With the introduction of its new Nubira station wagon, GM Daewoo will complete its range of modern, compact-sector models. The latest addition to the family, which already comprises the Nubira saloon and the new Lacetti hatch, will make its debut at the
Geneva Motor Show (4-14 March, 2004) and reach UK showrooms in September. The newcomer will undoubtedly appeal in this sector with the above-average amount of space it offers inside. The generous headroom for the driver and front-seat passenger (1,000 mm) and the plentiful legroom in the rear (932 mm) are both among the best in this class.
Beneath the large tailgate, this practical station wagon (length/width/height): (4,562/ 1,725/1,459 mm) has a capacity of between 400 to 1,410 litres (VDA standard, provisional). Apart from the 60:40 split, folding backrest, useful features of the new Nubira include substantial alloy roof rails as standard, an additional 12V power socket in the luggage compartment, and as many as 25 individual stowage spaces inside.
The refreshing styling of the Nubira station wagon is based on the design of the saloon created by Pininfarina and was developed as an independent body style by the styling team at the new GM Daewoo design centre in Bupyong/South Korea. The family-look chrome grille and large clear-acrylic headlamps combine to create a particularly attractive face, while the eye-catching rear lamps are styled vertically to ensure a generously wide opening for loading. On the interior, the Nubira station wagon takes its cue from the sporty look of the Lacetti and features, for example, the same four circular air vents with matt alloy accents.
The Nubira station wagon comes with a choice of two modern four-cylinder, four-valve petrol engines. The 1.6-litre unit generates 110 Ps and propels the front-wheel drive model to a top speed of 111 mph. Fuel consumption is a moderate 34.5 mpg (MVEG combined cycle, provisional). With its 1.8-litre engine and 123 Ps, the Nubira reaches a top speed of
114 mph. If desired, the larger engine can be ordered with a modern, four-speed automatic transmission from ZF. (Full performance and fuel consumption figures will be available later).
With its generous, standard equipment package and favourable price, the new Nubira is another example of GM Daewoo's strategy of offering customers plenty of car for their money. Other important features are the chassis with independent suspension front and rear (tuned specifically to European driving conditions) and high levels of active and passive safety.
"Over the last 12 months, we have introduced three new models in the compact class, which is the most important vehicle segment in Europe," says Andy Carroll, Managing Director of GM Daewoo UK. "Although all three are based on a single architecture, the Nubira, Lacetti and Nubira station wagon cover the needs of very different groups of buyers in this vehicle category. Daewoo's original Nubira station wagon was an excellent seller in the UK and we are confident that this new model will continue that success with a much more stylish
product."
