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Lanos - Daewoo's new international baby 22/10/97
As a gauge of the progress made by Korean manufacturer Daewoo in a relatively short time, I was keenly interested by its entry level Lanos.

A country mile ahead of the previous entry model Cielo in appearance, it reflects Daewoo's multinational approach to vehicle development.

With body design from Italy, British input to the engine and suspension, the USA contributing to design of the braking system, and the whole overseen by Dr Ulrich Bez (previously involved with Porsche and BMW), Daewoo acknowledges that some things are better done by others.

That `UN approach' resulted in a more cohesive appearance than the sometimes gimmicky design cues of its fellow Korean, Hyundai (and provoked some real guessing games among the first few to see it on Australian roads - nobody was sure what to call it). And it also allows the Lanos to display build quality notably improved over its own predecessor.

Daewoo's existing 1.5 and 1.6 litre engines were retained, but refined in a three year programme by Ricardo Engine Consultants in the UK, with lower noise levels a specific goal.

Crash testing played a big part in development of the Lanos, with its designers briefed to meet or exceed current safety requirements in Europe and North America, which resulted in a much more rigid body structure.

Body panels fit together more uniformly, though paint finish still seems a bit casual, but the greatest improvement is inside where the seats are notably better shaped, offering decent support from what feels like dual-density foam and markedly improved springing.

The comfortable front seats have turn-wheel adjustment of their backrests, which is always welcome, and to its further credit Lanos has reasonable legroom, and generous space around the pedals.

While the steering wheel unfortunately lacks tilt adjustment to maximise comfort, it does have an agreeable thickness to its rim, and a light feel, though it also has those infernal thumb-rests dictating where it should be held.

Design of the dashboard is a definite improvement, with sensible ergonomics and an integrated appearance that blends neatly into the cabin structure.
Styling of Lanos caused some great guessing games at first.


And the interior is equally cosmopolitan.


1.5 litres of less-than-awesome power, but certainly equal to the task.


Even the hatch is a big improvement, with much easier access.
Standard equipment in the entry level Lanos SE was kept modest, in keeping with its ambitions in a competitive market segment; cloth trim, intermittent wipers, full carpet, rear wiper on the 3 and 5 door models, body coloured bumpers and a 4-speaker stereo system.

Modest though it may be, Lanos SE manages to be a fairly comfortable car in terms of interior space, particularly for legroom which is more generous than expected in a car of its size.

On the road, while it is not exactly overdosed on power from its 1.5 litre engine, Lanos manages a creditable turn of performance for its size, and fuel consumption on test averaged 8.8 L/100km (32mpg).

NVH levels are best described as average, though it is a bit prone to road rumble on coarse chip bitumen, but the most pleasing aspect is its handling, particularly compared with its predecessor.

Where Cielo tended to be mushy and indecisive in corners, Lanos can be accurately pointed into those same corners with much more confidence.

The steering response is pin-sharp, with a bit of understeer noted at first, though it seems to vanish with more steering input, and ride comfort is a good compromise.

Of course, Lanos enjoys a not-so-secret weapon in the value for money stakes - Daewoo's "FreeCare" warranty, which provides all labour, parts and lubricants free of charge on scheduled services during the 3 year/100,000km warranty.

Which was a big factor in Lanos scoring some `most-economical-to-own' awards, before it had even been launched on the market. When it comes to talking about progress, that would be a hard act for anyone to follow.

Nuts-N-Bolts
Engine: 4 cylinder 1.5 litre (1498cc), SOHC with Direct Ignition System.
Power-Torque: 63kW @ 5400rpm - 130Nm @ 3400rpm
Transmission: 5-speed manual or optional 4-speed auto - front wheel drive.
Suspension: Front - MacPherson struts. Rear - semi-independent compound link.
Brakes: Front discs, rear drums.
Steering: Rack and pinion (power assistance optional)
Wheels-Tyres: Steel 5 x 13inch - 175/70-13
Warranty: Three years/100,000kms FreeCare
Recommended Retail: From $14,250 (3 door, non power steer)

 

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