English
Lietuvių
Latviešu
Eesti
Polski
Русский
Українська
Deutsch
Nederlands
Čeština
Slovenčina
Svenska
Norsk
Dansk
Suomi
Daewoo Nubira: bodies, engines and what to check when buying
Daewoo Nubira — a compact family car, first produced in South Korea in 1997 and sold with sedan, hatchback and estate bodies. We look at how the versions differ, which engines were offered and what to check before buying.
Nubira in brief
The Nubira was Daewoo's compact family car offering, designed to compete with models like the Opel Astra or Ford Focus. It was known for its spacious interior, simple construction and low price.
The model was offered with a four-door sedan, five-door hatchback and estate bodies. The estate was particularly praised for its large boot and practicality.
Which version to choose
The first version was launched in 1997, and around 1999 it was refreshed with a revised front end and interior. The refreshed version is usually better equipped and more modern.
If there's a choice, it's better to go for the refreshed version, as it's newer and often in better condition. The body type depends on your needs: estate — for the family, sedan — for daily driving.
Engines and gearboxes
The Nubira was offered with four-cylinder petrol engines, roughly 1.6 l, 1.8 l and 2.0 l in capacity. The larger engine provides significantly better performance, but also higher fuel consumption.
The gearbox — manual or automatic. Manual gearboxes are more commonly found.
What to check when buying a used Nubira
Inspect the body for rust: look at the sills, wheel arches, door sills, and rear sections. As these cars are old, rust and poorly repaired bodies are common.
Check the engine's operation, the timing belt replacement history, the cooling system, and for any oil leaks. Test the clutch, gearbox, and brakes.
Finding parts can be tricky since the model is no longer in production. Check if you can source the necessary components, especially for the body and interior, and ask for service records.
Trim levels
Names and equipment vary by market and year; we list the versions and trims most commonly found in Europe.
Nubira (pirmoji versija)
From 1997The base model version.
- Petrol engines range from 1.6 to 2.0 litres
- Saloon, hatchback, and estate body styles
- Basic interior trim
Nubira (atnaujinta)
From around 1999Updated version with a revised front end and interior.
- Redesigned front end
- Updated interior trim
- Often — more equipment
Comparing versions
| Pirmoji versija | Atnaujinta | |
|---|---|---|
| Who it's for | A budget daily driver | Something a bit more modern |
| Engine | 1.6–2.0-litre petrol | 1.6–2.0-litre petrol |
| Body styles | Saloon, hatchback, estate | Saloon, hatchback, estate |
| Price in the used market (relatively) | € | € |
If you can, go for the updated version as it's newer. The key things are the body condition and service history.
Pros
- Spacious interior
- Low purchase price
- Simple construction
- Estate version with a large boot
Cons
- Prone to rust
- Finding parts can be tricky
- Less safety features than modern cars
Frequently asked questions
What body styles were available?
Four-door saloon, five-door hatchback and estate.
What engines were fitted to the Nubira?
Petrol four-cylinder engines, roughly 1.6, 1.8 and 2.0 litres in capacity.
Is the Nubira suitable for a family?
Yes, especially the estate, which boasts a large boot and spacious interior. Given its age, it's worth thoroughly checking the mechanical condition.
Updated 2026-10-19 · Trim levels and equipment vary by market and model year — check the equipment of the specific car. · Translated automatically
