THE 1.2 eight-valve engine has just been introduced into the Kalos, an alternative to the 1.4 in a supermini which is the first product of Daewoo's absorption into General Motors.
Its task is to power a car which, in line with current superminis, is quite sizeable, almost qualifying for the small family hatchback sector. So economy is the driving force, not virility.
There is just 71bhp available here, along with 77lb ft of pull, all well up the rev counter.
For jogging around this is fine, but long inclines find it out and overtaking needs to be well considered. Into its stride, the 1.2 Kalos achieves standard motorway pace, but there's not an awful lot in reserve.
On the plus side, you enjoy more than 50mpg on the open road and engine noise suppression is pretty good (better than road noise levels) even when demands are high.
But the 1.2 Kalos is best seen as a city car that has the capacity for occasional distance drives.
In town it is nimble, handles neatly, returns 34mpg and loses some of the twitchiness displayed at pace, although stability is good with the rear wheels pushed right to the corners, and cornering is surprisingly assured. Steering feedback is fair, braking secure, and controls feel solid.
The lengthy wheelbase helps generate fine cabin space, and, at the back, room is excellent, genuinely adult-sized.
The big dash does eat some interior space and the slab of light grey in the test car wasn't very edifying. But the effect was eased by the charcoal grey centre console, and organisation is orderly and clean. Two pop-out cup holders below the Sony audio system emphasise the Kalos SE's high equipment levels, more of which in a moment.
In front of the driver the main dials are sited in deep pots, almost Alfa Romeo style, and are easy to read.
Seating is soft and comfortable, if not especially gripping, and there's driver's seat and steering wheel height adjustment.
Other standard features at SE level include front and side airbags, ABS with electronic brake force distribution, power steering, electric front windows, remote central locking, alarm system and split/folding rear seats. Door mirrors are manual on the driver's side and electric on the passenger's, which makes some sort of sense.
In-car storage is moderate, although bottle holders at the rear is good thinking, while the boot is poorly shaped and with a deep lip. However, it does accommodate a fair amount of luggage.
The awkward boot is an exception in a car which scores well on design, having been created by Italian ace Giugiaro. There's a nice, soft contoured face, dominated by big lights, while on the flanks the rising waist is contrasted with fall-away feature lines. The rear doors are sensibly shaped for easy access. The high roof line flows to a squared-off back end, distinguished by an attractive lights cluster and a bold bumper.
So the sub-£8,000 Kalos looks good and offers a load of goodies as well as a first-class warranty. Accept the 1.2 engine for what it is and it's an attractive second-car choice.
FAST FACTS
Daewoo Kalos 1.2 SE
Price: £7,795
Mechanical: 71bhp, 1,150cc SOHC 4 cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 5-spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 98mph
0-62mph: 13.7 secs
Combined mpg: 42.8
Insurance group: 3
CO2 emissions: 159g/km
BiK rating: 15%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles; 6yrs anti-rust