Now settling properly into its world role as a General Motors budget brand, Daewoo is entering a period of sustained growth, with new models gradually coming into production. Having learnt from the excellent little Matiz that the combination of smart European bodyand chassis design with emerging country levelsof build costs lead to high value for all. Daewoo has moved into next phase with the Kalos and Lacetti models. This will be followed by further new models (with the Nubira sedan replacement looking ever-more urgent) over the next couple of years, as the brand benefits from increased development and research resources provided by its parent group. General motors recently announced that Daewoo's technical center in Korea will have an ever-bigger role in the GM family, and that they are looking for a ‘halo car' that will gain Daewoo global approval, much as the MX-5 has achieved for Mazda. So expect interesting things from Daewoo in future.

LACETTI

Styled by Giorgetto Giugiaro at Italdesign, the Lacetti has an athletic look that moves Daewoo forward in terms of visual appeal, and backs this up with a similarly European package of power train and suspension systems. The result is a car that is far closer to in feel and character to cars built in Saarlouis tha n those we are used to getting from Seoul. Engine choice is 1.4 or 1.6 petrol units (with a 1.8 due soon, but no diesel variant yet, apparently) and acceleration is about what you'd expect in this class. High levels of trim and equipment, clean handling and a satisfyingly solid built quality add up to excellent value. Look up for sport variant- it is great fun to drive.

MATIZ

Daewoo began its corporate redefinition with this excellent little city car, a full four seater with peppy engine (either a three cylinder 800cc or a four cylinder 1.0litre) and a five speed transmission. Handling is good, and allows the driver to make the most of city driving conditions. Equipment levels are high (although using the air condition similar-engine model dulls acceleration by a marked amount) and the car is wonderfully frugal, even when made to work hard. Owner loyalty levels are very high, which speaks volumes for the car's success for Daewoo.

TACUMA

Daewoo's contender in the fiercely-contested multipurpose vehicle sector has recently gained a fresh new look which aligns the model more closely with its newer stable mates; the clumsy rifle so the old model is now gone to the great relief of taste police. In the terms of packaging the Tacuma is typically Daewoo; lots of bits that many manufacturers' charges extra for come as standard. As there is a good spread of engine and transmission options that offer something for the most potential buyers of Daewoo. The interior packaging is clever and versatile-and certainly a match for other similar vehicles-but the major advantage the car has over many rivals is the Daewoo ownership experience; fixed running make for happy drivers.