Tacuma is nicest-looking Daewoo yet

Since Daewoo’s arrival in Ireland over two years ago, its vehicle range has expanded from four to six distinctly different models, encompassing city cars to 4x4s. It’s seventh model, titled Tacuma (an Afrikaans word meaning ‘joyful lifestyle’) enters the fastest growing area of the car market, the mini-MPV segment, a craze started by the clever Renault Scenic four year ago.

In those couple of years, Daewoo have sold over 11,000 vehicles, achieving a creditable 3.0% market share making the Korean marque one of the top ten best selling car brands in Ireland. The spacious five-seater joins the burgeoning ranks of the compact MPV alongside the Fiat Multipla, Opel Zafira, Citroën Picasso, Mazda Premacy, Nissan Almera Tino, fresh models jumping on the Scenic bandwagon in the last couple of years.

The exterior design is stylish - Pininfarina being entrusted with the styling brush - and is dominated by a chromed ‘family’ grille at the front, a dramatic upsweep to the rearmost side window at the side to the high set Fiat Punto style light cluster at the back.

The whole design package is the result of a unique three-way collaboration between Design Forum, Daewoo’s in-house design studio, and two of Italy’s finest design houses: Pininfarina and Italdesign, the latter along with the Design Forum responsible for the interior.

Tacuma’s five individual seats are multi functional and adapt to suit your requirements. Those in the front are multi-adjustable with a height adjustable drivers seat complete with a fold down armrest for extra comfort, while the front passenger seat in the CDX variant can be cleverly swivelled 180 degrees to face the rear passengers. In the rear, all three individual seats can be folded individually or completely removed increasing the cargo area from 455 litres to 1155.

The centre rear seat can slide forward but can also be folded down to form a useful table, while under seat storage in the front and under floor storage in the rear allows valuable items to be hidden away from prying eyes. Added to the versatility is the numerous storage areas including, overhead sunglass holder, seat back pockets, cup holders, aircraft style fold down table on the back of the front seats, even the boot area is equipped with side panel storage areas.

At 4350mm long, 1755mm wide and 1580mm high, Tacuma is wider and taller and sits on longer wheelbase than the Nubira estate. The fully independent suspension has MacPherson struts at the front with a torsion bar and compound link arrangement at the rear. The suspension geometry also saw input from Porsche. At launch there are two versions available, powered by a choice of 1.8 and 2.0-litre petrol engines.

The entry level model displacing 1761cc, was specifically engineered for optimum low-end and mid-range performance, develops 96.5 bhp with a useful 148Nm of torque, to give a top speed of 106 mph. The larger 2.0 litre CDX unit can also be found in the Nubira and Leganza models. Displacing 1998cc, the unit has been modified to reflect Tacuma’s load carrying role, it develops slightly less power but greater torque than in the Nubira. In Tacuma mode, the engine develops 119 bhp and 176Nm of torque to give a top speed of 112 mph, with the 0-62 mph time cut to 10.8 seconds.

Yet despite the different muscle these two engines pack, both manage to return the same fuel consumption figures. Generous levels of standard equipment have become a Daewoo trademark, and the Tacuma is no different. SE models include power steering, air conditioning, anti-lock brakes and electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors, four speaker RDS radio/tape player sound system, electric front windows and a power socket in the boot area.

The CDX adds alloy wheels, electric rear windows, that ingenious swivelling front passenger seat, and a power socket in the front while the sound system has two extra speakers. Safety is to the fore - as well as the standard fitment of ABS with EBD, all Tacumas have twin front airbags and pre-tensioners on the front seat belts. (Tacuma’s airbags are the ‘depowered’ type, designed to inflate with between 15-20 per cent less force than the standard bag to minimise risk of injury).

Security features include an alarm, engine immobiliser and remote control central locking. For piece of mind motoring, a 3 year/100,000km warranty with 1 year RAC cover is part of package.

We clocked over 600 miles, when road conditions included snow, ice and sleet. Despite the adverse weather, we were impressed and felt in control at all times. The suspension set-up and wide track aids stability and the long wheelbase helps ride quality. It boasts sharper handling than many of its competitors.

Around town the Tacuma is quiet and composed. For peak performance however, you’ll need to work the gearbox. With a precise and direct steering set up, and a remarkably tight turning circle, Tacuma is all the more manoeuvrable in town driving. On grounds of comfort, performance and packaging the Tacuma can’t be dismissed and it’s definitely the nicest looking Daewoo yet!