DAEWOO is preparing to make a quantum leap in terms of quality, style and packaging with its all-new Nubira, which goes on sale here next month.

The creation of top Italian design studio, Pininfarina, the sleek newcomer raises standards in the competitive medium family saloon sector, where spaciousness is an important factor.

A genuine five-seater saloon, the new Nubira makes the ambitious claim of offering more room inside, and especially in the rear, than any of its rivals.

New from the ground up, it benefits from the engineering expertise of its giant General Motors parentage, while remaining distinctly Daewoo in appearance.

However, that is where any resemblance to its lack-lustre predecessor ends, with its more powerful new engines and myriad of safety features.

Since the car-building arm of the Korean manufacturer was taken over last year by GM there has been a flurry of new cars entering the Daewoo showrooms. The Nubira joins the revamped Matiz, Kalos and Tacuma.

There are just two models in the Nubira showcase, a 1.6-litre for £10,995 on the road, and the flagship 1.8-litre CDX costing £1,000 more. Cars go on sale at the end of July.

What is important to existing Daewoo drivers is the knowledge that despite new owners and new looks, the cars still arrive with the three-year customer care package of free service, warranty and AA recovery.

Design specialists Pininfarina, who have given the Nubira its clean-cut coup-style lines, are also responsible for Maserati's latest Quattroporte luxury saloon, as well as many other good lookers from abroad.

Front-wheel drive, and a cabin designed for five, are also meant to make Nubira's entry into an already very crowded compact saloon market just that little bit easier.

It is well-equipped. Both models are fitted with front and side airbags for driver and front passenger, air conditioning, alloy wheels, powered windows all round, remote control central locking, a remote release for the boot, height-adjustable driver's seat together with adjustable steering wheel, electrically-operated door mirrors, six speaker audio system, leather covered steering wheel and gear knob, and also a cooled glove box. The 1.8-litre also offers automatic interior climate control, traction control, rain-sensing windscreen wipers, and front fog lamps. There is also the option of a four-speed automatic gearbox, for another £875, on the top-of-the-range model.

Although the car has been developed in Korea, there have been thousands of miles of European road tests to ensure comfortable ride qualities. There have been a number of modifications made to the suspension, with more responsive power steering and sportier spring and damper settings, designed for a happier mix of motorway and country lane driving. Also the cars are fitted with anti-lock disc brakes.

The engines are both 16-valve four-cylinder units, the 1.6-litre producing 109Ps and the 1.8-litre 122Ps. The 1.6-litre returns 39.8mpg at the combined cycle and has a 0-62mph dash time of 10.7-seconds, while the 1.8-litre accelerates to 62mph in 9.5-seconds and returns a modest 37.7mpg combined. Fitted with the four-speed automatic transmission, 0-62mph is reached in 10.7-seconds, but fuel consumption drops to 31.0mpg combined.

More new models are planned for the Daewoo range, a five-door hatchback and an estate.

The new five-door family hatchback Kalos range has just been given a boost by GM Daewoo, receiving two new engines, one a sprightly 1.2-litre four-cylinder which joins the entrhy level 1.2S and SE, and a 16-valve version of the existing 1.4-litre developing 94Ps provides the range flagship, the sporting 1.4-ltre SX.

Along with the existing 1.4-litre eight-valve SE and SX models, the Kalos line-up now extends to five derivatives.

Prices start from £7,495, with the flagship SX coming in at £8,995.

Updated: 11:32 Friday, June 27, 2003