BACK in the spring of 1995, the Daewoo Corporation arrived on these shores intent on persuading the UK motorist to adopt a new method of car-buying.
Side-stepping established dealerships, the Daewoo invasion was spearheaded by the Espero family saloon, sporting Vauxhall Cavalier underpinnings, and the Nexia hatchback, which featured much second generation Astra in its DNA.
In 2002, after years of only limited success in the UK market, the Korean carmaker became a part of General Motors and, in February this year, the Daewoo badge finally gave way to the distinctive yellow cross of the giant US carmaker's Chevrolet brand.
Tasked with becoming the small and medium car division of Chevrolet, while laying the spirit of Daewoo finally to rest, the US car giant is promising a host of new models to come while expanding existing favourites such as the Kalos.
Earlier this year Chevrolet expanded its Kalos range with the introduction of a three-door variant, with 1.2-litre S and 1.4-litre SX petrol-powered models adding a sportier style and an entry level model at £6,995.
More recently, these three-door hatchback models have been joined by the Kalos 1.4-litre Sport tested here which, with enhanced chassis dynamics, has been specifically designed with the younger motorist in mind.
The Kalos Sport is distinguishable from its stablemates by a new mesh grille, 15-inch alloys, lowered suspension and a sporty exhaust with chrome tailpipe, while Dove Silver, Super Red or Pearl Black colours are further optional indicators of its athletic tarmac presence.
Kit levels are generous, the Kalos Sport including air con, remote central locking, twin front and side airbags, electric windows all round, powered and heated door mirrors, six-speaker sound system with CD, front fogs and ABS braking.
In a nicely laid-out cabin there are places in which to stow your bits and bobs including a glovebox, centre console tray and side and seat-back pockets, plus there are cupholders and head rest-mounted hooks to keep your jacket straight or hang the shopping bags.
However, the boot, which does feature lighting and carpeting, is not over generous, providing just 220 litres of luggage space with all seats taken. Although the rear seat backrest does split 70:30 and folds to increase cargo carrying capacity.
Cabinside, front seat occupants are afforded good amounts of manoeuvrable space and rear access is a fairly painless exercise via a front passenger seat which folds forward and returns with ease.
While there is reasonable knee and decent shoulder room for two in the rear, taller back seat passengers may find the roof height a little inhibiting.
Although the materials are on the dull but durable side, as opposed to eye-catchingly exciting, two-tone leather-trimmed seating adds a touch of class in the Sport model and feels comfortably supportive facing a neatly set out cowled dash with easy to read dials trimmed in brushed aluminium. The uncomplicated centre console houses air con and sound system controls.
Although the steering wheel only adjusts for tilt, there is sufficient movement in the slightly raised driver's seat height adjustment to provide a driving position which should suit most people.
Despite the sporty thrum of the big bore exhaust adding a sporty note to the proceedings, Kalos Sport doesn't really aspire to the heights of being a true GTI hot hatch.
Paired with a five-speed manual transmission, which could have been much more positive in its operation, the 1.4-litre petrol is capable of the 0-62mph dash in a rather conservative 11.1 seconds and returns a reasonable, rather than remarkable, 39.8mpg over the official combined driving cycle.
While this 16-valver revs enthusiastically, when pushed hard, the engine does respond a little harshly. However, mid-range urge is pretty healthy and, despite some body lean, the enhanced suspension dynamics do help to provide some spirited driving enjoyment when linking together a series of twisty bits.
Ride quality is on the firm side, but not unforgiving, while the Kalos Sport deals quite effectively with most undulating road surfaces without disturbing its occupants' comfort.
Overall, the Kalos Sport is a quite decent hatchback, which it needs to be to compete in a hotly contested sector where quality rivals are legion.
But, while the Chevrolet badge indicates a new dawn, there are one or two reminders of those Daewoo days such as the radio front which you have to remove before you leave the car to prevent someone else doing it for you, which looks and feels decidedly dated in this hi-tech era.
However, as an indicator of quality and reliability, GM has also carried over its predecessor's three year or 60,000 miles warranty while offering three years free servicing, a big plus in the new car-buying stakes which also adds weight to the fact that the Chevrolet Kalos can prove to be a very agreeable performer in the cost of ownership stakes.
FAST FACTS
Chevrolet Kalos 1.4 Sport 3dr
Price: £9,995
Mechanical: 94bhp, 1,399cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 5spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 109mph
0-62mph: 11.1 secs
Combined mpg: 39.8
Insurance group: 6
CO2 emissions: 171g/km
BiK rating: 21%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles; 5yrs paint; 6yrs anti-rust