Vehicle Segment:
Subcompact / Compact Car
Target Audience:
Budget-conscious consumers seeking reliable and economical transportation.
Key Competitors:
Chevrolet Aveo (later models), Ford Fiesta, Hyundai Accent, Kia Rio, Volkswagen Golf (earlier generations).
Design Philosophy:
Practicality, affordability, and a relatively modern European-influenced design for its era.
Body Styles:
3-door hatchback, 5-door hatchback, 4-door sedan.
Engine:
1.5L SOHC (A15SMS), 1.6L DOHC (A16DMS), 1.4L SOHC (A14SMS)
Engine Management:
Ignition system, fuel injection (MPI), emissions control, ECU diagnostics
Transmission:
5-speed Manual Transmission (M/T), 4-speed Automatic Transmission (A/T)
Drivetrain:
Front Wheel Drive (FWD), CV joints, driveshafts
Suspension:
Front MacPherson struts, rear torsion beam axle, shock absorbers, springs
Steering:
Power steering system, steering column, rack and pinion
Brakes:
Front disc brakes, rear drum brakes, ABS (where equipped), brake fluid service
Electrical System:
Battery, alternator, starter motor, lighting systems, fuses, relays
Body And Chassis:
Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, interior trim, chassis components
HVAC:
Air conditioning system, heater core, ventilation
Safety Systems:
Seat belts, airbags (system overview)
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, fluid level checks
Engine Repair:
Engine overhaul, gasket replacement, timing belt/chain replacement, piston/ring service
Transmission Repair:
Manual and automatic transmission overhaul, clutch replacement, fluid changes
Brake Service:
Brake pad/shoe replacement, rotor/drum machining or replacement, brake line bleeding
Suspension And Steering Repair:
Component replacement (shocks, struts, bushings), alignment procedures
Electrical Diagnostics:
Wiring diagrams, troubleshooting common electrical faults, component testing
Bodywork Repair:
Panel replacement, dent repair, rust prevention and repair
Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues
Depth:
Detailed diagnostic procedures, component specifications, torque values, special tool requirements, complete rebuild instructions.
Engine Displacement 1:
1.5 Liters (1498 cc)
Engine Configuration 1:
Inline 4-cylinder, SOHC
Horsepower 1:
75-86 PS (approx. 74-85 hp)
Torque 1:
110-117 Nm (approx. 81-86 lb-ft)
Engine Displacement 2:
1.6 Liters (1598 cc)
Engine Configuration 2:
Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC
Horsepower 2:
86-106 PS (approx. 85-105 hp)
Torque 2:
130-145 Nm (approx. 96-107 lb-ft)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Top Speed Estimated:
160-175 km/h (approx. 100-109 mph)
0 To 100 Km H Estimated:
11-14 seconds
Transmission Type Standard:
5-speed Manual Transmission (M/T)
Transmission Type Optional:
4-speed Automatic Transmission (A/T)
Transmission Fluid Spec Manual:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 gear oil
Transmission Fluid Spec Automatic:
Dexron II/III or equivalent automatic transmission fluid (ATF)
Length Sedan:
4290 mm (approx. 168.9 inches)
Width:
1690 mm (approx. 66.5 inches)
Height Sedan:
1430 mm (approx. 56.3 inches)
Wheelbase:
2520 mm (approx. 99.2 inches)
Curb Weight Est Min:
1050 kg (approx. 2315 lbs)
Curb Weight Est Max:
1150 kg (approx. 2535 lbs)
Crash Test Results Overview:
Generally received moderate to poor ratings in independent crash tests conducted during its production period, common for vehicles in its class at the time.
ABS:
Optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Airbags:
Driver and passenger airbags (standard on some later models/trims)
Seat Belts:
Pre-tensioning front seatbelts
Engine Oil Change:
Every 7,500 - 10,000 km (approx. 4,500 - 6,000 miles) or 6-12 months, whichever comes first.
Oil Filter Replacement:
At every engine oil change.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 20,000 km (approx. 9,000 - 12,000 miles).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000 - 40,000 km (approx. 18,000 - 24,000 miles) for standard plugs, longer for platinum/iridium.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 60,000 - 80,000 km (approx. 36,000 - 48,000 miles) or 4-5 years for engines with timing belts (check specific engine variant).
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 3.5 - 4.0 liters (3.7 - 4.2 US Quarts) depending on engine.
Engine Oil Specification:
API SJ/SL or higher, SAE 10W-30 or 5W-30 viscosity grade recommended.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze, OAT (Organic Acid Technology) or HOAT (Hybrid OAT) recommended. Check specific Daewoo recommendation.
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Common Problems:
Front suspension wear (bushings, ball joints), starter motor issues, minor electrical gremlins, clutch wear, potential exhaust manifold leaks.
Corrosion:
Prone to rust in wheel arches, sills, and around the rear bumper on vehicles in harsh climates.
Parent Company:
Daewoo Motor Corporation (South Korea), later absorbed into GM Korea.
Design Influence:
Designed by Italdesign Giugiaro, showcasing European styling influences.
Key Facelifts:
Minor styling updates and feature enhancements throughout its production run.
Production Period:
1997-2008 (varying by market and nameplate variations).
Manufacturing Locations:
South Korea, Uzbekistan (as Chevrolet Nexia/Lacetti), Poland (as FSO Lanos).
