Work on new models - Lanos, Nubira and Leganza - began in late 1993 with the so-called “V100 project”. Cars were designed for world markets, and made them "the whole world." The general engineering development of Leganza was conducted by the English MIRA (Motor Industry Research Association). In 1998, the Korean concern Daewoo, which gained momentum, launched a massive attack on the world market. The flagship of the squadron, consisting of brand new models, was the Leganza sedan. Since the company used to manufacture only licensed copies of foreign cars, to create new models it was necessary to attract the best minds of the world auto industry.
Engines helped create the designers GM (a division of Holden) and engineering company Ricardo (UK), transmission - German ZF (Zanradfabrik AG) and Sachs, electrical equipment - Siemens and Bosch. Suspension tuned English Lotus, engaged in brakes - American Delphi. The Italians helped with the design: ItalDesign proposed the Kensington project to Koreans, which was created several years earlier for Jaguar and rejected by the customer due to excessive modernism.
Somewhat modified He formed the basis of Daewoo Leganza. The car was manufactured in Korea, it was assembled in a large-format way in Ukraine - at the Kvant plant in Ilyichevsk and in Russia - at the Rostov Krasny Aksai plant and in Taganrog at TagAZ. The main advantages of this car - spaciousness and comfort. The salon is made “in Korean”, in the “avant-garde” style typical of almost all Korean models - there is a lot of pathos and little order. Smooth rolling of surfaces, fancy combinations of forms of ventilation vents, liquid crystal display of the clock and functional buttons are the result of the wild imagination of Daewoo designers.
But there are no complaints about the quality of the finishing. The car will easily accommodate five people (width at the back at shoulder level - 141 cm). The front seats have combined adjustments: the seat cushions are electric, the backs are mechanical. The position of the cushion varies in height, angle and distance from the pedal unit, and the backrest varies in angle.
In addition, the driver's seat has a profile adjustment in the lumbar region. Fitting the seats is no problem - its algorithm and the location of the control buttons are the same as in the Mercedes E-class. The process of landing in the cabin is not perfect because of the high seat cushions and low doorways. The review is generally good, but the view is somewhat limited by the high boot. The car body is partially galvanized - in some countries it was given a six-year warranty.
The new Leganza engine with the T20SED index is a modified 2-liter Opel power unit (in the Holden version), which has served its way to the Espero / Prince / Super Salon. Now - thanks to a new 16-valve head and an improved injection system - its power has increased from 110 to 136 hp. Maximum torque increased by 12%. The motor can be combined with a 5-speed manual and 4-speed automatic. Also installed on the car engine T18SED 1.8 liter (8V, 95 hp.), Which has a lower power, the lack of which is felt when driving in dense city traffic. Structurally, all units are the same. Chassis - one of the main advantages of the model.
In front of the car is the familiar McPherson, behind - an independent multi-link. By the smoothness of the course, Leganza came close to European classmates. Soft energy-intensive suspension dampens any bumps in the road. In this case there is no hint of intensive work of springs and shock absorbers. The car literally spreads on the asphalt. And in the suspension of the car there is no significance. Side roll in high-speed cornering is acceptable both in terms of comfort and in terms of control.
The front end floats a little, but the car stabilizes surprisingly quickly. The force on the steering wheel varies depending on the speed of movement - it is responsible for the power steering. The disc brakes on all Leganza wheels are effective with precisely dosed effort. Almost all 2.0-liter versions are equipped with ABS, which has an optimal setting. For its price, the car is equipped luxuriously.
The equipment list of the most popular CDX version is impressive: ABS, variable power steering, power windows, tinted windows, fog lights, electric mirrors and electric heating, rear window heating, alloy wheels, five-way adjustable driver's seat, adjustable-height steering wheel, folding along parts back seat, wood trim, velor, clock with thermometer, central locking, driver airbag, security bars in the doors, audio package, correct rear lights, additional brake light, wipers with adjustable cycles. It should be noted that in the "rich" configurations, instead of an air conditioner, the climate control system with an automatic recirculation flap is mounted.
The only thing that can confuse in this reliable and comfortable car is the emblem on the radiator. Sedan of this class in the view of many should be more "pedigree." But if such intangible categories do not bother you, Daewoo Leganza is your car.
