| While driving the Daewoo Nubira, I was
struck by just how far Daewoo has come in a relatively short space of time, especially
considering its initial offerings here - first the 1.5 hatch, then the Espero and Cielo. All did a good job of offering good value for money, despite the age of the
designs they were based on, but lacked the finesse needed to compete in the nineties.
The big catch-up has come with three new models - the Lanos, Nubira
and Leganza.
The mid-sized Nubira's overall finish is a quantum leap over past
efforts, and the most obvious improvement is in the looks department.
Its styling is the product of an Italian design studio, and Daewoo
is keen to point out that it represents a `global collaboration', with structural design,
engine tuning and suspension tuning all undertaken by UK specialists. The whole
development programme was overseen by Dr Ulrich Bez, who had previously headed design
teams for Porsche and BMW (something else Daewoo mentions frequently).
Bringing together all that international expertise has created a car
good enough to make us think again about how seriously to take Daewoo.
Powered by a 1.6 litre twin-cam engine, Nubira meets the `value for
money' quota with standard power windows and mirrors, power steering, front and rear fog
lamps, and a six-speaker stereo with single-disc CD player and power antenna. Options
include auto transmission, air conditioning and a `safety package' of ABS braking, and
dual airbags. |
Nubira represents a big catch-up for Daewoo in the style stakes.
Dashboard appearance is nothing startling, but user-friendly.
If stirred a little, Nubira's 1.6 litre engine is a delight to the ears.
|
|
| The seats have good firm support at most points,
though they could probably do with slightly deeper sides (though we must remember this is
not a `sport sedan', but something more modest). Although the
steering wheel is not adjustable for tilt or reach, a height adjuster in the drivers seat
alters the angle at the rear of the cushion at the same time, and proves helpful in
achieving a comfortable position.
Less impressive is the digital clock above the interior rearview
mirror, just above eye level, which can be distracting at night. But on the plus side,
Nubira has usefully large door pockets, and spring rains allowed us to discover that the
wipers have not only variable intermittent, but a one touch/one wipe mode as well - very
useful.
Stereo is now a Daewoo brand unit, instead of the Phillips stereos
previously fitted to Daewoos when they reached Australia. The single-disc CD player, with
tweeters fitted in the A-pillars next to the mirrors, produces decent audio quality.
On the open road, 110kmh has the engine doing a reasonably
comfortable 3250rpm, cruising with disarming ease and average fuel consumption of 8.2
L/100km (35mpg). The 1.6 litre engine, incidentally, likes vigorous pedalling and responds
with eagerness that is matched by a surprisingly agreeable induction rort from under the
hood.
Handling seems a little doughy in corners at times, probably due to
the Kumho tyres fitted being a bit flexy in the sidewalls, but the gear shift has a nice
rubbery feel and goes from cog to cog without hesitation.
Nubira's biggest advantage is Daewoo's ground-breaking "Free
Care" package, which removes all scheduled servicing costs during the 3
year/100,000km warranty.
That sort of `peace of mind', and a car good enough to be taken
seriously in its own right, allows Daewoo to stand alongside the big kids much sooner than
we might have expected.
 Nuts-N-Bolts |
| Engine: Four cylinder 1.6 litre (1598cc), DOHC with
multipoint injection. |
| Power/Torque: 78kW @ 5800rpm - 145Nm @ 3800rpm. |
| Transmission: Front wheel drive. 5-speed manual or
optional 4-speed auto. |
| Suspension: Fully independent. Front MacPherson
struts, rear dual-link with stabiliser bar. |
| Brakes: Front discs, rear drums. |
| Steering: Power assisted rack and pinion. |
| Warranty: Three years / 100,000kms "Free
Care", including roadside assistance. |
| Recommended Retail (plus onroads): $20,000. |
|
