Daewoo Lacetti

Daewoo Lacetti
Overview
Manufacturer	Daewoo (General Motors)
Production	2002–2011 (South Korea) Production continues overseas
Body and chassis
Class	Compact car
Layout	Front-engine, front-wheel-drive
Chronology
Predecessor	Daewoo Nubira
Successor	Daewoo Lacetti Premiere

The Daewoo Lacetti is a compact car produced by the South Korean manufacturer Daewoo since 2002. The first-generation Lacetti was available as a four-door sedan, a five-door hatchback or a five-door station wagon. The sedan and wagon were designed by Pininfarina, and the hatchback by Giorgetto Giugiaro. The hatchback, known as Daewoo Lacetti5 in South Korea, was introduced in 2004. The original Lacetti was also sold under the Daewoo Nubira name in Europe, whilst Chevrolet marketed the car under the Nubira and Lacetti nameplates in various countries.

In November 2008, the second-generation Lacetti was launched under the name Daewoo Lacetti Premiere, being a badge-engineered version of the Chevrolet Cruze—though co-developed by GM Daewoo and Chevrolet. It was produced under the Daewoo marque until the beginning of 2011, when the latter was discontinued, but it continues production under the Chevrolet and Holden brands.

First generation (J200; 2002–2009)

First generation (J200)
Overview
Also called	Buick Excelle (China) Chevrolet Lacetti (Europe) Chevrolet Optra (Asia, South America, Canada, Mexico, South Africa) Chevrolet Estate (Indonesia) Chevrolet Nubira (Europe) Daewoo Lacetti (South Korea) Daewoo Nubira (Europe) Daewoo Gentra (Uzbekistan) Holden Viva (Australia) Suzuki Reno (United States) Suzuki Forenza (United States)
Production	South Korea: 2002–2009 China: 2003–present Russia: 2007–2012 Uzbekistan: 2008–present Colombia: 2004–2013
Assembly	Gunsan, South Korea Bogota, Colombia (GM Colombia) Halol, India (GM India) Shanghai, China (Shanghai GM) Ust-Kamenogorsk, Kazakhstan Kaliningrad, Russia Miaoli, Taiwan Rayong, Thailand Valencia, Venezuela (GM Venezuela) Ha Noi, Vietnam (GM Vietnam) Asaka, Uzbekistan (GM Uzbekistan)
Designer	Pininfarina (sedan, station wagon) Giorgetto Giugiaro (hatchback)
Body and chassis
Body style	4-door sedan 5-door hatchback 5-door station wagon
Related	Baojun 630
Powertrain
Engine	1.4 L E-TEC I4 (petrol) 1.6 L E-TEC I4 (petrol) 1.8 L Family II I4 (petrol) 2.0 L Family II I4 (petrol) 2.0 L RA 420 I4 (diesel)
Transmission	4-speed automatic 5-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase	102.4 in (2,601 mm)
Length	177.2 in (4,501 mm) (sedan) 169.1 in (4,295 mm) (hatchback) 179.7 in (4,564 mm) (station wagon, Suzuki) 180.3 in (4,580 mm) (station wagon, Chevrolet)
Width	67.9 in (1,725 mm)
Height	56.9 in (1,445 mm) (sedan & hatchback) 59.1 in (1,501 mm) (station wagon)
Curb weight
Chronology
Successor	Suzuki SX4 (North America)

Body styles and design

Lacetti was developed based on its predecessor Nubira under Daewoo before it was acquired by GM. The four-door sedan, designed by Pininfarina, was launched in South Korea on 25 November 2002, following a development period of two years and six months.

A pre-production prototype of the five-door hatchback, styled by Giorgetto Giugiaro, was shown at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2003 with production starting in December. The hatchback featured a different exterior and interior design than the sedan.

At the Geneva Motor Show in March 2004, Daewoo revealed the station wagon body variant penned by Pininfarina with the hatchback's updated interior and a facelifted derivative of the sedan's frontal styling. The facelift replaced the three-slot grille with a single item for a new full-length item featuring a bold horizontal bar capped in the center by the company's logo. The wagon's door handles ditch the lift-up variety from the sedan and hatchback for pullout versions. A facelift for the sedan was released on 25 March incorporating these new door handles, front-end styling and interior changes. The hatchback also received new door handles around this time.

The sedan was facelifted for some markets from 2007, receiving the same front end as the hatchback featured since its debut. This version was only produced in certain countries, such as Colombia, India or Thailand, and since 2013 in Uzbekistan as the Daewoo Gentra.

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  Chevrolet Optra sedan (pre-facelift, with original grille and lift-up door handles)

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  Daewoo Lacetti sedan (pre-facelift)

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  Chevrolet Nubira wagon (facelift, with updated grille and pull-out door handles)

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  Chevrolet Nubira wagon (facelift)

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  Chevrolet Lacetti hatchback (facelift, with pull-out door handles)

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  Chevrolet Lacetti hatchback (facelift)

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  Hatchback front styling was applied to the sedan as a facelift in some markets from 2007 (Chevrolet Optra, Thailand)

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  Holden Viva interior (facelift)

Marketing and production

South Korea

In South Korea, the four-door Daewoo Lacetti was released in 2002. The five-door hatchback showed off only after the 2004 facelift of the sedan, which mainly included a new front grill, switching from a three-part corporate Daewoo grill to a simpler, Chevrolet-style grill. The hatchback name was Lacetti5, offering a specific design for the front, rear and dashboard.

The wagon version, called simply the Lacetti Wagon, was introduced in late 2007—though it was already sold in many other countries. It had the same dashboard as the hatchback, with the sedan front end. At the same time, GM Daewoo introduced the VM Motori diesel engines on the Lacetti range.

When the Lacetti Premiere was introduced in November 2008, the sedan and wagon version sales were discontinued, leaving the only hatchback in the range, renamed Lacetti EX. The Lacetti EX was discontinued in October 2009.

Australia and New Zealand

In Australia and New Zealand the Daewoo Lacetti was briefly sold between September 2003 and December 2004 as a four-door sedan. At this time, Daewoo withdrew from the Australian market. Fitted with the 1.8-liter engine rated at 90 kW (120 hp) and 165 N·m (122 lb·ft), the Lacetti offered standard five-speed manual or optional four-speed automatic transmission. The single trim level, called SX, included are dual front airbags, air conditioning, power steering, keyless entry, power windows, CD player, and an alarm. The special edition SX Limited from October 2003 added anti-lock brakes, side impact airbags, alloy wheels, climate control air conditioning, six-stacker CD player, tilt/telescopic steering wheel, lumbar support for the front passenger seat, and leather trim.

Holden Viva (JF) hatchback

Holden Viva (JF) sedan

Holden Viva (JF MY08 facelift) wagon.

From 2005, the Lacetti (sedan and wagon) and Lacetti hatchback were sold together as the JF series Holden Viva. It was introduced at around the same time as the Daewoo Gentra-based Holden Barina. Unlike the Barina, however, the Viva was meant to be below the premium Holden Astra as a budget alternative.

Despite the Viva's lower price compared to the Astra (A$17,990 compared to A$21,990), the Astra continued to outsell the Viva by a factor of about two-to-one.

With the release of the all new Holden Cruze in mid-2009 the Viva ceased to be sold in Australia. In New Zealand, where many cars are imported second-hand from Japan, several Japanese specification Chevrolet Optra sedans and wagons were also sold.

Canada

The Lacetti was available in Canada as the Chevrolet Optra in two models, a four-door hatchback (the Optra5), and an Optra wagon, all in LS or LT trim levels (2005 wagon only had base or LS trim levels). The sedan was available for model years 2004 and 2005, but was removed for 2006. All are powered by the 2.0-liter inline-four D-TEC engine, rated at 119 hp (89 kW) at 5400 rpm and 126 lb·ft (171 N·m) of torque at 4000 rpm, driving the front wheels through either a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic. Despite its compact size and the 2.0-liter engine, fuel economy was poor rated at 10.7 and 7.4 L/100 km (22 and 32 mpg_-US) for city and highway driving, respectively, which was worse than mid-size cars like the Toyota Camry or Honda Accord, considering that the Optra was a compact car.

The car was positioned as a versatile and fun to drive but affordable budget compact family car. Brakes are disc, front and rear. The Optra slotted between the Cobalt and the Aveo, and it replaced the Daewoo Nubira.

Chevrolet Optra5 (Canada)

Independent suspension, 15-inch wheels, and CD player were standard on the LS sedan, with optional ABS and air conditioning; the LT adds standard air conditioning and cruise control, standard fog lamps on both LS and LT, and an optional sunroof. The sedan is rated as an Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle.

The Optra5 hatchback was added to the line-up for 2004 and was more contemporary in styling and equipment, with projector type headlights and fog lamps, clear taillight lenses, and blackout grille. In addition to the same options available on the sedan LS and LT models, an options package contained alloy wheels, sunroof, spoiler, leather steering wheel and shift knob, and steering wheel mounted controls for the eight-speaker audio system.

The Optra wagon was also added to the line-up for 2005, sharing the sedan’s front styling. The wagon has standard alloy roof rails, 60/40 folding rear seat, and a 12-volt power outlet in the rear compartment, in addition to the same options available on the sedan LS and LT models.

General Motors Canada discontinued the importation of Optra for 2008.

China

2008 Buick Excelle HRV

In China, the cars are marketed as the Buick Excelle sedan or wagon and Excelle HRV (hatchback). The sedan, which is also assembled in China, features an updated exterior.

The successor to the Daewoo Lacetti-based Buick Excelle is based on the global GM Delta II platform, like the Opel Astra and Chevrolet Cruze and their derivatives. The development center at the Opel plant in Rüsselsheim, Germany, leads the development of this platform. This second generation hatchback Buick Excelle XT, making its debut in 2009, is actually a replica of the Opel Astra hatchback adapted to Chinese conditions. The corresponding sedan (Excelle GT) made its debut in China in 2010. A version of this sedan for North America is being introduced in 2012 as Buick Verano, and as Opel Astra Limousine in other parts of the world.

Main article: Buick Excelle

Europe

In Europe, the car was initially sold as the Daewoo Nubira, with the production model being introduced at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2003. However, by the end of 2004, it was rebadged Chevrolet Lacetti throughout the continent. As with its home market, in some European markets, the Lacetti name is also used for the entire range of sedan, station wagon and hatchback models on the same J-series platform. In Finland and Germany, for example, only the hatchback is sold under the Lacetti name.

The European models were initially only available with the following gasoline powered four-cylinder engines:

• 1.4 L E-TEC II — 93 hp (69 kW) at 6300 rpm
• 1.6 L Family 1 — 109 hp (81 kW) at 5800 rpm, 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph): 10.9 seconds (4-door) and 10.6 seconds (5-door), top speed: 186 km/h (116 mph) (4-door manual) and 184 km/h (114 mph) (5-door manual)
• 1.8 L Family II — 120 hp (89 kW) at 5800 rpm
• 2.0 L D-TEC — 132 hp (98 kW) at 5800 rpm
• 2.0 L DOHC — 121 bhp (90 kW), 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph): 9 seconds, top speed: 202 km/h (126 mph) (4-door manual)

A diesel-powered version was later added to the line-up with these specifications:

• 2.0-liter SOHC turbo diesel engine, under VM Motori licence of RA 420 SOHC (see List of VM Motori engines), 121 bhp (90 kW), 280 N·m (210 lb·ft) torque from 2000 rpm, 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) in 9 seconds, 200 km/h (120 mph) top speed. This engine is available with five-speed manual and five-speed automatic.

In Europe, the sedan version was initially sold as the Daewoo Nubira. However, in late 2003, it was announced that Daewoo would be rebranded Chevrolet in some European markets. The Chevrolet Nubira went on sale in early 2004, initially only in Eastern Europe. When Daewoo was rebranded Chevrolet across Europe by the end of 2004, the Chevrolet Nubira was renamed Chevrolet Lacetti in some markets for the 2005 model year, which expanded the Lacetti line-up to include both the sedan and station wagon versions in addition to the five-door hatchback version, in line with Korea.

The engines built for the Nubira and its badge-engineered twins are the same as in the Lacetti hatchback and its badge-engineered versions. The 1.8-liter Family II four-cylinder engine is sourced from the Australian car maker Holden.

India

Chevrolet Optra Magnum (India)

In 2004, The Lacetti was launched in India and sold as the Optra and the sportsback version was sold as Optra S-RV (formerly known/sold as Chevrolet SRV), which the company planned to produce with a 2.0-liter diesel engine in the near future.

The Optra was sold with two engine options, 1.6- and 1.8-liter. The 1.6-liter petrol version was available in three trim levels, the Elite, the Elite LS, and the high-end LT Royale, while the 1.8-liter diesel version was available in two levels, the LT and the LT AT (automatic transmission). The 1.6-liter petrol produced 104 bhp (78 kW) and allowed a top speed of 177 km/h (110 mph), while the 1.8-liter diesel sibling was capable of producing 114 bhp (85 kW) and a limited top speed of 191 km/h (119 mph). However, the 1.8-liter automatic was capable of 176 km/h (109 mph).

In 2007 GM India introduced a facelifted diesel-engined Optra called the Optra Magnum. The Magnum sported the family nose, and better interiors as compared to the petrol version, also a new 2.0-liter TCDi engine capable of producing 121 bhp (90 kW). Subsequently the petrol version received the new nose treatment (as that of the Optra SRV, but with a slightly different front grill) and tail lights, and was sold as the Optra Magnum petrol.

The S-RV succumbed to competition from cheaper cars and was eventually discontinued in 2009. It had a 1.6-liter petrol engine with a maximum power output of 101 bhp (75 kW).

The Optra sedan continued selling in India until 2013.

Pakistan

In Pakistan, the car came in three trim levels, 1.6-liter SE and LS and the 1.8-liter CDX. SE trim models came with manual transmission only, whilst LS and CDX models came with five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmissions. Sales however, were poorer than expected and all models were withdrawn from sale.

Japan

In Japan, Suzuki briefly distributed the Lacetti as the Chevrolet Optra wagon. It was available in two trim levels, the LS and the LT. Both came with either a five-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission with a console shift. The Optra Wagon was powered by a 1.6 or 1.8-liter engine. For model years 2004 and 2005 the Lacetti sedan was also sold in Japan as the Chevrolet Optra LT. The Optra was limited in sales due to the exterior dimensions exceeding 1,700 millimetres (66.9 in), thereby causing Japanese owners to pay a yearly tax for a vehicle that exceeds Japanese dimension regulations.

Mexico

Chevrolet Optra (Mexico)

In Mexico, the Lacetti came to the market in 2006 as Optra to replace the Chevrolet Astra, and it was sold only as a sedan. The Optra was phased out after the 2009 model year in favour of the Chevrolet Cruze, although for now, the Mexican Cruze is an imported model from South Korea.

Colombia

The Lacetti was launched in Colombia, under the Chevrolet brand, in 2004 with the sedan version having the following engine options:

• 1.4 L GM Family I engine E-TEC II, 94 hp (70 kW) at 6300 rpm
• 1.8 L GM Family II engine D-TEC, 121 hp (90 kW) at 5800 rpm

In 2006 the hatchback version was introduced, with only the aforementioned 1.8-liter engine. By the end of 2007, the 1.4-liter engine was replaced by the 1.6 L Family I E-TEC II, 109 hp (81 kW) at 5800 rpm. In addition, the design of wheels was updated for all models offered.

In 2008, the saloon version received a facelift, with a sportier interior and front styling similar to that of the hatchback. Assembly at the Bogotá GM plant ceased in 2013.

Southeast Asia

In Singapore, the name "Chevrolet" has replaced the Daewoo nameplate after GM bought Daewoo. It still offers the same line-up as did GM Daewoo, naming the Optra sedan, Optra station wagon and Optra5 hatchback in Malaysia, Thailand, and the Philippines. In Indonesia, the sedan is simply called Optra or Optra Magnum for the facelift model, and Estate for the station wagon. The vehicles use the 1.6- or 1.8-liter engine with an automatic transmission option for selected models.

United States

Suzuki Forenza

Suzuki Reno

Suzuki marketed a rebadged Lacetti as the Forenza and Reno beginning in the United States in 2004—following the end of Daewoo's North American operations in 2002 and replacing the Daewoo Nubira station wagon and sedan. The Forenza/Reno falls between the Aerio (later SX4) and the now-discontinued Verona. In the territories of Guam and Northern Mariana Islands, it was sold as a Chevrolet Optra, but it was only available as a sedan.

The US model line features the 2.0-liter four-cylinder D-TEC made by General Motors, developing a maximum power of 132 hp (98 kW) at 5600 rpm.

The Forenza and the Reno were discontinued within the 2008 model year, the Reno being replaced by the Suzuki SX4 sedan after the 2008 model year and the Forenza by the Chevrolet Cruze.

Iraq

The Chevrolet Optra entered the Iraqi market in 2004 with the 1.6-liter engine; a few years later the LS term version was used as a traffic police patrol vehicle.

Uzbekistan

In Uzbekistan, it was produced by GM Uzbekistan from 2008, in a plant located in Asaka, being marketed as the Chevrolet Lacetti. In 2013, the partner company Uz-Daewoo Avto began producing the facelifted sedan version as the new Daewoo Gentra. It is marketed throughout the CIS countries.

Russia

It is sold as the Chevrolet Lacetti and includes 5-door hatchback, sedan and station wagon models. The entire line of models are produced at the Avtotor plant in Kaliningrad with full cycle of manufacturing.

The Russian models are available with the following gasoline-powered four-cylinder engines:

• 1.4 L — 95 hp; manual; not available for station wagon
• 1.6 L — 110 hp; automatic and manual (wagon is manual only)
• 1.8 L — 122 hp; automatic and manual (wagon is manual only)

Second generation (J300; 2008–2011)

Daewoo Lacetti Premiere (J300) sedan

Main article: Chevrolet Cruze

The second-generation, built on the GM Delta II platform is sold in most markets as the Chevrolet Cruze. In South Korea it was originally branded as the Daewoo Lacetti Premiere, until the Daewoo brand was replaced by Chevrolet in 2011.

For the Chinese successor of the Lacetti-based Buick Excelle, see Buick Excelle XT and Buick Excelle GT, which are twins of Opel Astra hatchback and sedan respectively.

Chinese versions also included the new SAIC-GM-Wuling joint venture called Baojun 630 manufactured in Liuzhou, Guangxi Zhuang, China. It was launched at the 2011 Shanghai Auto Show, and went on sale in August 2011.

Motorsport

The car has been used in the FIA's World Touring Car Championship from 2005 until 2012, and in the British Touring Car Championship from 2008 until 2011.

Media

The Chevrolet Lacetti was chosen as the new "reasonably-priced car" for Top Gear's "Star in a Reasonably-Priced Car" segment for season 8 in 2006, replacing the Suzuki Liana, which had ceased production. In this segment of the show, celebrity guests set timed laps of the Top Gear test track driving the Lacetti.

In the first episode of series 15 of Top Gear, broadcast on BBC2 on 27 June 2010, the Lacetti, that had been used for the power laps, was given a "Viking Burial" by presenter Richard Hammond. An industrial chimney was demolished, collapsing over and burying the car under rubble. Soon afterwards, the new reasonably priced car, a Kia Cee'd, was unveiled to viewers.