In all European markets, production starts in 1997 and facelifts were done in 1999.
United Kingdom
Daewoo announced that production of the Nubira would begin in Autumn 1997 along with the new Daewoo range (that is with the Lanos and Leganza).
At 9 September 1997, prices were confirmed for the Nubira to go to sale on 11 September 1997:[8]
The four-model range offered two engines which included the 1.6[9] and the 2.0.[10] There were two equipment levels, SE and CDX and two body styles, a four-door saloon and a five-door estate. The five-door hatchback was not offered at all. All models had the following equipment: air-conditioning, ABS, driver and front passenger airbags, alarm, engine immobiliser, power steering, electric front windows, central locking, metallic paint and RDS radio/cassette players as standard.[11] The only differences were that the SE had hubcaps, non-body coloured door handles and door mirrors and 'SE' emblems at the body wings. Alloy wheels were an option on the SE model. The CDX, meanwhile, came with alloy wheels, body-coloured door handles and wing mirrors, rear electric windows and 'CDX' emblems at the body wings. Then, promotions were extended to one years' free insurance for the new range from 1 January 1998.[12]
New finance packaging were provided and the prices were cut by £425 for 1999.[13] In 2001, prices were reduced another £1,230.
Reviewing
The AA first tested out the Nubira in August 1997. They claimed that the ride was subtle and the driving experience was decent. In conclusion, they said that its keen value for money and decent equipment makes it a good family car. However, for them it was just another family car, rather competent than trendsetting.[14]
After that, in November 1998, AA tested out the 1.6 SE version of the Nubira estate. The way it drove, versatility and its good conglomeration of styling in Italy, Engineered in Britain and assembled in South Korea is what the AA liked about it. Their verdict was that it was a sensibly competent rather than a crowd-drawing performer, it fitted a lot of motoring for the money and the aftersales package was outstanding.[15][16]
Finally, the facelift version of the Nubira was tested in July 1999. The AA liked its comfort (particularly the seats) yet some of the mechanical improvements weren't very good for them; for instance despite the new engine management system, they thought the new two litre engine still suffered a nasty 'shunt' as the accelerator was released and applied. The verdict was the facelift made it a more refined and comfortable car with the sublime aftersales peace-of-mind package.[17]
Reviewing
The AA first tested out the Nubira in August 1997. They claimed that the ride was subtle and the driving experience was decent. In conclusion, they said that its keen value for money and decent equipment makes it a good family car. However, for them it was just another family car, rather competent than trendsetting.[14]
After that, in November 1998, AA tested out the 1.6 SE version of the Nubira estate. The way it drove, versatility and its good conglomeration of styling in Italy, Engineered in Britain and assembled in South Korea is what the AA liked about it. Their verdict was that it was a sensibly competent rather than a crowd-drawing performer, it fitted a lot of motoring for the money and the aftersales package was outstanding.[15][16]
Finally, the facelift version of the Nubira was tested in July 1999. The AA liked its comfort (particularly the seats) yet some of the mechanical improvements weren't very good for them; for instance despite the new engine management system, they thought the new two litre engine still suffered a nasty 'shunt' as the accelerator was released and applied. The verdict was the facelift made it a more refined and comfortable car with the sublime aftersales peace-of-mind package.[17]
Facelift (Nubira J150)
On 22 July 1999, the facelift of the Nubira was announced, barely after 24 months of its official release in the UK. Engines (1.6 and 2.0 litres) were revised too, including decreased torque and performance yet making it more economical.[18][19]
Limited edition models included price reduction for the 1.6 SE 4-door (£9,995). The saving (on equivalent models) was £1,814.[20] Extra equipment included 14" alloy wheels, metallic/mica paint and a CD autochanger free-of-charge. Also, Daewoo provided finance offers, which means more promotions and expanding it on the Nubira Estate. For the Nubira, offers included 0% Hire Purchase, 36 months, 40% deposit on CDX.[21] In 2002, Daewoo provided a £1,500 cashback on the Nubira CDX.[22]
Recalls
On 18 June 2001, Daewoo recalled 3,000 Nubira CDX's due to a fault in the fuel filter.[23]
The Netherlands
In the Netherlands, there were three trim levels available, SE (base model), SX and CDX with three body types including the hatchback, saloon and estate. Prices varied depending on the model, starting from less than €15,000 for the base model saloon to less than €20,500 for the top-of-the-range estate. Prices were then varied for the facelift, which started from €15,395 for the base model hatchback all the way up to €21,095 for the top-of-the-range estate.[24]
