budget cars which are not just basic cars but deliver a bit more.
The Chevrolet Kalos is one of the modern super-minis which, while not setting any benchmarks or ground-breaking standards, comes at a good price, with useful equipment, is cheap to run and has a reasonable warranty which all combine to promise low ownership costs.
My test car had a proven engine which was untemperamental, straightforward, economical and fairly quiet.
It could easily keep up with traffic thanks to its free-revving nature and light quick gearchange but longer journeys might be a bit tiring when you have to stir it along to make progress on winding roads.
The steering has a good light feel around town and the brakes are reasonable but need a heavy foot on open roads, where the steering is too vague.
The reasonably powerful and flexible engine means that economy is good without trying and a light footed driver may regularly see 50mpg.
The layout and easy operation of the major controls is matched by that of the secondary functions and the simplicity of the instruments is also welcome.
Heating and ventilation is elementary and works well but the oddments room is not particularly generous.
Load space is modest but ideal for shopping and it's easy to use. For passengers, climbing in and out is unrestricted and room inside is fair.
There is more room in the front and the slim roof pillars and big windows give good sightlines and an airy feel to the interior.
The seats are a little thin but reasonably comfortable and front adjustment is ok for all but the tallest or shortest.
Ride comfort is on the firm side and some bumps can really be felt but overall it is acceptable. The seats are not particularly thick or absorbing.
The stiff ride means the Kalos does not corner particularly well - although it is perfectly safe - and a mid-corner bump can make it step off line. Pushed hard the car will run wide in a corner and if you lift off it smartly comes back on line.
You do have to press on with the gears and a lot of revs. if you are in a hurry and this raises the noise level from the engine above the background rumbles from the tyres.
I would have liked a lighter interior tone to the unrelenting darkness of the fascia as this also makes the inside appear smaller, while the choice of texture to the plastic also leaves a lot to be desired.
If anything, the Kalos's main shortcoming is its somewhat dated appearance, particularly inside, but if you are not worried by this then it represents good value for money and comes with the security of a good warranty and knowledge of low running costs.
FAST FACTS
Chevrolet Kalos 1.2 S 5dr
Price: £7,815
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