Daewoo Lanos Car Review

Following in the footsteps of the popular Cielo range of small cars, comes the all new Lanos recently released by the Korean manufacturer Daewoo.

The new Lanos is the product of an extensive redesign and development program which has included the assistance of both an Italian design company and Porsche of Germany. The finished product combines a smart and distinctive Daewoo look with a high degree of practicality, a concept which Daewoo hopes will attract an increased market appeal for the Lanos in the fiercely competitive small vehicle ranks.

There are three body configurations available to the Australian market, a three door hatchback, a five door hatchback and a four door sedan. These model variations should offer the functionality to satisfy the needs of most small car buyers. In addition, Daewoo offers a choice of a basically equipped SE model and a more highly appointed SX version.

The SE Lanos features a 1.5 litre single overhead camshaft, two valves per cylinder engine as fitted to the Cielo range albeit further refined to reduce noise, increase durability and provide improved performance. The engine is now claimed to produce 63 kW of power at 5400 rpm and 130 Nm of torque at 3400 rpm.

The SX Lanos gets a performance boost provided by a 1.6 litre double overhead camshaft, four valves per cylinder engine as fitted to the Nubira. The 78 kW of power produced at 5800 rpm is still only average, while 145 Nm of torque is available at 3800 rpm.

The five door SE Lanos tested, was fitted with a four speed automatic transmission and had central locking, power steering and a four speaker radio cassette as standard inclusions. The SE Lanos range is priced from $14,250 for a manual three door hatchback, while the five door automatic retails for $19,250. All new Daewoo cars come with Free-Care which covers all dealer delivery charges, three years free scheduled servicing and 24 hour roadside assistance.

There is a certain amount of European influence evident in the external appearance of the new Lanos. The body is characterised by pleasantly rounded and modern lines, while a new look Daewoo family grille ensures a frontal appearance unique to the manufacturer.

The quality of Korean built vehicles continues to rise and the Lanos was found to exhibit an acceptable level of panel fit and exterior paint finish. However, it was disappointing to discover that the exterior paint did not extend to cover the engine bay.

The interior of the Lanos offers few creature comforts or appointments beyond those essential for operation. The seating generally provides little support although clever interior design has allowed better than average occupant space in both the front and the rear seating positions for a car of its size. A simple and functional instrument layout is easy to use, but poor quality and ill fitting carpet inside both the cabin and the boot area reinforces the impression that it is essentially a basic vehicle that is manufactured to a price rather than a high quality standard.

Around town the Lanos SE delivers satisfactory performance keeping in mind the capacity of its engine is only 1.5 litres. The four speed automatic transmission provides extra convenience for those accustomed to keeping both hands on the wheel but to the detriment of performance. The automatic transmission is often caught out, particularly during highway travel, resulting in unwanted frequent gear changes and an occasional drop back to second gear at times.

Ride quality and stopping ability are quite good for this class of car although road and tyre noise is prominent inside the cabin.