Daewoo Kalos

Daewoo Kalos
2004-2006 Chevrolet Aveo LT 5-door (US)
Manufacturer GM Daewoo, FSO
Parent company General Motors
Also called Chevrolet Aveo
Holden Barina
Production 2003-present
Predecessor Daewoo Lanos
Chevrolet Metro
Pontiac Firefly
Holden Barina (XC)
Class Subcompact
Body style(s) 3-door hatchback
5-door hatchback
4-door sedan
Layout FF layout
Transmission(s) 4-speed automatic
5-speed manual

The Daewoo Kalos is a subcompact automobile manufactured by GM Daewoo (the South Korean subsidiary of General Motors) introduced in 2002 and marketed globally in 120 countries — prominently as the Chevrolet Aveo[1] (ah-VAY-o).[2]

Marketed worldwide under five GM brands and eleven different nameplates, the Kalos vehicles have evolved through two re-stylings in the car's first generation and have featured three body styles and five engine configurations — all built on a dedicated platform shared with no other vehicles. The two styling iterations are called T200 and T250 — deriving from the internal coding used by first Daewoo and then GM Daewoo during the car's development.

The nameplate "Kalos" derives from the Greek word kalos (καλός) for "beautiful".[3]

Contents

First generation (T200)

T200
T200 Chevrolet Aveo sedan (US)
Also called Chevrolet Aveo
Chevrolet Kalos
Holden Barina (TK)
Pontiac Wave
Suzuki Swift+
GM Daewoo Kalos
Production 2002-2008
Assembly Bupyong, South Korea
Zaporizhia, Ukraine
Shanghai, China
Bogotá, Colombia
Quito, Ecuador
Platform T200
Engine(s) 1.2 L (≈73 cu in), 1.4 L (≈85 cu in), 1.5 L (≈92 cu in), 1.6 L (≈98 cu in) I4
Wheelbase 2480 mm (97.6 in)
Length 3880 mm (152.8 in) (hatch)
4235 mm (166.7 in) (sedan)
Width 1670 mm (65.7 in)
Height 1485 mm (58.5 in)
Fuel capacity 45 L (11.9 US gal/9.9 imp gal)
Designer Italdesign Giugiaro

The original Daewoo Kalos was introduced in 2002, based on a then-new Daewoo platform named T200, replacing the Daewoo Lanos (T100). Under development before Daewoo's bankruptcy, the Kalos was the company's first new model introduction following its subsequent takeover by General Motors.[4] Manufacture of the Kalos began in early March, 2002 [4], with pre-production prototypes shown at the Geneva Auto Show in April 2002.

Conception

Originally designed by Italdesign Giugiaro, the Kalos derives directly from the Kalos Dream concept vehicle first presented at the 2000 Paris Motor Show and subsequent developmental concepts at the 2001 Frankfurt Motor Show, 2002 Geneva Auto Show, and 2003 at the Geneva Show. (Kalos Dream photos) During this three-year development period Daewoo was struggling financially, with the ultimate fate of the company and the concept vehicle remaining uncertain.

Upon introduction the initial European models carried an emblem reading "Design Giugiaro." Referring to his firm's design of the Kalos, Giorgetto Giugiaro said:

When we designed it, we set out to produce an alternative to conventional lines and tread new paths in terms of design. [5]

The T200 sedans and hatchbacks featured a swage line running along the lower body to the rear door, which kinks downward prominently on the hatchback. 5-door hatchbacks also feature a side window in the C/D pillar with a distinctively angled lower edge. Interiors feature a circular motif throughout. North American Chevrolet Aveo, Canadian Pontiac Wave and Suzuki Swift+ and Australian Holden Barina variants featured the same grille with slight differences; European versions and some Latin American versions featured a wider grille with larger slanted headlights.

Design development

Daewoo's now disbanded Worthing Technical Centre in the UK conducted the initial research and platform engineering, with Daewoo's main Technical Center in Bupyong, Incheon, South Korea completing the majority of the later development programme. Daewoo engineers refined the chassis in Britain, on the proving ground at MIRA near Nuneaton, UK.[5] Long-term testing covered nearly 2.2 million kilometers (1.4 million miles) with further testing outside South Korea on test sites in Arjeplog, Sweden; Granada and Idiada, Spain; Kapuskasing, Canada and Beijing, China.[6]

According to an April, 2003 GMDAT press release, Daewoo built 119 prototypes during the Kalos's design and development, crashing 31 for research and data-gathering purposes,[6] and manufacturing 39 pilot production vehicles to verify standards and quality.[6]

The body's sheet metal panel gaps were kept to 3 mm (0.1 in) and all but the roof panel were galvanized steel. 46% of the Kalos' underlying structural components were produced with high-strength steel, with tailor-welded blanks used in the production of the vehicle to put strength where needed while saving weight.

The front suspension used MacPherson struts with offset coil springs and a stabilizer bar, while the rear featured a semi-independent torsion beam axle.

Body and packaging

The Kalos was sold in three available body styles: a 4-door sedan and 5-door hatchback from the beginning of production in 2002, and a 3-door hatchback available in certain European markets beginning in 2005. All body styles meet North American subcompact and European supermini or B-segment size classifications.

All Kalos iterations featured high H-point seating within a relatively narrow, short and high-roofed body that combined a long wheelbase with short front (81 cm/32 in) and rear (49 cm/19 in, hatchback) overhangs to maximize the outward visibility, interior space and maneuverability relative to the vehicle's footprint. Rear seat H-points are higher in all body types, giving the car theatre seating.

Per the German VDA standard, 5-door hatchbacks featured 175 litres (6.2 cu ft) of cargo space with the rear seats in their upright positions and 735 litres (26.0 cu ft) with the rear seats folded down, with a maximum payload rating of 495 kg (1091 lb).[6] Per United States Environmental Protection Agency‎ ratings the 5-door hatchbacks featured cargo volume of 11.7 cubic feet (330 L) (rear seats up) to 42 cu ft (1,200 L) (rear seats down), with 7.1 cu ft (200 L) available in the sedan.

The interior volume was 102.7 L (3.63 cu ft) (5-door) and 107.4 L (3.79 cu ft) (sedan) according to the EPA, meeting the minimum criterion for a compact vehicle despite being marketed as a sub-compact. Headroom was unmatched in its class at the time of its introduction.[5]

The body featured a drag coefficient of 0.35, with a frontal area of 2.16 m2 (23.3 sq ft) giving aerodynamic resistance of 00.74 m2 (8.0 sq ft).[5]

Design features

Safety

The Kalos models have been tested in at least four international New Car Assessment Programs, the results reflecting varying equipment and the differences in the tests themselves. Based on market priorities and price point control, some safety equipment is either unavailable or available only as extra-cost options (including side airbags, ABS, foglights and a rear center position three-point seatbelts and headrests.)

Korea: models received four stars for both driver and front-seat passenger in crash tests conducted by the Korean Automobile Test and Research Institute (KATRI).[6]

Europe: models received the following European New Car Assessment Program (Euro NCAP) ratings:

Australia: Holden Barina models received scored 2 stars (of 5) from ANCAP, a rating that is lower than the previous European-built, Opel-based Barina had scored,[6] and the lowest ANCAP rating since 2004.[6] Notably, the Australian Barina models do not feature the front-seat mounted side airbags offered in other markets (e.g., USA), nor are the ANCAP ratings directly comparable to the ratings of other NCAP programs.

United States: US Aveo models received a IIHS crash offset rating of "acceptable" and these National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's New Car Assessment Program (www.safercar.gov) ratings:

US Aveo safety features include available four-channel, four-sensor ABS system with electronic brake force distribution (EBD), and front (dual-stage) and side air bags with a passenger-sensing system. Beginning with 2008, Aveo standard equipment includes a tire pressure monitoring system.

Engines

S-TEC

E-TEC II

Concept vehicles

Second generation (T250)

T250
T250 Chevrolet Aveo sedan (Thailand)
Also called Chevrolet Aveo
Chevrolet Lova
Daewoo Gentra X
Holden Barina (TK)
Pontiac G3
Pontiac Wave
Production 2006-present
Assembly Bupyong, South Korea
Warsaw, Poland
Zaporizhia, Ukraine
Bogota, Colombia
Shanghai, China
San Luis Potosí, Mexico (San Luis Potosí Assembly)
Platform T250
Engine(s) 1.2 L (≈73 cu in), 1.4 L (≈85 cu in), 1.5 L (≈92 cu in), 1.6 L (≈98 cu in) I4
Wheelbase 2480 mm (97.6 in)
Length Sedan: 4310 mm (169.7 in)
Hatchback: 155.0 in (3937 mm)
G3 Wave Hatchback: 154.3 in (3919 mm)
Width Sedan: 1710 mm (67.3 in)
Hatchback: 66.1 in (1679 mm)
Height Sedan: 1495 mm (58.9 in)
Hatchback: 59.3 in (1506 mm)
Fuel capacity 45 L (11.9 US gal/9.9 imp gal)

GM introduced a revised sedan at Auto Shanghai 2005, designed in cooperation with PATAC. Bearing the internal code T250 and sold in South Korea as Daewoo Gentra, the revision comprised primarily interior and exterior styling changes, a new interior IP (instrument panel) and minor equipment changes, including increased sound deadening.[10] Incorporation of the radio antenna into the rear glass and extensive wind tunnel testing helped reduce the coefficient of drag from 0.348 to 0.326.[10]

A restyled hatchback with the sedan's updated IP (instrument panel) was presented as the Chevrolet Aveo during the Frankfurt Motor Show 2007, to be marketed in Europe and North America. The Korean market received its own distinct restyle of the hatchback, the Gentra X.

Later iterations, including the Kalos, Aveo, Barina and Gentra sedans, the Gentra X hatchback and the 2007 "Frankfurt Show" hatchbacks were styled in-house and with the assistance of PATAC -- and depart notably from the original Giugiaro exterior and interior styling designs.

With launching Gentra X in South Korea, GMDAT had replaced engines of T250. 1.2 L S-TEC II engine had updated with features such as double overhead camshaft (DOHC) and timing chain (older version has timing chain) system. 1.6 L E-TEC II engine had replaced with ECOTEC (GEN-III) engine with new features such as variable valve timing mechanism.

Safety

The T250 model has been tested by the European New Car Assessment Program (Euro NCAP)[14]:

Future vehicle

Edmunds reported the next-generation Chevrolet Aveo is due in mid-to-late 2010 as 2011 model. The car would use the Gamma 2 global subcompact platform, which would also power next-generation Opel Corsa and Chevrolet Beat.[15]

Awards

Global marketing and manufacture

South Korea

The T200 was sold as Daewoo Kalos; the hatchback named 'Kalos V' and the sedan 'Kalos S.' Daewoo began selling the T250 sedan in September 2005 as the Daewoo Gentra, replacing Kalos S. "Gentra" is derived from the English word "gentleman" and "transport(ation)".The tagline in the advertising campaign introducing the Gentra in Korea was "Are you gentle?", and the campaign starred Daniel Henny. In October 2007, the Kalos hatchback adopted the T250 underpinnings and was renamed Gentra X.

North America

T200 Chevrolet Aveo sedan (US)
T200 Chevrolet Aveo LS hatchback (US, 2004-2006)

The T200 models were introduced to the US and Canada 2004 models at the 2003 (February) Chicago Auto Show as the Chevrolet Aveo. The US 5-door and 4-door models went on sale in November 2003,[18] and as reported by the Boston Globe in November 2006, "the Aveo (was) the largest-selling subcompact in the United States".[19]

The T250 sedan debuted in January 2006 as the 2007 Chevrolet Aveo at the Greater Los Angeles Auto Show. Sales commenced in North America in August 2006. The Aveo 5-door hatchback has been marketed as the "Aveo5" in Canada since its inception and in the US beginning with model year 2007. The models are sold as Pontiac Wave (4-door and 5-door, since the 2005 model year) and Suzuki Swift+ (5-door) in Canada. The T200 Wave sedan was replaced for the 2007 model year with the T250, coinciding with the release of the 2007 T250 Aveo. For the 2009 model year, Pontiac Wave was renamed to Pontiac G3 Wave in Canada. In the United States, Pontiac will sell the 5-door hatchback as the Pontiac G3 starting in the spring of 2009.[20]

US model year changes

2005: Sidemarker lights change from orange to clear.

2006: Rear Spoiler changes from "hugger" style to pedestal style spoiler with several inches of clearance from body.

2007: Sedans were redesigned. Deleted: 4-door SVM equipment group, Aveo5 LT model. New Features: 6-disc in-dash CD player and MP3 playback audio system, restyled 4-Door Model, new neutral interior in clot and leatherette, steering wheel mounted audio controls, aux input jacks on all 4-door and LS radios, sedan instrument panel and door accents in wood appearance, metallic grain appearance or silver appearance trim on LS and LT models, manual lumbar adjuster on driver seat, driver seat armrest, back glass antenna on 4-door models. Changes: power outside mirrors now on both driver and passenger, Aveo 5-Door models are called Aveo5. Available Spring Edition in Maui Blue (metallic), with alloy wheels, power windows, power moonroof, upgraded stereo with auxiliary input, keyless remote access, power door locks, foglamps and interior silver accents.

2009: Hatchbacks were redesigned. T250 2008.5 Aveo and sedan, Deleted: 15" 5-spoke aluminum wheels, E-TEC II 1.6L engine, Carbon fiber appearance accents. New: new exterior and interior design, Charcoal Perforated Leatherette seating surfaces, OnStar and standard on all models, available XM Satellite Radio, available Leather-wrapped steering wheel wand shift knob are now included with perforated leatherette seating surface option, Driver Information Center with outside temperature display and fuel economy/driving range function, new 15" 5-spoke aluminum wheels, GM Oil Life Monitoring System , ECOTEC 1.6L DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder MFI engine with Variable Valve Timing and Dual Continuous Variable Cam Phasing (107 hp @ 6400 rpm, 106 ft·lbf (144 N·m) of torque @ 3800 rpm), 5-speed manual transmission to include shift indicator light. Changes: New good-better-best packaging strategy labeled as 1LS, 1LT and 2LT. Power Package called Power and Convenience Package, aux input included on all radios, front wipers variable intermittent, front doors, driver and front passenger seatback map pockets on all models, Alternator 95 amps. Deletions, Additions and Changes per GM's public online order guide.

US stop delivery order

In February 2004 GM issued a "stop delivery" order, to investigate five accidents that occurred in a tight time frame just as the Aveo was introduced to the US market. The order was lifted shortly thereafter, after an investigation revealed no connection among the accidents.[21]

US marketing

The Aveo was introduced for its market debut in a 60 second television advertisement[1] that first appeared on New Year's Eve 2003, created by the firm of Campbell-Ewald, directed by Michael Bay [22] and featuring the song Magic Carpet Ride by Steppenwolf. The advertisement was titled "An American Revolution, Car Carrier" and featured six yet to be introduced cars and trucks boarding a car carrier as it traversed the United States. It featured the Aveo descending the Twin Peaks of San Francisco and making an airborne leap highly reminiscent of Steve McQueen's Ford Mustang in the movie Bullitt, before boarding the car carrier.

Two other fifteen second TV ads also created by the firm of Campbell-Ewald [22], spotlighted the Aveo: "Pachyderm" showing an elephant, chased down a city street by an Aveo and "Big Little," in which four basketball players who enter the car appear tiny in big seats, highlighting the vehicle's interior volume.

Mexico

In Mexico, the T200 is not sold, but the T250 sedan is sold as Pontiac G3 and Chevrolet Aveo. The Automotive News reported in October 2007 that GM would begin producing the Aveo model at the new San Luis Potosí Assembly plant in Mexico (400 km/250 mi northwest of México City) when the plant is complete in June 2009.[23] Production of the Aveo commenced in August 2008.[24]

Central and South America

The T200 is sold as Chevrolet Aveo in Ecuador (3-door), Peru (3-door and 5-door), Venezuela, Colombia and Chile (all body styles). The T250 is sold as Chevrolet Aveo in Peru (4-door). A taxi version of the T200 sedan is available in Ecuador.

Western Europe

T250 Chevrolet Aveo 3-door

Until the end of 2004, the T200 was sold as Daewoo Kalos. In early 2005, the Chevrolet brand replaced the Daewoo brand and the Kalos was rebadged the Chevrolet Kalos, coinciding with the introduction of the 3-door. The new T250 sedan is marketed as the Chevrolet Aveo, replacing the Kalos sedan in 2006. A revised hatchback was introduced in the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show, to go on sale in early 2008 as the Aveo -- replacing the Kalos.

Central and Eastern Europe

The T200 was sold as Chevrolet Aveo from its introduction in 2003. The T250 has replaced the T200 sedan in 2006, retaining the same name. Versions sold in this region had 1.4 L engines, and were available as both five-door hatchback and four-door sedan.

It was announced in November 2007 that FSO in Warsaw, Poland, would begin assembling the Aveo under a joint venture between GM and FSO's owner, the Ukrainian company UkrAVTO. GM plans to produce 70,000 Aveos at FSO during 2008, with production rising to 100,000 in 2009. [25]

Australia and New Zealand

T200 Holden Barina, New Zealand

The T200 model was available as the Daewoo Kalos before Daewoo's Australian operations ceased at the end of 2004 and was absent from the Australian market until re-introduced in December 2005 as the TK Holden Barina (3-door and 5-door). The TK Barina replaced the previous XC Barina, which was an imported and rebadged European Opel Corsa. The T250 sedan was introduced in February 2006, and both the T200 and T250 models are sold together as the Barina lineup. The switch from the Opel-sourced Corsa was criticized, given the Kalos' lower ANCAP safety performance. The T250 hatchback, both 3-door and 5-door, was introduced in August 2008.

Other markets

Indonesia: The T200 is sold as Chevrolet Aveo in Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines, as well as South Africa and China (5-door and 4-door).

China The T250 sedan is sold as Chevrolet Lova in China.

India The T250 was launched in India in 2006 as Chevrolet Aveo along with the slogan "An Indian Revolution", referencing Chevrolet's An American Revolution ad campaign. The T200 hatchback has been sold in India since December 2006 as the Chevrolet Aveo U-VA. A taxi called Chevytaxi is based on the T200 sedan.

Assembly plants

Most Kalos/Aveos are assembled in the Bupyong plant in South Korea. In Ukraine, Russia and Venezuela, local versions of the Aveo are assembled from complete knock down kits. For the Chinese market, Aveos and Lovas are manufactured by Shanghai GM Dongyue. In India, Aveos are assembled from Halol Plant. Also in Egypt GM assembly plant started in August 2007 producing the Aveo locally in 3 variants.

Beginning in August 2008, Chevrolet Aveos are also produced at the new General Motors San Luis Potosí plant located in Mexico.[24]

References

  1. "2008 Chevrolet Aveo sedan & Aveo5". General Motors (2007-08-01). Retrieved on 2008-01-25.
  2. "Chevrolet Aveo". Automobile Magazine.
  3. "Daewoo Kalos". Dennis Publishing (July 2002). Retrieved on 2008-01-25.
  4. 4.0 4.1 AlKhalisi, Farah. "Road Test: Daewoo Kalos (2002-2005)". Channel 4. Retrieved on 2008-01-25.
  5. 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 "The New Daewoo Kalos: Striking Design And Space Efficient".
  6. 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 6.5 6.6 "Market and model -- Good Prospects for the Kalos in a Growing Segment".
  7. "Chevrolet Aveo Xtreme Concept is a Head-turner".
  8. "Size Does not Matter: Three Chevrolet Global Minicar Concepts Pack A Lot Of Personality And Style Per Mile".
  9. "Chevy debuts the Beat, Groove and Trax mini car concepts".
  10. 10.0 10.1 10.2 "Chevrolet Beat goes into production".
  11. "Shanghai Auto Show: Chevrolet Aveo “Iron Man Edition”". www.Windingroad.com.
  12. "Chevrolet Aveo in Shanghai, What's in the Name!". www.Automotto.org.
  13. "Beijing Bowtie: Tricked out Aveo at China Show". www.Jalopnik.com.
  14. EuroNCAP crash test results for the 2006 Chevrolet Aveo
  15. IL Insider: Pontiac Says No G3 for the States - Yet
  16. 16.0 16.1 16.2 16.3 16.4 "Market and model -- Chevy gets better — Aveo U-VA".
  17. "12 Least Satisfying Cars".
  18. "Move over gas guzzlers, small cars are coming".
  19. "Market for subcompact cars grows as styling, features, safety improve". The Boston Globe.
  20. Unveiled: 2009 Pontiac G3
  21. "GM Investigates New Aveo Crashes".
  22. 22.0 22.1 "Critique: An American Evolution".
  23. "GM to produce Aveo at new Mexican plant, Stephen Downer, Automotive News".
  24. 24.0 24.1 "Mexico: GM builds first Chevrolet Aveo at new San Luis Potosi plant, Glenn Brooks, Automotive World".
  25. "In EU first, GM launches Chevrolet production in Poland".

External links