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CHEVROLET Nubira / Lacetti Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

Generations: 3
First production year: 2002
Engines: Gasoline, Diesel
CHEVROLET Nubira/Lacetti 4 door photo gallery

After GM bought the Daewoo Motor Corporation's remaining, it took its project from where it found it and produced the vehicles under the bow-tie brand, such as the 2004 Lacetti/Nubira.

The carmaker used the Nubira or Lacetti name depending on the market, but it was the same vehicle. It was introduced in 2002 with a sedan styled by Pininfarina and a hatchback designed by Bertone. Two years later, GM considered that a facelift would increase its slow sales.

While the 2002 version featured rounded shapes and narrow angles, the facelifted version brought a bigger pair of headlights and a wider chromed grille with three slats. Depending on the trim level, the Lacetti sported a pair of fog-lights in the bumper. From its sides, the dark-colored B- and C-pillars made it look above the budget-car segment. The rear end was redesigned, and a new pair of taillights made their way on the quarter panels without crossing on the trunk lid.

Inside, the carmaker installed a better interior and included wood-trims on the dashboard and door panels, depending on the options. It tried to hide the low-quality plastics from the center stack and center console with a two-tone color scheme. In the rear, there was a tight room for three passengers, but enough for two.

Chevrolet installed Opel or VM Motori-sourced gasoline and turbo-diesel engines paired as standard to a 5-speed manual under the hood. For selected markets and versions, GM provided an automatic gearbox for the Lacetti/Nubira.

full description and technical specifications
CHEVROLET Nubira/Lacetti Wagon photo gallery

GM continued the Daewoo Motor Corporation's projects and, thanks to its know-how, it managed to release a refreshed Nubira range in 2002, which received a facelifted version in 2004.

In the sedan and hatchback style, the Nubira/Lacetti was an adequate vehicle, with a decent price and just enough features for a family. It was an econobox that could offer enough for less money than its competitors. The station wagon followed the same guidelines, but the low demand for that kind of bodyworks made the sales even slow. Still, it kept the Nubira/Lacetti brand on more car segments.

While the 2002 version featured rounded shapes and narrow angles, the facelifted version brought a bigger pair of headlights and a wider chromed grille with three slats. Depending on the trim level, the Lacetti sported a pair of fog lights in the bumper. From its sides, the dark-colored B- and C-pillars made it look above the budget-car segment. The rear end was redesigned, and a new pair of taillights made their way on the quarter panels. On the plus sides, the Lacetti station wagon featured a low loading sill for the trunk.

Inside, the carmaker installed a better interior and included wood trims on the dashboard and door panels, depending on the options. It tried to hide the low-quality plastics from the center stack and center console with a two-tone color scheme. In the rear, there was a tight room for three passengers, but enough for two.

Chevrolet installed Opel or VM Motori-sourced gasoline and turbo-diesel engines paired as standard to a 5-speed manual under the hood. For selected markets and versions, GM provided an automatic gearbox for the Lacetti/Nubira.

full description and technical specifications
CHEVROLET Nubira/Lacetti photo gallery

After GM bought what was left from the former Korean carmaker Daewoo, it tried to use the plans and the projects made by the former carmaker engineers, such as the Lacetti.

In some markets, the Lacetti was known as the Nubira since it made a connection with a former Daewoo model. Yet, the 2002 Nubira was different. It sported a design signed by Giorgetto Giugiaro and was launched after the bio-design era.

The Lacetti/Nubira hatchback featured a pair of narrow headlights that looked sharp on their inner side and rounded on the outer one. Like the Nubira, the Lacetti was available as a sedan, a hatchback, and a station wagon. Unlike its predecessor, on the other hand, the five-door version looked sportier, not cut before it was finished. Even though the C-pillar was quite thick and raised some problems for the driver, the overall look of the car was appealing.

Inside, GM had to rely on what Daewoo's designers created. Maybe it was not the best-inspired cabin, but it was decent. There was a simple layout with a two-tone, silver and black dashboard. The center stack sported a CD player with an in-dash changer as an option. While the base version was offered with a tape player. The two bucket seats at the front were just simple and looked like they were the cheapest on the market. At the back, the split-folding bench helped the owner increase the trunk area.

Under the hood, there was a mix of GM-sourced and Daewoo-developed engines. The base version was put in motion by a 95 hp 1.4-liter engine. Top of the range version gained a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated that was previously available on the Leganza flagship model. Last but not least, for specific markets, Chevrolet offered the Nubira/Lacetti with a two-liter turbo-diesel powerplant.

full description and technical specifications