The Chevrolet Lacetti was based on the Daewoo’s J platform and was initially known as the Daewoo Lacetti on most pre-2004 European markets.
At the end of 2004, following Daewoo’s takeover by the GM, the North American auto producer re-branded all Daewoo Lacetti versions - sedan, hatchback and station wagon - into Chevrolet Lacetti. The European models are offered with a choice of diesel/petrol engines, while sharing its 1.8L power plant with the Opel Astra 2004. Depending on the market, the Lacetti was commercialized either as Daewoo or as Chevrolet by the mid-’00s.

After GM bought the Daewoo Motor Corporation’s remaining, it took its project from where it found it and produced the vehicles under the bow-tie brand, such as the 2004 Lacetti/Nubira.
The carmaker used the Nubira or Lacetti name depending on the market, but it was the same vehicle. It was introduced in 2002 with a sedan styled by Pininfarina and a hatchback designed by Bertone. Two years later, GM considered that a facelift would increase its slow sales.

While the 2002 version featured rounded shapes and narrow angles, the facelifted version brought a bigger pair of headlights and a wider chromed grille with three slats. Depending on the trim level, the Lacetti sported a pair of fog-lights in the bumper. From its sides, the dark-colored B- and C-pillars made it look above the budget-car segment. The rear end was redesigned, and a new pair of taillights made their way on the quarter panels without crossing on the trunk lid.

Inside, the carmaker installed a better interior and included wood-trims on the dashboard and door panels, depending on the options. It tried to hide the low-quality plastics from the center stack and center console with a two-tone color scheme. In the rear, there was a tight room for three passengers, but enough for two.

Chevrolet installed Opel or VM Motori-sourced gasoline and turbo-diesel engines paired as standard to a 5-speed manual under the hood. For selected markets and versions, GM provided an automatic gearbox for the Lacetti/Nubira.

GM continued the Daewoo Motor Corporation’s projects and, thanks to its know-how, it managed to release a refreshed Nubira range in 2002, which received a facelifted version in 2004.
In the sedan and hatchback style, the Nubira/Lacetti was an adequate vehicle, with a decent price and just enough features for a family. It was an econobox that could offer enough for less money than its competitors. The station wagon followed the same guidelines, but the low demand for that kind of bodyworks made the sales even slow. Still, it kept the Nubira/Lacetti brand on more car segments.

While the 2002 version featured rounded shapes and narrow angles, the facelifted version brought a bigger pair of headlights and a wider chromed grille with three slats. Depending on the trim level, the Lacetti sported a pair of fog lights in the bumper. From its sides, the dark-colored B- and C-pillars made it look above the budget-car segment. The rear end was redesigned, and a new pair of taillights made their way on the quarter panels. On the plus sides, the Lacetti station wagon featured a low loading sill for the trunk.

Inside, the carmaker installed a better interior and included wood trims on the dashboard and door panels, depending on the options. It tried to hide the low-quality plastics from the center stack and center console with a two-tone color scheme. In the rear, there was a tight room for three passengers, but enough for two.

Chevrolet installed Opel or VM Motori-sourced gasoline and turbo-diesel engines paired as standard to a 5-speed manual under the hood. For selected markets and versions, GM provided an automatic gearbox for the Lacetti/Nubira.