Daewoo is hardly the most glamorous or popular of motoring marques but when the company launched the third-generation Nubira in 2003 it hoped that would change. Previously the Korean car maker had relied on low list prices to compensate for slightly off-the-pace engineering but the Nubira promised to be different.

With styling by Pininfarina, the design house that also creates Ferraris, and a well engineered multi-link rear suspension system, the Nubira hoped to steal sales from the motoring mainstream. But those enhancements also saw its list price creep dangerously close to rivals such as the Ford Focus and Skoda Octavia. As a result the public stayed away and new-car sales stalled, while on the used-car market the Nubira’s residual values headed south.

Five years on, with Daewoo now rebranded Chevrolet, the Nubira is no longer sold and is fast becoming a forgotten car. With used prices starting at just £2,500 and the promise of decent reliability and generous equipment levels, it deserves a second look.

Used buyers have a choice of two engines, both petrol (the absence of a diesel option did little for new sales volumes): a 1.6 litre, producing 108bhp, and a 1.8 litre, churning out 121bhp. Either engine is more than adequate: the 0-60mph times are 10.4sec and 9.2sec respectively. However, it is worth spending the extra £300 on the secondhand market for the larger engine since that version of the car gets additional equipment. All models have alloy wheels, remote central locking, air-con, front and side airbags and a height-adjustable driver’s seat. The 1.8 (badged Xtra Cool or CDX) boasts an upgrade to full climate control, a front arm rest, automatic wipers, traction control and a smattering of fake wood on the dashboard.

Slip behind the wheel and the Nubira is typical Far Eastern fare, a blend of cheap-looking but durable materials and unadventurous styling. All the main controls are conveniently placed, although the standard Sony stereo is ridiculously fiddly to operate (and lacks a CD player, of all things). The combination of height-adjustable driver’s seat and, on 1.8 models, a height and reach adjustment for the steering column makes it easy to get comfortable.

Rear passengers enjoy good headroom and legroom and the car will carry five adults in reasonable comfort, at least on shorter journeys. At 405 litres the boot is bigger than in many similarly sized hatchbacks and split folding rear seats provide more flexibility.

On the road the Nubira is set up for comfort rather than pace and when pushed quickly settles into predictable understeer. On the plus side, at a more modest pace the car rides well, has light steering and gives a relaxed drive. Buyers of the 1.8 litre model also have the option of an automatic gearbox; for an extra £200 it’s a cost-effective way of getting a serene drive – few owners miss the somewhat notchy feel of the standard manual gearbox.

One thing to bear in mind when considering the Nubira is its fuel consumption and emissions, especially with no diesel version available. This is not a particularly environmentally friendly car for its type, the 1.8 managing about 37mpg. Its CO2 emissions are high too: the 1.8 averages 183g/km, which puts it in band E for road tax (and only just below the band F threshold), meaning that road tax costs are on the high side, at £170 per year.

In terms of reliability, though, owners should have few problems. While previous Daewoos suffered from loose-fitting trim and minor mechanical problems, this model is well put together. When new, all Daewoo models benefited from a free three-year servicing package, so by the time a Nubira arrives on the secondhand market it should have a complete service record, which bodes well for reliability.

Secondhand examples of the Nubira may not be hugely plentiful, thanks to the modest new-car sales, but because the demand is small, finding a good used one is far from impossible. Many new cars found favour with cost-conscious private buyers; find a cherished example of one of these and you are onto a winner.

Alloy wheels Standard; check silver finish on larger 16in rims, which are standard on the 1.8 model and are prone to marking

Boot space Being a saloon, the Nubira is less flexible than many hatchbacks, but it has split folding rear seats and 405 litre capacity is still good

Gearbox Standard five-speed manual is a little notchy; four-speed auto adds just £200 to the cost of a used 1.8 CDX

Glove box Air-conditioned glove box is useful for storing drinks and food

Safety The Nubira was never tested by Euro NCAP but all cars come with front and side airbags, antilock braking and five three-point seatbelts; 1.8 also has traction control

Seats Driver’s seat is adjustable for height and comes with the bonus of a lumbar adjustment. The 1.8 also has a front arm rest with cupholders

Security Remote central locking and engine immobiliser as standard; alarm system was never an option

Servicing Due every 12 months or 10,000 miles, but three-year free servicing package on new models should ensure a complete service history

Stereo Standard-fit Sony radio cassette is fiddly, and many owners have upgraded to a CD unit: make sure the seller leaves it in the car

Vital statistics

Model Daewoo Nubira 1.8 CDX
Engine 1799cc, four cylinders
Power 121bhp
Transmission Five-speed manual
Fuel 37.7mpg (combined cycle)
Acceleration 0-60mph: 9.2sec
Top Speed 121mph
CO2 emissions 183g/km
Road tax band E (£170 for 12 months)
Cost new today No longer produced

Mileage
(10,000/20,000/40,000)

2003 03
Trade £2,500 £2,350 £2,050
Retail £3,795 £3,650 £3,375

2004 04
Trade £2,850 £2,700 £2,325
Retail £4,150 £3,995 £3,625

2005 05
Trade £3,225 £3,000 £2,474
Retail £4,525 £4,325 £3,875

The one to buy
A 2004 04 Daewoo Nubira 1.8 CDX with 40,000 miles on the clock.
Pay £3,625 at a dealer or £3,000 privately

Or for similar money
2002 02 Ford Focus 1.8 LX saloon
2002 52 Chrysler Neon 2.0 R/T
2003 53 Nissan Almera 1.8 SE
2003 53 Suzuki Liana 1.6 SE
2004 04 Rover 45 1.8 Club