BY JONATHAN CROUCH
When Daewoo, the giant Korean TV, video, computer and Supertanker makers decided to turn their hand to building cars, the worlds car manufacturers awaited the results with some trepidation. The first products, however, turned out to be slightly underwhelming. Both the compact-sized Nexia and family-sized Espero were revamped Vauxhall designs but this didnt seem to worry buyers. Daewoo devised a clever sales package that included a unique no-haggle price, a comprehensive warranty and impressive standard equipment on every car.
Buyers responded enthusiastically to the new deal but of the two models offered, it was the smaller Nexia that was the more popular. Its origins as a Vauxhall Astra were obvious, but that was no bad thing. Daewoos market research showed that many potential buyers were more interested in value for money and a strong aftersales backup than the latest technology. The same applies for anyone seeking a used Nexia.
If the price is right, the Nexia makes sense as a no-nonsense compact family car.
Those Vauxhall mechanicals are well proven with the interior hard wearing and practical. Standard equipment has always been a strongpoint with Daewoos and the Nexia is the perfect example. Every car comes with power steering, an alarm, a drivers airbag and ABS as well as an RDS radio/cassette. Automatic transmission was also available on every model
If you can find a Nexia, it wont cost you much to become its owner. Even the very latest cars are priced between £1,000 and £1,500 at dealerships on 97P plates so you can imagine what a 1995-plate model will cost in a private sale.
Not many Nexias were sold privately to start with and cars offered through non-Daewoo-approved outlets were equally hard to find. The vehicles that remain in circulation today, however, will probably be in private sales.
(Based on a 1996 GLXi) A new clutch is around £92, an exhaust centre section should be just under £40 and front brake pads should be about £21. A new battery will leave your wallet or purse about £50 lighter, while a water pump will be close to £55.
Never a car for the enthusiast but for anyone else, the Nexias no-nonsense approach to motoring is perfectly adequate. The handling is predictable and safe, while body-roll is also kept to a minimum. Power steering takes away the strain but that clonky Vauxhall gearchange can make progress a little less than Billiard table smooth.
Value for money is the Nexias strongest suit. Pay the right price and youll have no worries.
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