Somewhere out there is a better value mid-sized car than the Daewoo Nubira. But I suspect it is hard found.

I'm just now driving the CDX version. The upper class. The one that the other brands don't want to talk about. Because, maybe for the first time about a Daewoo, they're possibly scared.

Let's be precise. This is now GM Daewoo. This is no longer a generation-behind carmaker that gave you old technology for a cheap price. This is, yes, the budget end of the The General's global offerings. But He can't afford that it be bad. Or behind.

For a while there will be old-model Daewoos that you shouldn't bother with. But the current Nubira is at the vanguard of the ones you SHOULD consider.

If for no other reason than GM is already branding Daewoos as Chevrolets in other parts of the world.

Chevrolet is a brand for the common people in its home country. But it is also one that has a reputation for value, reliability, and a pretty reasonable retention of investment when it comes to resale time.

So, back to Nubira. I wish they had called it something different, because most people's recollections of the nameplate are of Opel technology two generations back.

But we're stuck with the label on the boot. So let's try and concentrate on the upsides of the latest version.

It's a good looker. That styling is both clean and almost classic in its execution. The proportions are very right. The front and back have a quality finish to them. And, praised be the Lord, there's none of the funny fiddly bits that often make Korean-built cars look right OTHT (the 'H' is for 'heavenly', because sometimes their car designs reflect the temples of the local religions).

Inside, there's more space than you might have expected. This is a car that crosses the boundaries between C and D in segment. Which is more than an Astra and less than a Vectra, in several ways.

(Note that, to be fair, I'm staying with the GM family.)

More than the former because the basic engine is 1.6-litre and less than the latter because the biggest one is a 1.8-litre.

It is also more than an Astra in space in the back. And is a great deal brighter in ambience than most Opels I've driven. And though it will never take on a Vectra in space or Epsilon platform dynamics, most of the owners of either will never push their cars hard enough to know the difference.

Working the car, the most evident thing is how light everything is in operation.

The steering isn't sporty heavy. The gearshift and clutch are for people who don't wear boots. The brakes don't leave any impression other than that you stop without theatrics.

And when you think about it, what else is a car supposed to do?

It's transportation, stupid ...

The Nubira is that. And it is safe transportation. And it is not the most expensive transportation around for the money that you pay.

It will never be the model that you will use to try and enhance the perception others have of your place in life.

Actually, if you drive a Nubira, you don't give much of a thought to what other people think in that respect.

Which is just the same as Chevrolet drivers in the US feel.

And, therefore, maybe GM has the right idea about marketing Daewoos in some markets. What has already happened in South Africa and in China is also on the cards for the Daewoo product in Eastern Europe, and is even likely for the mainland European markets in the forseeable future.

I think that's good. I think that then GM will be capitalising on its own essential perception, and the product that can do very well at home under its original name will do even better as a brand that in living memory used to have respect in Europe.

OK ... maybe only in older living memory. But we pass on our 'wisdom' if nothing else.

Maybe I haven't gone into much detail about the new Nubira here. But when did you ever hear of anyone going on about a Chevrolet?

The CDX is €23,000. But the basic 1.6 with all the essential good points is a competitive €18,500.