Nubira a 'go-anywhere' car?

ONE cannot have failed to notice the phenomenal growth of Korean cars worldwide, as witnessed by the rapid expansion of Hyundai and Daewoo, in the past few years.

Hyundai led the way into Ireland and has been enjoying major sales increases. Now Daewoo (pronounced Day-yoo), the last of the motor giants to hit our shores, is here and in full swing notching up over 2,750 units and slicing out a 1.8 per cent share of the market since their January launch. August saw their best ever month with 4.1 per cent of the market – double that for July.

Surprisingly, the only Daewoo car I had driven to date up until last week’s appraisal of the revamped Nubira – it means ‘go anywhere’ in Korean – was the company’s baby Matiz this time last year, and that was only a brief drive in Dublin.

So, it was l with keen interest I took charge of the mid-range family-sized Nubira, pitched against the likes of the Opel Vectra, Toyota Avensis, Hyundai Lantra, Mitsubishi Carisma and Ford Mondeo, and slotting in the Daewoo line-up between the Lanos and upmarket Leganza.

Korean manufacturers have come along way in a short time, but they still have a way to go yet. And they are still playing ‘catch-ups’. The Nubira is one such example.

Launched just two years ago in the midst of whirlwind arrivals of three new brand ranges from the company, the Nubira has now been extensively improved and incorporates 90 significant changes that have strengthened its visual appeal, given it a totally new and more spacious interior, revised engines and upgraded safety.

Outwardly the new Nubira – now 8mm longer and 30mm wider – has been brought more into line with the ‘family’ look. The reworked V-shaped bonnet features bolder triangular clear lens headlamps with the indicators, unusually positioned above them, and a slightly flattened chromed grille.

The rear features a more angular bootline with repositioned, larger, higher-fore easeof opening. Other changes include enlarged heated door mirrors and restyled wheel trims with alloys on the CDX.

The living environment of the reworked cabin is bright and pleasant with good family accommodation. The new clearly and logically laid out one-piece dashboard features a central speedo flanked by a small tachometer, and major switchgear has also been relocated.

And there’s more room to expand! The increase in overall length and width of the Nubira has resulted in more rear leg and shoulder room. Seats, too, are more shapely with greater adjustment.

Additionally, the reworked suspensions have improved the car’s ride, handling rigidity and driving stability. They smother most bumps.

Generous standard equipment includes air conditioning, power steering, tilt-adjustable steering – but not for reach – electric front window, dual airbags, remote locking, antilock brakes and immobiliser.

POWER: Our test car was installed with the 1.6 litre petrol unit. There is also a 2.0 litre. Bot have been tinkered with to improve performance and economy. The 1.6 is nothing too stirring although it is pleasant enough to drive, developing a mediocre 104bhp with 104.8lb ft of torque at 3,800rpm. When pushed to overtake it has to work hard and the engine can sound rather coarse as it does so. Top speed is a claimed 115mph with the 0 to 62mph taking 11 seconds. I extracted an average 34.5mpg.

On the road the car is entertaining enough to drive with some understeer and safe. Flung into corners it holds well.