GM Daewoo has recently launched two new models on Jeju Island---the Lacetti Diesel and the Lacetti Sport Wagon. These two new vehicles will provide GM Daewoo with a more comprehensive diesel lineup beginning with the SUVs to compact and midsize sedans plus a range of body styles. The Lacetti Diesel Sedan Hatchback and Sport Wagon complement the much-admired diesel Winstorm SUV and the Tosca Diesel premium sedan which made its debut in last 2006.
According to GM Daewoo President and CEO Michael A. Grimaldi, "While demand for diesel-powered passenger cars in Korea has been limited, we believe fuel-efficient and fun-to-drive alternative propulsion technologies such as diesel enjoy great potential. With the release of the three diesel-powered Lacettis, we are further tapping into what we see as a potential growth segment in Korea."
GM Daewoo at present offers two variants of its top-of-the-line direct fuel injection common rail diesel engine in Korea. Both have 2.0 liter displacements and are tuned in accordance to the characteristics of their respective models. All of GM Daewoo eco-friendly diesel vehicles are equipped with maintenance free-free DFP short for Diesel Particulate Filter and EGR or Exhaust Gas Recirculation. These vehicles were built in accordance to the EURO IV standard, reducing emissions by almost 50 percent compared to the common Euro III compliant engines without sacrificing performance.
The Lacetti is also equipped with top-of-the-line GM parts starting from the big, complex parts such as its exhaust system which is similar to the quality of and comparable in performance with the .
The 2.0 liter TCDi or Turbocharger Common-Rail Direct Injection engine produces 89 kW or 121 PS at 3,800 rpm and maximum torque of 28.6 kg m (280 Nm) at 2,000 rpm. The four-valve powerplant features a state-of-the-art Bosch common-rail system, which injects diesel fuel directly into the engine's combustion chambers at a pressure of up to 1,600 bar.
To provide supreme performance ninety percent of the maximum torque is generated throughout a wide rpm zone between 1,800 and 3,400 rpm to deliver maximum performance. This provides the three-diesel-powered Lacettis with superior pulling and climbing power which is comparable to gasoline-powered models.
The Lacetti Diesel can reach peak speed of 188 km/h offered in both sedan and hatchback variants with an automatic transmission. Outstanding fuel efficiency is a hallmark of the Lacetti Diesel which is courtesy by the models advanced five-speed automatic transmission which is a first among Korean-built cars in its segment.
The Lacetti sedan and hatchback with a manual transmission obtains fuel efficiency of 18.4 km per liter exceeding the already marvelous Lacetti 1.6 -liter gasoline model by almost 30 percent. On the other hand the versions with an automatic transmission achieve fuel efficiency of 14.9 km per liter and in combination with its 60-liter fuel tank; the Lacetti Diesel can be driven by up to 1,100km or 900 km in versions with an automatic transmission.
The Lacetti Diesel Sport Wagon is the only Sport Wagon from the Korean automaker that offers a one-of-a-kind combination of sedan-like comfort plus driving performance courtesy of its low center of gravity. It also has a much spacious luggage room plus flexibility that can match those of compact SUVs while exceeding them greatly in terms of fuel economy. But the best thing about the Lacettis is their price since it's much lower compared to a typical 2.0 liter minivans and compact SUVs.
The generous headroom for the driver and front-seat passenger measures 1,000mm while the legroom in the rear measures 932 mm. The Sport Wagon's interior is second to none. The seatbacks can be folded in ration of 60:40, an aluminum-look roof rack is offered as a standard. There were also 25 trays and holders that are offered as additional storage that makes the Lacetti an ideal vehicle for leisure activities.
Grimaldi said, "The Lacetti is a true global vehicle. It has received several awards around the world, and in 2006 became the second-largest export vehicle from Korea, with 200,000 complete vehicles and 214,000 vehicle kits shipped." He also added, "The Lacetti Diesel variants will raise the bar higher in regions like Europe, where diesel cars account for more than half of the market. While the Sport Wagon will offer the ideal choice for those looking for space and flexibility, good fuel efficiency, comfort and driving pleasure, all at a very attractive price."
The price of the Lacetti Diesel sedan with a manual transmission: LUX KRW 15.3 to 15.9 million, the Platinum KRW 16.1 to 16.8 million. The hatchback: the Diamond KRW 16.9 million while, the Sport Wagon: EX KRW 14.4 million and Platinum KRW 16.4 million.
