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All-New Lacetti Premieres Alongside UniVerse Van
Concept GM Daewoo at the 2003 Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA)
-Sporty: new Lacetti hatchback to compete in compact segment
-Variable: UniVerse van study with common-rail diesel engine
GM Daewoo continues its product offensive in the popular compact class
with the sporty, all-new Lacetti. The new five-door hatchback celebrates
its world premiere at the Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA) from September
13 to 21. The new model will be the highlight on GM Daewoo's stand
in Hall 8 close to General Motors family members Opel and Saab. The
Lacetti's dynamic styling was created by the ItalDesign studio led
by Giorgetto Giugiaro. In addition to its striking good looks, the
newcomer features above-average interior space, a comprehensive package
of standard equipment and excellent value for money. The new model
is available with three four-cylinder engines (1.4, 1.6 and 1.8-liter
displacement) with 92, 109 and 122 hp respectively. The Lacetti will
be in European showrooms as of February 2004.

Another attraction on the GM Daewoo stand is the UniVerse
concept which celebrates its European premiere in Frankfurt. Measuring
4.67 meters in length, the van study is extremely variable. The rear
can be converted into an office, camper-style sleeping area, or cargo
hold. A number of high-tech features including the latest infotainment
technology are integral parts of the new common-rail diesel minivan.
The new generation of GM Daewoo's practical family van Tacuma / Rezzo
also makes its debut at the Frankfurt Show. A new-look radiator grille
is complemented by new, modern upholstery designs in the interior
as well as an enhanced, comprehensive equipment package. The other
models in GM Daewoo's growing range, the Matiz, Kalos, Nubira and
Evanda, will also be on show in Frankfurt.
Lacetti: Sporty Hatchback to Compete in Compact Segment
The face of the new Daewoo Lacetti is dominated by almond-shaped headlights
with clear-glass covers and a self-confident new grille design with
the brand logo integrated into a horizontal chrome strip. The long
wheelbase with short overhangs combine with the prominent wheel arches
and rising belt line to give the Lacetti a dynamic profile. The Lacetti's
muscular shoulder line extends into a rear design that is no less
athletic with eye-catching, wrap-around light units and a strong character
line below the rear window.
The compact hatchback's modern contours were penned
by the renowned ItalDesign studio founded by Giorgetto Giugiaro.
Overview of the new Lacetti's dimensions:
Length x width x height (mm) 4,295 x 1,725 x 1,445
Wheelbase (mm) 2,600
Track front/back (mm) 1,480/1,480
Trunk volume (liters) 275 - 1,045
Curb weight (kg) approx. 1,200
Tank capacity (liters) 60

While the newcomer has compact exterior dimensions, intelligent packaging
results in generous amounts of interior space for this segment. The
Lacetti has 932 millimeters of legroom in the rear, putting it into
the top of its category. The rear bench can be split and folded asymmetrically
to increase the capacity of the trunk.
Three four-cylinder gasoline engines (1.4, 1.6 and 1.8) provide performance
ranging from 92 to 122 hp and a torque range from 127 to 165 Nm. All
three powerplants feature four-valve technology with dual overhead
camshafts driven by a toothed belt. A modern four-speed automatic
transmission is available for the two larger engines as an alternative
to the standard five-speed manual transmission.
The new Lacetti has a bodyshell with high torsional stiffness which,
after rigorous testing over almost two million kilometers, guarantees
both a high level of active and passive safety and excellent handling.
The newcomer has sophisticated independent suspension using McPherson
struts front and rear. Wheel control at the front is taken care of
by an A-frame arm, while at the rear there are two additional wishbones
and one trailing arm link.
Four disc brakes and standard four-channel ABS by Bosch ensure good
deceleration. Front and side airbags and five three-point safety belts
- the front belts also have belt-force limiters - are fitted as standard
for passenger protection.

UniVerse: Versatile Van Study with Common Rail Diesel Engine
UniVerse, GM Daewoo's latest concept vehicle, offers a glimpse at
the company's plans for future van generations and powertrain technology.
The name says it all: thanks to its extreme variability, the minivan
concept - on show for the first time in Europe - can be used universally
for business, leisure and more. In addition to seating nine passengers,
the UniVerse can easily be converted to sleep or camp out in, to work
in a mobile office or to transport bulky loads. Two sliding doors
allow easy access to the interior of the mid-size van (length/width/height:
4,673/1,997/1,720 millimeters).
Good utilization of space is made possible by the long wheelbase (2,870
millimeters) and the modern monocab design with a vertical rear end
and an almost horizontal roofline. The designers have turned a new
page with the interior design: large screens dominate the instrument
panel. On board the UniVerse, the latest infotainment technology provides
telematic services and offers nine occupants the chance to enjoy high-quality
entertainment.
The Daewoo UniVerse is powered by a cultivated common-rail
diesel engine. The three-liter, V6 unit equipped has four-valve technology
and delivers 140 kW/191 hp @ 3,000 rpm. The maximum torque - an imposing
408 Nm - is available 2,000 rpm.
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