Chevrolet was keen to get more traction on the European market and introduced the Aveo/Kalos lineup in 2004 with three body versions, including a three-door hatchback.
After it bought the Daewoo remains, the bow-tie brand used its already planned models and platforms. Even though it was already present with Opel/Vauxhall, it didn’t have a budget brand, so it came with the Chevrolet badge. But the world economic crisis started just three years later and led to significant financial losses for the American brand.

Pininfarina designed the Kalos (beautiful in Greek) lineup. The Italians tried to give the car a shape that would distinguish itself from the other competitors on the market. With its straight-cut headlights and the split-grille, its image was good. From the side, the three-door looked like a hot-hatch even in real life, unlike its five-door sibling, which looked too bland.

While the exterior promised a vehicle with good qualities, the interior was fitted with a bland design and budget materials. GM couldn’t hide its connection with the former Daewoo models only by introducing a new steering wheel and a new CD-radio (only on top trim levels). The instrument cluster, in particular, offered a cheap-looking design with fake plastic pieces that mimicked aluminum.

Under the posh-looking bodywork, GM used the same old platform from Daewoo. There was a choice of new engines, including a 1.2-liter 16-valves, paired to a 5-speed manual. The upper version, which featured a 1.4-liter unit, was available with a 4-speed automatic transmission.