IT WAS back in the spring of 1995 that Daewoo introduced itself to the UK motoring scene with a couple of recycled Vauxhalls, the Nexia and the Espero.
The Pacific Rim carmaker's wares were specifically aimed at the budget car buyer, coming generously kitted out and tailor-made for buyers who weren't particularly fussy about state of the art engineering, outstanding looks and breathtaking handling.
Daewoo's marketing strategy was to avoid becoming involved with established dealership franchises, preferring instead to trade through Halford's outlets and their own "car sales supermarkets." And to entice buyers there was an industry-best after-care package which included free servicing.
But for whatever reason it just didn't work and in October 2002, the company became GM Daewoo formally under the umbrella of the world's largest car manufacturer, General Motors, which had baled out the Korean maker following its earlier financial crisis.
The spring of last year heralded the arrival of the very first all-new car from GM Daewoo, a five-door supermini - the Kalos - which heralded the dawning of a new era.
The Kalos comes with a brace of petrol engine options - 1.2-litre 71bhp and a 93bhp 1.4-litre 16-valver - while a trio of trim levels, S, SE and SX, complete the new menu line-up.
Recently, I took to the roads in the company of the 1.4 SX, the flagship model of the range of cars with a name that actually translates as "beautiful" in the Greek language. While I wouldn't go quite that far, there is a certain attraction in the cute way the Kalos shapes up.
And so there should be, for the design comes from the pen of Giugiaro, one of Italy's foremost car designers, whose inspirational talent is to be seen in the Alfa Romeo GTV and many others.
Giugiaro's expertise shines through here in a body shape which strikes quite a good balance between small car practicality and a touch of midi-MPV styling. From the stylish front bumper, through extended bonnet lines, flared wings and smoothly deep sills leading to a cutely stubby rear end, the Kalos certainly puts on the style.
Value for money has always been a Daewoo watchword and nothing has changed here, the SX is fitted out as standard with a whole shedful of kit.
For under nine grand, you get a kit level usually found in cars costing quite a lot more including power steering, air con, electric windows all round, six-speaker radio and CD player, heated and powered door mirrors, tinted glass and front fogs.
Safety, too, has been well addressed with twin front airbags, side airbags and child locks on rear doors while ABS braking with Electronic Brake Force Distribution are on board to arrest progress when required.
The inside story is one of a genuine five-seater with an inoffensive cabin interior with sporty alloy-look inserts tastefully positioned. Head and leg room benefits from the tall, upright cab-forward set-up.
Stowage space, too, is pretty generous for the size of car and, when your cargo isn't people, the accommodating luggage bay can be extended via the 60:40 fold and tilt rear seats while there are also cupholders and even a rear seat picnic tray.
The 1.4 litre engine, mated to a smooth changing five-speed manual gearbox, is sprightly enough, producing 93bhp at 6,200rpm. That's sufficient to take you from 0-62 miles per hour in just over 11 seconds, en route to a maximum speed, where legally allowable, of 109mph, with a combined fuel consumption figure of around the 40 mark.
The controls are nice and light and the Kalos - which is mounted on 14-inch alloys - handles in competent fashion, is easy to park up and has agreeable ride quality.
Overall, the Kalos is a further boon to the budget new car buyer. Its head-turningly cute looks, generous equipment levels, lowish insurance grouping and a good warranty add up to just what many family car buyers are looking for.
FAST FACTS
Daewoo Kalos 1.4 SX
Price: £8,995.
Mechanical: 93bhp, 1,399cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving front wheels via 5-spd manual gearbox
Max Speed: 109mph
0-62mph: 11.1 seconds
Combined mpg: 40.4
Insurance Group: 5
CO2 emissions: 171g/km
BiK rating: 18%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles; 6yrs anti-rust