GM Daewoo reveals yet another new model in its widening product portfolio at the 60th International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt (September 13-21). The new front-wheel drive, five-door Daewoo Lacetti will compete in the popular compact segment and will reach the UK at the end of the first quarter of 2004. There will be a choice of 1.4, 1.6 or 1.8 litre engines with manual transmission and an automatic transmission option will be available on the 1.6 and 1.8 versions. With its modern Italian design, wide range of standard features, excellent value for money and Daewoo Peace of Mind package, the Lacetti is a car that will appeal to price-conscious customers. Lacetti is the second product derived from the all-new J200 platform, the recently launched Nubira being the first. Later in 2004, it will be followed by an estate car.

Dynamic design, compact exterior dimensions, generous space inside
The modern contours of the Lacetti were designed by Italdesign, the company founded by the famous Giorgetto Giugiaro. This talented team was also responsible for the styling of Daewoo's Matiz city car and the Kalos supermini.

Almond-shaped, clear-glass headlamps and a completely new grille design featuring the brand emblem integrated in its central chrome strip, dominate the front view of the compact Lacetti (length/width/height: 4.3/1.7/1.4 metres). The long wheelbase (2.6 metres) with short front and rear overhangs, the strong wheel arches and wedge shaped waistline accentuate the design from the side view. The rear view is also striking, the attractive rear lights with their horizontal format providing a focal point, while the 'broad shouldered' design of the body is continued below the rear window.

The new Lacetti is compact only in terms of its external dimensions. As a result of its excellent packaging derived from the long wheelbase, the amount of room inside is very generous for this vehicle class. It has 932 millimetres of legroom in the rear, putting it into the top of its category. The boot volume (VDA standard) is 275 litres, with the rear bench folded back; this rises to 1,045 litres fully loaded.

High-volume segment, Lacetti tailored to European needs
With around 2.6 million new registrations a year and a current market share of 16.4 percent, the compact or 'C' sector is one of the most important in Western and Central Europe. The large demand for new models in this sector is resulting in market research companies forecasting rising sales figures for this category in the medium term. It is a trend that will certainly benefit Daewoo's newest product: "It is crucial for our future growth plans that we have an attractive hatchback in this popular market sector," says Andy Carroll, Managing Director of GM Daewoo UK Ltd. "Our almost completely revamped product range, including the new Kalos and Nubira, has laid the foundation for consolidation. Now, from 2004, we will also have a 5-door family hatchback which will appeal to an even larger target group of young, price-conscious buyers in the UK."

The new five-door car fits in perfectly with the demands of the C-segment buyer group. Almost two-thirds of all petrol engines in this segment, for example, have a capacity of between 1.4 and 1.8 litres, so the three power units available for the Lacetti fit those demands perfectly.

Powerful, economical engines
Buyers of the new Lacetti will have a choice of engines. There will be three four-cylinder Euro 3 petrol engines, all of which have twin overhead camshafts driven by a toothed belt with four-valve technology. The entry-level power train in the Lacetti 1.4 generates a nominal 68 kW/92 bhp at 6,000 rpm from a capacity of 1,399 cm3. It accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in 11.6 sec and has a top speed of 106.8 mph. Overall consumption to the MVEG standard is 39.2 mpg.

Next is a 1.6-litre unit with 80 kW/109 bhp. This additional power gives a top speed of 116.2 mph, and accelerates the car from 0 to 62 mph in 10.7 sec. The Lacetti 1.6 has an average MVEG consumption of 39.7 mpg, which, with the 13 gallon tank, gives it a range of over 520 miles. The fastest and sportiest new Lacetti is the 1.8-litre version with 90 kW/122 bhp. This top-of-the-range model sprints from 0 to 62 mph in 9.5 sec and has a top speed of over 120 mph. Despite these excellent performance statistics, its total MVEG consumption is just 37.6 mpg.

As an alternative to the manual five-speed transmission, a modern electronically controlled adaptive four-speed automatic transmission will be available on the two larger engines. (Please note that all quoted performance and fuel consumption data are preliminary.)

Agile, safe chassis
Lacetti has a high torsional stiffness body shell which, coupled with rigorous testing equating to over one and a quarter million miles, guarantees both a high level of active and passive safety and excellent handling performance. The new model has sophisticated independent suspension using McPherson struts front and rear. Wheel control at the front is taken care of by an A-frame arm, while at the rear there are two additional wishbones and one trailing arm link. Four disc brakes and standard four-channel ABS ensure good braking performance. Front and side airbags and five three-point safety belts - the fronts also have a belt force limiter - are fitted as standard for passenger protection.

Although the new Daewoo model will be made at Gunsan in South Korea, the European influence during its development was considerable. With its stylish Italian design from Giugiaro and its thorough steering and suspension tuning undertaken in the UK at the MIRA test site near Nuneaton, it is geared exactly to the needs of Europe. Many technical components also come from well-known European suppliers - Bosch, for example, will supply the ABS system, Siemens Automotive was the development partner for the airbags and the emission control system, and ZF and Aisin Warner will produce the automatic transmissions.

Peace of Mind assured
Like all Daewoo models, the new Lacetti will come with Daewoo's Peace of Mind Package of 3-years'/60,000 miles free servicing, 3-year/60,000 mile warranty and 3-year AA Total recovery, plus an Institute of Advanced Motorists driving course. An added bonus is that the free servicing element is transferable to a subsequent owner should the vehicle be sold within the three-year period, adding value to the resale price of the car.

The new Lacetti will be available through the full Daewoo UK retail network. On-sale date and full vehicle specification and pricing will be announced early in 2004.

The Car Enthusiast will be attending the 2003 Frankfurt Show so we will have more details on this and all the concepts on display later in September.

GM Daewoo news release - 8 Aug 2003