Daewoo Evanda 2.0 V6

How many models does it take to mark a car manufacturer as successful? Ten? Five? Daewoo makes do with only three in the UK, but the Evanda would be a welcome addition. A capable successor to the Leganza, this spacious four-door showcases the firm's technology, and has a smooth new six-cylinder engine.

Auto Express Car Reviews

By Charley Chae

April 2003

How many models does it take to mark a car manufacturer as successful? Ten? Five? Daewoo makes do with only three in the UK, but the Evanda would be a welcome addition. A capable successor to the Leganza, this spacious four-door showcases the firm's technology, and has a smooth new six-cylinder engine.

Seen here in Korean spec, the Giugiaro-designed Evanda continues the smart corporate styling first seen on the latest Nubira. Inside, the plastics are of high quality and there is plenty of standard-fit equipment, but it's the mechanicals which impress most.

A new 2.0-litre straight-six has been added to the range, offering 140bhp and performance to rival budget executive class leaders. Thanks to a ΂£100million development programme, the new compact powerplant is the size of a conventional four-cylinder unit, and offers impressive refinement. Feeding power to the front wheels, the engine will let Daewoo take on rivals from the class above, and shows how serious the firm is about expanding its product range.

The Evanda is already on sale in Europe, but it looks like UK customers will have to wait. Due to the cost of conversion from left to right-hand drive, bosses have yet to be convinced that there is a profitable market for the Hyundai Sonata rival in Britain. However, work is already underway on the next-generation model, earmarked to come to the UK as a right-hooker in 2006.

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