13.6.2003
Daewoo Nubira: new family sedan is sporty, elegant and affordable

Launched in Vienna to international media, the Daewoo Nubira is the first model in the new compact-class range. It features a sporty, stylish design from Pininfarina and plenty of new technology and equipment as well as a high level of safety.

With the new Nubira, GM Daewoo is launching its third model after the Kalos and Evanda on to the European market within the space of nine months. The four-door notchback is the first model in a new line in the compact-segment, which will also include a hatchback and a station wagon. Thanks to its generous dimensions, the new Nubira is one of the most spacious vehicles in its class, particularly at the rear.

Its elegant, sporty design by Pininfarina, the wide-ranging comfort and safety features, the very favorable prices and the powerful four-cylinder engines make it a particularly attractive proposition for single-car families. The Nubira 1.6 produces 80 kW/109 hp and has a maximum speed of 187 km/h with moderate consumption of 7.1 liters per 100 km (MVEG combined). The Nubira 1.8 generates 90 kW/122 hp, has a top speed of 194 km/h and an average consumption of 7.5 liters per 100 km. This engine can be ordered with a modern, automatic four-speed transmission from ZF.

The look of the new Nubira is characterized by strong, clearly defined contours. The face of the Nubira clearly distinguishes it as a member of the current GM Daewoo family. Its personality is shaped by the crease lines on the hood converging towards the front of the car, and continuing over the three-section chrome grille all the way down to the front apron. The comparatively high position of the trunk of this compact-sized car ensures that the airflow encounters a minimum of resistance.

Interior: Harmonious Combination of Elegance and Ergonomic Design
The interior is dominated by subdued elegance and a touch of luxury. This is particularly apparent on the CDX trim level. A wide strip of walnut-look veneer surrounds the cockpit on three sides. All the key information for the driver is accommodated in three circular instruments. The audio unit in double DIN format and the controls for the air-conditioner are easy to reach for the driver and passenger in the center console.

GM Daewoo's philosophy of providing 'plenty of car for your money' has been underscored in the new Nubira not only by the generous number of standard features, but also by the amount of space available in this modern front-wheel drive car. One good example is its exterior length. At 4,500 mm, it significantly exceeds the average length of a car in this class.

The standard equipment of the Nubira leaves little to be desired, even in the entry-level SE version. It includes power windows at the front, central locking, a remote release for the trunk, height-adjustable driver's seat, adjustable steering wheel angle and electrically operated outside mirrors.

Plenty of Space and Plenty of Comfort
Just how much value the interior designers attached to passenger comfort is evidenced not only by the steps they took to maximize sound insulation, but also by their attention to detail. The back seats can be folded down in a ratio of 40:60, and there are many trays and holders like a cup/can holder in the front center console, a pocket on the side of the front passenger's seat, compartments in all four doors and a ticket clip in the driver's sun visor.

Above the SE is the SX, which has air conditioning, remote-control central locking, reach adjustment for the steering column and power windows at the rear. The steering wheel and gear knob are covered with leather and the driver's seat has lumbar support. The audio system is fitted with six speakers.

In the CDX, which has the more powerful 1.8-liter engine, the equipment is nothing short of luxurious. The audio system includes a five-disc CD changer and steering-wheel remote controls. The 1.8 CDX also has speed-sensitive power-steering. In bad weather, fog lamps and a rain sensor for the windscreen wipers ensure better visibility.

Safety: Stable Passenger Compartment, Full Range of Safety Features
The reason for the car's comparatively low weight despite its high torsional rigidity and crash stability is the large percentage of high-strength and extra high-strength steel in the Nubira. It accounts for 40 percent of the body shell. The Nubira's stable passenger compartment is complemented by a comprehensive range of safety features. Two front and two side airbags afford optimum passenger protection. There are five three-point safety belts and belt force limiters at the front. Isofix fittings are standard on the outer seats of the rear bench to attach a child seat. With their three-layer structure, the sturdy bumpers can withstand minor collisions up to 8 km/h without damage.

Sophisticated Suspension Set-Up for European Drivers
"Our clear aim when developing the completely new Nubira," explains GM Daewoo's Chief Engineer, Dr. Ki-Joon Yu, "was to measure ourselves against the very best in our market segment in terms of ride comfort and particularly in the prevention of noise and vibration. This is why we decided to go for independent suspension for the rear axle, too." The chassis components were also modified to the demands and preferences of European customers during intensive development and tuning trials in the United Kingdom.

The new Nubira features McPherson struts with gas-pressure shock absorbers on all four wheels. A suspension arm at the front and two additional wishbones and a trailing arm at the rear ensure precise wheel control. The European Nubira has approximately ten percent higher spring rates and tighter shock absorbers than its Korean counterpart. The standard stabilizers have also been modified. The Nubira comes with 15-inch steel or light alloy wheels and 195/55R15 tires and has four disc brakes for effective braking. The internally ventilated brakes have a diameter of 256 millimeters at the front and 258 millimeters at the rear. A state-of-the-art four-channel ABS from Bosch is standard on every Nubira and effectively prevents wheel blocking. There is also an integrated electronic brake-power distribution system.

The development of the so-called 'J-platform' began in November 1999 and was internationally oriented from the very beginning. The Nubira prototypes covered nearly two million test kilometers on four continents. Kapuskasing in Canada and Arjeplog in Sweden were chosen for the punishing winter testing, after which the test vehicles were subjected to the merciless heat of Alice Springs in Australia and Idiada in Spain. 111 prototypes met an early death in a total of 194 crash tests carried out in the United States and at GM Daewoo's development center in Bupyung, South Korea, according to Euro NCAP standards. During the final endurance training, the test cars did endless laps of the test circuit near Beijing, China, and the MIRA circuit in Millbrook, UK.

The new Nubira is being produced at the Gunsan plant on the western coast of South Korea.