THE new Nubira family saloon is the second new product since Daewoo was taken under General Motors' wing and is a marked step up from its characterless predecessor.
Redesigned by Italian aces Pinifarina, it looks much better and, while it still serves up a fairly neutral driving performance, the new platform produces sufficient people-and-things space to delight anybody.
Retained from the original Daewoo concept is a cascade of standard equipment so, all in all, the new Nubira will have all-purpose appeal to families - and maybe budget-tight business people - for, at SX level, under £11,000.
Let's start with Pininfarina's contribution. The original rather ugly bullish face has been replaced by a much gentler look, The grilles, with chrome surrounds, are neater and are flanked by pleasing lights while, beyond, bonnet lines V in towards the new logo.
There's a nice sweep to the roof and, with the slightly-rising flanks emphasised by more pinch lines, the profile is attractive.
Inside, the plastics still look economy-class, but the upholstery, matched in the door panels, is pleasant enough and the metal-effect central console, echoed by steering wheel inserts, gives the decor a lift while the lay-out makes the controls admirably easy to use. The dials are very clear, too.
The seating is comfortable, although not particularly gripping, and height adjustment for both seat and steering wheel means that drivers of all dimensions will feel at home. Seat lumbar adjustment is a bonus.
Headroom is fair throughout but it is the leg and foot space for passengers at the back that really impresses. The car caters for five adults with ease, with no apparent penalty from the provision of a very good boot.
Excellent noise suppression of the engine helps the cabin ambience, but the silence is marred by excessive road sounds. The new suspension provides a satisfactory ride, so that distance drives are no strain for any of the occupants.
The tauter build is helpful but driving satisfaction is undermined by the somewhat dull steering. But the 1.6-litre 16-valve engine in the SX - the CDX model is powered by a 1.8 - is lively enough to get the car from standstill to 62mph in less than 11 seconds.
Pull is fair at 150Nm at 4,000 revs and the Nubira copes with motoway demands easily. You're not going to leave anybody for dead but acceleration is quite useful if you step up the revs.
Standard creature comforts are well above average, even the SX features air conditioning, front and side airbags, power windows all round, leather grips, a cooled section in the glove box, a six-speaker radio/cassette audio system (a single or multi CD player is an option), heated door mirrors and remote central locking.
Externally there's body-coloured everything and alloy wheels, while safety measures include ABS with electronic brake force distribution, disc brakes all round, five three-point seat belts with electric load limiter, five height-adjustable head restraints and dual ISOFIX child seat preparations.
Oh yes, and there's a good scattering of in-car storage facilities, including an armrest box (behind two drinks holders) and a tray under the front passenger seat.
It's a great package for this sort of price and the excellent warranties add to the temptation.
I'm not saying that the new Nubira is a car to make you lick your lips, but it undoubtedly does a good job of meeting the demands of Mr and Mrs Average Motorist.
FAST FACTS
Daewoo Nubira SX
Price: £10,995
Mechanical: 1.6-litre DOHC 16v, max power 108lb ft at 5,800rpm, max pull 150Nm at 4,000. Manual transmission, front-wheel drive
Max speed: 116mph
0-62mph: 10.7 secs
Combined mpg: 40
Insurance group: 8
CO2 emissions: 178g/km
BiK rating:19%
Warranty: 3yrs/60,000 miles; 6yrs anti-rust.