Daewoo Gentra: prices and specifications

Model Overview

Daewoo Gentra is a C-class sedan built on the Chevrolet Lacetti platform. The car is produced in Uzbekistan at the GM Powertrain Uzbekistan plant.

The interior of the Gentra is made without frills, but looks modern. The ergonomics of the front seats are similar to the Lacetti. There is enough space in the back for both legs and head — the wheelbase of 2600 mm is one of the largest in its class. The trunk is spacious and can be expanded by folding the rear seat back.

The base version includes: front airbags, central locking, power steering, air conditioning, power windows and a height-adjustable steering wheel. Higher trim levels add heated front seats, wood-like trim, steering wheel audio controls, heated windshield wipers, alloy wheels and a sunroof.

All versions of the Gentra are equipped with a 1.5-liter engine producing 107 hp, meeting Euro-5 standards. Sales in Ukraine started in September 2013.

History

The model debuted in 2013, replacing the Chevrolet Lacetti. Daewoo Gentra is assembled in South Korea and at foreign subsidiaries. The car is supplied to Ukraine and CIS countries from Uzbekistan.

At the Uz-Daewoo plant, the sedan is made from Korean and Russian components. Steel for the body is supplied by Severstal. Despite the similarity to the Lacetti, the "Uzbek Lacetti" differs in exterior details.

Exterior

The front of the Daewoo Gentra differs from the Chevrolet Lacetti: the headlights are taken from the 5-door version, the grille and bumper are changed. The side mirrors have become larger, improving visibility.

An interesting detail — even in the top trim there is no remote central locking. You have to unlock the car with a key. However, installing an alarm is not difficult.

Overall, the appearance of the Gentra cannot be called ultra-modern, but it does not look old-fashioned either.

Interior

The interior repeats the Lacetti — without design frills, but without obvious drawbacks. The main difference is the modified center console.

In expensive versions, there are plastic inserts "under the tree" that visually make the interior richer. The quality of plastic is uneven: on door cards it is soft and pleasant, while on other parts it is hard. For a car of this price, this is forgivable.

The driver's seat adjustment allows a person of any build to sit comfortably. The steering wheel is adjustable only in height, and only in the top version — in reach.

In the back row, there is enough space for people of average height. The trunk volume is 405 liters.

The base trim includes ABS, front airbags, air conditioning, power windows and mirrors, armrest, fog lights and a full-size spare tire. The interior has many pockets, cup holders and compartments for small items.

Engine and Transmission

Daewoo Gentra is available in Ukraine with a single 1.5-liter gasoline engine producing 107 hp.

Transmissions — 5-speed manual or 6-speed automatic. Fuel consumption in combined cycle with manual transmission is about 6.5 L. Maximum speed: with automatic — 163 km/h, with manual — 180 km/h.

Safety

Crash tests of the Gentra have not been conducted, so the level of safety can only be judged by the equipment and manufacturer's claims. Even in the base version, there are ABS and front airbags for driver and passenger. All seats are equipped with three-point seat belts with pretensioners, Isofix mounts and rear door locks are provided.

Features

The main feature of the model is its relationship with the Lacetti. The popular predecessor in Ukraine serves as a guarantee of reliability. Also worth noting is the rich equipment: in its price category, the Gentra stands out favorably in terms of price/equipment ratio.

Popularity in Ukraine

Almost immediately after the start of sales and the cessation of Chevrolet Lacetti supplies, the Gentra model quickly became in demand. Among budget sedans, it is in the TOP-20 best-selling new cars.

Our Verdict

Daewoo Gentra is worth considering for those who need a spacious and inexpensive car. It can be a good alternative to a used foreign car or a new Chinese car. If you do not want to buy a Ukrainian car, VAZ or "Chinese" — you should take a closer look at the Gentra.