The arrival of a new-look Nubira (meaning "go anywhere" in Korean) barely two years after its initial launch underlines Daewoo's desire to break into the lucrative mid-size saloon market in Europe. The Mondeo-esque styling is no mistake. Just two years ago, Daewoo amazed us with not one, not two, but three brand new ranges from a company then emerging from a 20-year joint venture with General Motors.

The new Lanos, Nubira and Leganza models progressed from concept to reality in less than 36 months. Such a short lead time would have been remarkable enough if it involved just one new model, but all three ranges had been developed simultaneously is

quite an achievement. Ok, so the cars were not very exciting, but they have improved. Daewoo's radical approach to marketing has paid off, in the UK at any rate, and the marque continues to gain recognition. It will be a while yet though before sales reps are fighting over who gets the Daewoo.

But Daewoo is not a company to rest on its laurels. Less than 12 months later, the company unveiled the critically acclaimed Matiz city car - another totally new car - to bring its range to four. Following Daewoo's take over of SsangYong, improved versions of the Korando and Musso off road vehicles were launched earlier this year. And now, comes a extensively improved Nubira.

Principal changes to the Nubira include revised front and rear styling bringing it in line with the Daewoo family-look begun with the Leganza and adding a total of 25mm to the length of the car; a totally new interior with improved ergonomics and more space; and re-engineered power engines and chassis. Other improvements include enhanced safety, greater refinement and higher levels of standard equipment.

Despite all the changes, however, the prices for the new Nubira are exactly the same as they were for the outgoing model. The full line-up is:

• Nubira SE 1.6 saloon �12,225
• Nubira SE 1.6 estate �13,225
• Nubira CDX 2.0 saloon �13,225
• Nubira CDX 2.0 saloon �14,225

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