GM Daewoo rolled out two new models today on Jeju Island: the Lacetti Sport Wagon and Lacetti Diesel.

The new vehicles give GM Daewoo a comprehensive diesel lineup, from SUVs to compact and midsize sedans, and a range of body styles. The Lacetti Diesel Sedan, Hatchback and Sport Wagon introduced today complement the highly acclaimed diesel Winstorm SUV and Tosca Diesel premium sedan, which debuted in 2006.

"While demand for diesel-powered passenger cars in Korea has been limited, we believe fuel-efficient and fun-to-drive alternative propulsion technologies such as diesel enjoy great potential," said GM Daewoo President and CEO Michael A. Grimaldi. "With the release of the three diesel-powered Lacettis, we are further tapping into what we see as a potential growth segment in Korea."

GM Daewoo now offers two variants of its state-of-the-art direct fuel injection common-rail diesel engines in Korea. Both have 2.0-liter displacements and are tuned to meet the characteristics of their respective models.

All GM Daewoo eco-friendly diesel vehicles are equipped with a maintenance-free DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) and EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation). They all meet the Euro IV standard, reducing emissions by about 50 percent compared to common Euro III-compliant engines without sacrificing performance.

The Lacetti¡¯s 2.0-liter TCDi (Turbocharger Common-Rail Direct Injection) engine generates 89 kW (121 ps) at 3,800 rpm and maximum torque of 28.6 kg.m (280 Nm) at 2,000 rpm. The four-valve powerplant features a state-of-the-art Bosch common-rail system, which injects diesel fuel directly into the engine¡¯s combustion chambers at a pressure of up to 1,600 bar.

Ninety percent of the maximum torque is generated throughout a wide rpm zone of between 1,800 and 3,400 rpm, providing supreme performance. This gives the three diesel-powered Lacettis superior pulling and climbing power compared to similarly powered gasoline models. The Lacetti Diesel can reach a top speed of 188 km/h (Sedan and Hatchback versions with an automatic transmission), which is further testimony to its remarkable performance.

Excellent fuel efficiency is a hallmark of the Lacetti Diesel, which benefits from an advanced five-speed automatic transmission, a first among Korean-built cars in its segment. The Lacetti Sedan and Hatchback with a manual transmission achieve fuel efficiency of 18.4 km per liter, which exceeds the already excellent Lacetti 1.6-liter gasoline model by approximately 30 percent. The versions with an automatic transmission achieve fuel efficiency of 14.9 km per liter. In combination with its 60-liter fuel tank, the Lacetti Diesel can be driven up to 1,100 km (900 km in versions with an automatic transmission).

The only Sport Wagon from a Korean automaker, the Lacetti Diesel Sport Wagon offers a one-of-a-kind combination of sedan-like comfort and driving performance thanks to its low center of gravity. It also offers abundant space for luggage and flexibility that rivals that of compact SUVs while at the same time exceeding them substantially in fuel economy. Moreover, all these virtues come at a lower price compared to typical 2.0-liter minivans and compact SUVs.

The generous headroom for the driver and front-seat passenger (1,000 mm) and the plentiful legroom in the rear (932 mm) are both best in class. The Sport Wagon boasts luggage space (VDA standard) of 400 liters with the seats upright and 1,410 liters with the seats folded down. The flexibility of the interior is second to none. Seatbacks can be folded in a ratio of 60:40, an aluminum-look roof rack comes standard, and not fewer than 25 trays and holders offer additional storage that make the Lacetti an ideal vehicle for leisure activities.

Thanks to its optimal curb weight (automatic transmission, standard trim level) of 1,360 kg, the Sport Wagon offers a very competitive "power-to-weight" ratio of 11.2 kg/ps, which results in superior performance.

The refreshing exterior styling of the Lacetti Sport Wagon is based on the Lacetti four-door Sedan. Professionals at the GM Daewoo Design Center in Incheon gave it its stylish rear. Together with vertically styled eye-catching taillamps, the extended straight side character line enhances the attractive look of the Sport Wagon.

"The Lacetti is a true global vehicle. It has received several awards around the world, and in 2006 became the second-largest export vehicle from Korea, with 200,000 complete vehicles and 214,000 vehicle kits shipped," said Grimaldi.

"The Lacetti Diesel variants will raise the bar higher in regions like Europe, where diesel cars account for more than half of the market," he added "while the Sport Wagon will offer the ideal choice for those looking for space and flexibility, good fuel efficiency, comfort and driving pleasure, all at a very attractive price."

The price of the Lacetti Diesel Sedan with a manual transmission: LUX KRW 15.3 ~ 15.9 million  Platinum KRW 16.1 ~ 16.8 million; the Hatchback: Diamond KRW 16.9 million; the Sport Wagon:  EX KRW 14.4 million and Platinum KRW 16.4 million.