Acceleration

SE sdn, man.	CDX wgn, auto.	Class Average
3	3	3.7

Test automatic-equipped CDX wagon ambled to 60 mph in 10.1 sec--lackluster for a modern small car. The transmission sometimes shifts with a lurch, but works well otherwise.

Fuel Economy

SE sdn, man.	CDX wgn, auto.	Class Average
7	7	6.7

Our test vehicles have averaged from about 20 mpg in mainly city use to 31 in mostly highway driving, midpack by current class standards.

Ride Quality

SE sdn, man.	CDX wgn, auto.	Class Average
4	4	4.1

Suspension is fairly supple, so ride becomes choppy mainly when the pavement does. Mild "float" is a minor annoyance over large humps and dips.

Steering/Handling/Braking

SE sdn, man.	CDX wgn, auto.	Class Average
4	4	4.9

Conservative tires limit grip, but cornering is nimble and front-drive safe despite moderate body lean and front-end scrubbing in tight turns.

Quietness

SE sdn, man.	CDX wgn, auto.	Class Average
3	3	3.6

Like Daewoo's smaller Lanos, Nubira suffers marked engine thrash at high rpm but is fairly relaxed at moderate cruising speeds, where wind and road noise are also acceptably low.

Controls

SE sdn, man.	CDX wgn, auto.	Class Average
6	6	5.6

Typical modern small car, but audio controls need work, and dash vents don't push much air without the fan going full blast. Some tall drivers may wish that the tilt wheel lifted higher. Interior finish and materials surprisingly nice.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

SE sdn, man.	CDX wgn, auto.	Class Average
4	4	4.4

Head, leg, and hip room are more than sufficient for up to 6-footers, but seat shape and padding aren't the best.

Room/Comfort (rear)

SE sdn, man.	CDX wgn, auto.	Class Average
3	3	3.2

Cabin width precludes more than two adults, and they'll sit knees-up if a front seat is pushed far back. Head and underseat toe room are good for a car this small.

Cargo Room

SE sdn, man.	CDX wgn, auto.	Class Average
3	7	3.3

Sedans have slightly better than average trunk space for the class. The wagon equals Saturn's S-Series model for cargo room and utility, but Ford's taller Focus wagon beats them both.

Value within Class

SE sdn, man.	CDX wgn, auto.	Class Average
2	2	4.7

Nubira may be attractive on a features-for-money basis, but most rivals have much longer warranties. And with the future of its sketchy dealer network clouded by the GM deal, long-term prospects of Daewoo service and parts availability is questionable. Resale values are likely to plummet from already-low levels, making any Daewoo a risky purchase--at any price.

Total Score

SE sdn, man.	CDX wgn, auto.	Class Average
39	43	44.2

Scores for all Compact Cars

Low Score		31
Average Score		44
High Score		61