Reviews - Daewoo

Overall Rating

This attractive Ford Focus-sized hatchback is a great choice for buyers on a budget. It's generously specified and very affordable. The Daewoo name was dropped in 2005 in favour of Chevrolet, but the car lived on under a new badge

• Cost effective
• Comfortable drive
• Spacious

• No diesel alternative
• Less brand reecognition
• Cheap materials

Lacetti's a big value package. It gets plenty of features that are often missing from more mainstream rivals and it's cheap to buy and own. Inside it's acceptably modern, comfortable and user-friendly. There are 1.4, 1.6 and 1.8 petrol engines though the 1.4 is quick enough for most buyers, especially those who do most of their driving in town. The two larger engines were also offered with an automatic gearbox. Lacetti is comfortable and easy to drive with less bodyroll and better steering than Daewoos of old. There's plenty of room for passengers and a boot that's big and easy to access. Most cars should have been looked after for at least the first part of their lives: all Daewoos came with three years' free servicing. Lacetti is built to a price, which is evident in the materials used in cabin, though the car has so far proved reliable.

NCAP: Not NCAP Tested

Best Models: 1.6, 1.8

Worst Models: 1.4

Replacement: Stopped as Daewoo 2005, re-named Chevrolet Lacetti

• Ford Focus (2004)
• Renault Megane (2004-)
• Vauxhall Astra (2004-)