Chevrolet's 3-Door Kalos Points Way to a Sportier Aveo

Three engines highlight the Kalos three-door's range. All are economical

A variety of engines will be available, including a 1.2-liter, 8-valve unit with 72 horsepower for starters, ramping up to a more powerful 1.4-liter, 16-valve with 94 horsepower. North American models, if sold here, will most likely offer the 103 horsepower 1.6-liter engine as standard equipment. (Photo: General Motors of Canada)

four-cylinders ranging between 1.2 and 1.4 liters. Bare-bones models will receive a 72 horsepower 1.2-liter 8-valve motor, while an optional 83 horsepower 1.4 liter 16-valve unit is available. Top of the line models will receive a livelier 1.4-liter 16-valve powerplant good for 94 horsepower. With this top-line motor the Kalos can accelerate to 100 km/h in 11.1 seconds before topping out at 176 km/h (109 mph). It's not performance-grade material, but it should be more than enough for most commuters. Fuel consumption is rated at 7.0 L/100 km (33.6 mpg) which allows for a range of 642 km (399 miles). Despite being the sporty version, the 103 horsepower version of the 1.6-liter inline-four sold in North America will not be available in Europe. If the Kalos

The Kalos three-door interior features a two-tone dashboard, distinctive fabric and trim, plus a Chevy badge on the steering wheel. (Photo: General Motors of Canada)

three-door ends up in Canada as a sportier Aveo derivative, it will most likely feature this engine as standard equipment.

The Kalos is expected to be the building block for the Chevrolet brand in Europe. In its two years of production, the five-door Kalos made up 42 percent of Daewoo sales and was considered to be the brand's most important model. Statistics have proven this claim veritable, with some 40,000 orders already taken in the first six months of this year and a total of 21,000 units in the USA for the Aveo.

Will we get the Kalos three-door? The answer, while not confirmed by General Motors, is most likely yes. Currently, Toyota is the only manufacturer in Canada to offer a three-door subcompact budget vehicle, and therefore it would be foolish of General Motors to allow the Japanese firm to reap all the rewards of being the only member of the class.