Market Segment:
Compact/Subcompact Sedan and Hatchback
Brand Strategy At Time:
Daewoo aimed to offer value-oriented, stylish vehicles with competitive pricing.
Key Competitors:
Opel Astra, Ford Escort, Volkswagen Golf/Vento, Peugeot 306, Renault Mégane
Design Inspiration:
Based on the Opel Kadett E platform (as the Nexia) or a derivative of the Opel Vectra A (as the Espero, with the Sens being a rebadge/evolution).
Target Audience:
Budget-conscious buyers seeking practical transportation.
Regions Covered:
Global (primarily Europe, Asia)
Trim Levels Covered:
All available trim levels
Estimated Page Count:
Extensive (typical workshop manual exceeding 1000 pages)
Manual Type:
Workshop Service Repair Manual
Engine Systems:
Engine mechanicals, cooling system, lubrication system, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, emission control systems
Transmission Systems:
Manual transmission, Automatic transmission (if applicable), clutch system, driveline
Chassis Systems:
Brake system (ABS included), steering system, suspension system (front and rear), wheels and tires
Electrical Systems:
Wiring diagrams, lighting, starting and charging system, instrument cluster, body electricals, power windows, central locking, audio system
Body And Interior:
Body panel removal and installation, interior trim, seats, HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system
Maintenance Procedures:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement
Diagnostic Procedures:
Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) interpretation, component testing
Repair Procedures:
Engine overhaul, transmission overhaul, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement, electrical component repair
Special Tools And Procedures:
Identification of specialized tools required for specific repairs, torque specifications for critical fasteners
Technical Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed electrical schematics and diagnostic information.
Engine Code Examples:
C16SE, C18SE (Opel sourced 4-cylinder petrol engines)
Engine Displacement Range:
1.5L to 1.8L
Engine Type:
Inline 4-cylinder, SOHC/DOHC, Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Horsepower Range:
Approximately 90-115 hp
Torque Range:
Approximately 120-150 Nm
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) / Multi-Point Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Petrol (Gasoline)
Standard Transmission Type:
5-speed Manual
Optional Transmission Type:
4-speed Automatic (often referred to as 'Comfort Shift')
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically actuated single dry plate clutch
Transmission Fluid Spec:
Refer to manual for specific GM/Dexron type fluids, typically DEXRON-III or equivalent.
Body Styles:
4-door Sedan, 5-door Hatchback
Length Range:
Approx. 4300-4400 mm (Sedan), 4000-4100 mm (Hatchback)
Width Range:
Approx. 1700-1750 mm
Height Range:
Approx. 1400-1450 mm
Curb Weight Range:
Approx. 1050-1200 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Varies by model and engine, consult manual.
Crash Test Performance:
Limited independent crash test data available for this specific model. Often based on older European safety standards.
Braking System:
Front ventilated discs, rear drums. Optional ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) available on higher trims.
Traction Control:
Not typically available.
Airbags:
Driver airbag standard. Passenger airbag optional on some models.
Seatbelts:
Pre-tensioning front seatbelts.
Chassis Construction:
Monocoque construction with crumple zones.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 7,500 - 10,000 km or 6-12 months, whichever comes first (refer to manual for exact spec).
Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect every 15,000 km, replace as needed or every 30,000 km.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically around 40,000 - 60,000 km depending on plug type (e.g., copper vs. platinum).
Timing Belt Replacement:
Crucial for interference engines. Intervals typically 60,000 - 90,000 km or 4-5 years. (Crucial to verify with manual).
Engine Oil Spec:
API SG/SH or higher, SAE 10W-40 or 5W-30 (check manual for specific viscosity based on climate).
Coolant Spec:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. GM Type 1 coolant or equivalent.
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Common Problems Engine:
Oil leaks from gaskets/seals, potential for timing belt failure if not replaced proactively, minor electrical gremlins.
Common Problems Suspension Steering:
Wear in bushings, ball joints, and tie rod ends due to age and road conditions.
Common Problems Electrical:
Corrosion on electrical connectors, issues with window regulators, intermittent dashboard warning lights.
Common Problems HVAC:
A/C compressor clutch issues, heater core leaks, blower motor failures.
Daewoo Origins:
South Korean automotive manufacturer, established in 1983, known for developing vehicles through technology licensing and partnerships (primarily with GM/Opel).
Sens Lineage:
The Daewoo Sens was essentially a rebadged and slightly updated version of the Daewoo Nexia, which itself was based on the Opel Kadett E. Some aspects may also draw from the Daewoo Espero (based on the Opel Vectra A).
Production Period:
1997-2002
Manufacturing Location:
South Korea, and potentially other Daewoo assembly plants globally.
Company Fate:
Daewoo Motor Company faced financial difficulties and was largely acquired by General Motors in 2002, leading to the eventual phasing out of the Daewoo brand in many markets.
Industry Awards:
No significant industry awards are widely documented for the Daewoo Sens specifically. Its market was primarily driven by value proposition.
Reliability Ratings:
Variable. Earlier Daewoo models often faced criticism for build quality and long-term reliability compared to established Japanese and European brands. However, with proper maintenance, they can be serviceable.
Emissions Standards:
Designed to meet emissions standards relevant to its production years and markets (e.g., Euro 2).
