Daewoo LeMans 1994-1997
The second generation LeMans launched in 1994, available as a three- and five-door hatchback and four-door sedan with a 1.5 litre eight-valve or a 1.5 litre 16-valve engine. These new models were still based on the Opel Kadett E from 1984, underpinned by the "T-car" platform. There were various trim levels available; in the United Kingdom, where the car sold as the Daewoo Nexia, these were GLi (8-valve) and GLXi (16-valve) for the general public, with a "base" model available for large contracts. Unlike the Kadett, there was never a station wagon version available. Some European markets got the "Lifestyle" trim level; Spain and Portugal badged their GLi/GLXi equivalents "Chess"; the Benelux countries kept the GLi/GLXi trim levels and some markets added ETi and STi specifications. The GLi has an average performance with a 0–100 km/h time of 12.5 seconds and 80 PS (59 kW) at 5,400 rpm. There was also a version with single-point fuel injection and 70 PS (51 kW) for lower-spec versions. The more luxurious GLXi received a sixteen-valve engine which upped the power to 90 PS (66 kW) at an unusually low 4,800 rpm, and the 0–100 km/h time was reduced to 12.2 seconds.
The Cielo was made in India by DCM Daewoo Motors until the Korean Daewoo company went bankrupt. GM did not take over the Indian plant in Surajpur near Delhi and it was liquidated. Production in South Korea came to an end shortly after the 1996 introduction of the Daewoo Lanos, an original design.
Daewoo first exported cars to Europe in the mid 1990s, with the Nexia and Espero forming the two-model line-up in Britain from January 1995. Daewoo was the first manufacturer to sell cars on the British market directly to customers rather than setting up a conventional dealer network, and the appeal of its cars was further enhanced by a low and fixed asking price as well as a comprehensive warranty and free servicing for three years after the car's sale. Despite making use of a design which was by then more than a decade old, the Nexia was one of the most popular budget family cars in Britain and helped Daewoo gain a 1% share of the new car market in 1996. It was replaced there by the Lanos in the autumn of 1997, by which time some 40,000 examples had been sold.
The Daewoo LeMans was also called:
Daewoo Cielo
Daewoo Heaven
Daewoo Nexia
Daewoo Racer
Daewoo Super Racer
Chevrolet Nexia
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