Review: Daewoo Lacetti (2003-04)

Overview

Released in September 2003, the Daewoo Lacetti was a small, four-door sedan. Manufactured in Gunsan, South Korea, the Lacetti was powered by a 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine that was mated to either a five-speed manual or four-speed ZF automatic transmission (the latter with adaptive ‘fuzzy logic’).

The 1.8-litre ‘Family II’ petrol engine was manufactured by GM Holden and had double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, a Delphi Engine Management System (ECM) and a compression ratio of 9.8:1.

Styled by Pininfarina, the Lacetti was 4500 mm long, 1725 mm wide, 1445 mm tall and had a 2600 mm long wheelbase; kerb weight was 1210 kg and 1235 kg for models with manual and automatic transmissions, respectively. Furthermore, the Lacetti had MacPherson strut front suspension and independent rear suspension with dual lateral links.

Replaced by Holden Viva

In 2004, Daewoo withdrew from the Australian market and the Lacetti was rebadged as the Holden JF Viva . The Viva, however, was also offered in hatchback and wagon bodies.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Lacetti included dual front airbags.

Features

Standard features included 15-inch steel wheels with 195/55 R15 tyres, a six speaker sound system with a CD player, driver’s seat height and lumbar adjustment, rear fog lights, 60/40 split and folding rear seats, remote central locking, power windows and heated mirrors, telescopic steering wheel adjustment, a 12 volt power outlet (in the centre console) and an immobiliser.

Lacetti Limited Edition

In October 2003, a Limited Edition variant was released. Compared to the standard Lacetti, the Limited Edition was equipped with front side airbags and ABS, while additional features included 15-inch alloy wheels, a six-disc CD player, climate control air conditioning, leather seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift. The Limited Edition models were also offered with metallic paint finishes.

Related links

• Wikipedia.org: Daewoo Lacetti

Recalls: Daewoo Lacetti

Overview

Manufacturers, or importers, issue recalls for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Generally, manufacturers will inform the original buyers if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. Please note that the recalls below (if any) are for Australian-delivered vehicles only. Furthermore, the number of recalls should not be taken as an indication of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.

Recalls: Daewoo Lacetti

No recall information is available for the Daewoo Lacetti. To search for recalls of Daewoo models, please visit Product Safety Recalls Australia: Daewoo.

Problems and faults: Daewoo Lacetti

Overview

This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.

To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.

Problems and faults: Daewoo Lacetti

• In cold weather, the Lacetti’s ‘check engine’ light may illuminate and the engine may stumble, hesitate or lack due to a build-up of ice in the manifold absolute pressure (MAP) sensor port.
• The Daewoo Lacetti’s engine idle speed may rise to 2000 rpm when coming to rest for manual models, idle roughly or stall for automatic models when the engine is cold. If so, reflashing the computer may fix these problems.
• For models with automatic transmissions, a harsh downshift from fourth to third gear, accompanied by the ‘check engine’ light illuminating, likely requires the transmission control unit to be reprogrammed. Reprogramming may also be required for harsh downshifts from second to first gear when coming to rest.
• The key may not come out of the ignition lock due to the gearshift lever not making electrical contact when shifted into park.
• Electrical problems – affecting items such as the lights, fuel pump and rear demister – may be caused by damage to the insulation of the wiring harness between the left fender and its liner.
• There may be blue smoke from the exhaust and excessive oil consumption due to a broken or missing PCV restrictor in the valve cover; if so, a new valve cover is required.
• The valve cover gasket may leak – an improved gasket was subsequently released.
• Squealing noises from the rear brakes may be fixed by installing revised brake pad springs on the calipers.
• In cooler weather, the engine may be slower to start – this may be fixed by recalibrating the powertrain control unit.
• The plastic door handles are flimsy and have been reported to break.
• The rear window washer may not spray because the hose has cracked or detached.

Released in September 2003, the Daewoo Lacetti was a small, four-door sedan. Manufactured in Gunsan, South Korea, the Lacetti was powered by a 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine that was mated to either a five-speed manual or four-speed ZF automatic transmission (the latter with adaptive ‘fuzzy logic’)… Read full Daewoo Lacetti review

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