The Daewoo Kalos Sedan 1.2 i (72 hp) was a subcompact car produced by Daewoo Motors, and later General Motors, between 2002 and 2006. Positioned as an entry-level offering within the Kalos range, it aimed to provide affordable transportation in both domestic Korean markets and export destinations, particularly in Europe and developing nations. The Kalos, internally designated the J100, represented Daewoo’s attempt to modernize its lineup and compete with established players in the small car segment. This specific 1.2-liter variant served as the base model, offering a balance of fuel efficiency and practicality, though at the expense of outright performance. It was typically offered with a five-speed manual transmission, though a four-speed automatic was also available, impacting its overall appeal and market positioning.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Daewoo |
| Model | Kalos |
| Generation | Kalos Sedan |
| Type (Engine) | 1.2 i (72 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2002 |
| End of production | 2006 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 8.4 l/100 km (28 US mpg, 33.6 UK mpg, 11.9 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 5.5 l/100 km (42.8 US mpg, 51.4 UK mpg, 18.2 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 6.6 l/100 km (35.6 US mpg, 42.8 UK mpg, 15.2 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 13.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 13.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 13 sec |
| Maximum speed | 157 km/h (97.56 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 13.3 kg/Hp, 75.4 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 9.2 kg/Nm, 108.9 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 72 Hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Power per litre | 62.6 Hp/l |
| Torque | 104 Nm @ 4000 rpm (76.71 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | B12S1 |
| Engine displacement | 1150 cm3 (70.18 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 68.5 mm (2.7 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 78 mm (3.07 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 9.3:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | OHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 3.2 l (3.38 US qt | 2.82 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 4.2 l (4.44 US qt | 3.7 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 955 kg (2105.41 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1445 kg (3185.68 lbs.) |
| Max load | 490 kg (1080.27 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 320 l (11.3 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 725 l (25.6 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 45 l (11.89 US gal | 9.9 UK gal) |
| Length | 4236 mm (166.77 in.) |
| Width | 1670 mm (65.75 in.) |
| Height | 1495 mm (58.86 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2480 mm (97.64 in.) |
| Front track | 1450 mm (57.09 in.) |
| Rear track | 1450 mm (57.09 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Gearbox type | Manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Spring Strut |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 175/70 R14 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The Kalos 1.2 i was powered by the B12S1 engine, a 1.2-liter inline-four cylinder gasoline engine. This engine was a relatively simple design, featuring a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) valvetrain with two valves per cylinder. It utilized a multi-point fuel injection system, which, while not cutting-edge at the time, provided adequate fuel delivery for its intended purpose. The engine’s 9.3:1 compression ratio was a compromise between efficiency and performance. The engine produced 72 horsepower at 5500 rpm and 104 Nm (77 lb-ft) of torque at 4000 rpm. The five-speed manual transmission was the most common pairing, offering a reasonable spread of gears for everyday driving. A four-speed automatic transmission was also available, but it significantly impacted acceleration and fuel economy. The automatic transmission was known for being somewhat sluggish in its shifts, further diminishing the car’s performance.
Driving Characteristics
The Kalos 1.2 i with the manual transmission offered acceptable, though not exciting, performance. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph took around 13 seconds, and top speed was approximately 97 mph. The engine felt strained when pushed hard, particularly when fully loaded with passengers or cargo. The automatic transmission version was even slower, with noticeably reduced responsiveness. The gear ratios were tuned for fuel economy rather than spirited driving. Handling was adequate for a subcompact car, with a focus on comfort rather than sporty dynamics. The suspension was tuned to absorb bumps and provide a relatively smooth ride, but this came at the expense of body roll in corners. Steering was light and easy, making it suitable for urban driving.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 1.2 i Kalos typically came with a basic level of equipment. Standard features generally included power steering, central locking, and an AM/FM radio. Air conditioning was often an optional extra, as were power windows and alloy wheels. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, and the dashboard was constructed from relatively hard plastics. Higher trim levels, if available in specific markets, might have included features like a CD player, upgraded interior trim, and body-colored bumpers. The overall interior design was functional but lacked the refinement of some competitors.
Chassis & Braking
The Kalos Sedan utilized a front-wheel-drive layout with a MacPherson strut suspension in the front and a coil spring suspension in the rear. The front brakes were ventilated discs, providing adequate stopping power for the car’s weight and performance. However, the rear brakes were drums, which were less effective than discs and could fade under heavy use. The chassis was relatively lightweight, contributing to the car’s fuel efficiency. Stabilizer bars were typically absent on the base 1.2 i model, further contributing to the car’s tendency to body roll.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Daewoo Kalos 1.2 i was generally viewed as a budget-friendly option in the subcompact car segment. Critics praised its affordability and fuel efficiency, but often criticized its lack of performance and refinement. Compared to competitors like the Toyota Yaris, Honda Fit, and Volkswagen Polo, the Kalos felt less sophisticated and offered a less engaging driving experience. However, its lower price point made it an attractive option for buyers on a tight budget. Fuel economy was competitive, averaging around 35 mpg in combined driving conditions. Reliability was generally considered average, with some reports of minor electrical issues.
Legacy
The Daewoo Kalos, and specifically the 1.2 i variant, has become a common sight in the used car market. While not known for its longevity or performance, the B12S1 engine is generally considered reliable if properly maintained. Parts availability can be a challenge in some regions, as Daewoo/GM no longer actively supports the model. However, the car’s simplicity and affordability continue to make it a popular choice for first-time car buyers or those seeking a basic, economical mode of transportation. The Kalos represents a transitional period for the brand, bridging the gap between Daewoo’s independent operation and its integration into General Motors.
