The Lacetti's modern styling was created by Italdesign, the famous Turin studio founded by Giorgetto Giugiaro. This talented team was also responsible for the styling of the Daewoo Matiz, Kalos and Evanda. Almond-shaped, clear-glass headlamps and a new, self-confident radiator grille with the brand emblem integrated into a horizontal chrome strip, dominate the front view. Wap-around rear light units and a strong character line below the rear window further seperate the 5-door from the new Pininfarina-designed Nubira, which shares the Lacetti name in the Korean market, and with the new grille increase the similarity to Chevrolet models, as it will be branded elsewhere.
The new Lacetti continues the trend towards longer, wider vehicles in the compact class exemplified by the 307, Stilo and the new Astra. Although not quite as wide (1725 mm / 67.9") nor as tall (1445 mm / 56.9"), the Lacetti is currently the longest of the new 5-doors (4295 mm / 169.1"), 10 mm longer than the Civic and more than 40 mm longer than the Stilo. GM Daewoo claims excellent space utilization provides very generous interior room for a vehicle in this class, with 932 mm / 36.7" of legroom in the rear. The trunk volume is 275 L/9.7 cu-ft (VDA standard) and, with the rear bench folded down, it rises to 1,045 liters when loaded to the roof.
Buyers of the new Lacetti will have a choice of three 16V, DOHC four-cylinder gasoline engines, all of which meet the Euro 3 emission standards. With a economical 5-speed manual transmission and a 60 liter tank, the Lacetti has a range of over 800 kilometers. As an alternative to the five-speed manual, modern adaptive four-speed automatic transmissions are available for the two more powerful engines.
1.4 liter |
1.6 liter | 1.8 liter | |
|---|---|---|---|
Power (kW / PS): | 68 / 92 |
80 / 109 | 90 / 122 |
0-100 km/h: | 11.6s |
10.7s | 9.5s |
Top speed: | 172 km/h |
187 km/h | 194 km/h |
Fuel economy (MVEG standard): | 7.2 L/100 km |
7.1 L/100 km | 7.5 L/100 km |
Transmission: | 5-speed manual |
5-speed manual Aisin AW 4-speed auto | 5-speed manual ZF 4-speed auto |
The chassis of the new Daewoo Lacetti has undergone rigorous testing, notching up nearly two million kilometers. In combination with the torsion-resistant body, it guarantees excellent handling and a high level of active safety. The new model has a sophisticated independent suspension with McPherson struts on both axles. The lower wheel control at the front is taken care of by an A-frame arm, while at the back, two additional wishbones and a trailing arm link each wheel precisely to the chassis. Four disc brakes and a standard four-channel ABS make for good braking performance. Front and side airbags and five three-point safety belts — with belt force limiters at the front — are fitted as standard for passenger protection.
The new Lacetti is an international co-production. Going into production soon at GM Daewoo's modern Gunsan facility in South Korea, the European influence during its development was considerable. With its stylish Italian design from Giugiaro and its thorough chassis tuning at Millbrook in England it is geared exactly to the needs of the European market.