REVIEWS AND ROAD TESTS

Luxury according to Daewoo

The Leganza, Daewoo’s top-of-the-line model, is an astonishing sedan. Its name comes from two italian words: "elegante" (elegant) and "forza" (power). Giorgetto Guigiaro, grand master with Ital Design of Italy, was chosen to style this attractive Asian automobile.The passenger compartment of the Leganza is both luxurious and user- friendly. The car boasts a long list of equipment, enough to make it the envy of its competitors. It features power windows and door locks, automatic air conditioning, an AM-FM stereo with a graphic equalizer (a little too flashy) and an optional CD changer positioned in the trunk, not to mention a sunroof with a ventilated screen to keep heads cool. The 8-position adjustable driver’s seat ensures an excellent driving position along with good comfort during long rides.

At most of the auto shows I attended, I noticed many people closely examining the Leganza and everyone seemed impressed with its overall quality. However, if you’re an automotive industry connoisseur and you take a particularly close look at the finish you’ll soon see that some details need rethinking. The leather upholstery, for example, isn’t as smooth as it is some rival models; the small air ducts are hard to adjust and the horn assembly and other controls show inconsistent quality. The graphic equalizer is almost illegible in full daylight. Except for these few drawbacks, other instruments are clear and easy to read, rear-seat passengers enjoy a decent amount of space and the split folding rear seat adds cargo room, already very respectable at 400 litres, enough to take on the baggage lugged around by four adults. As a bonus, it even offers easy access.With its European look, the Leganza is aimed at the same buyers as the Sonata, its direct rival in South Korea. Still, the latest generation Sonata, equipped with a V6 engine, appears to be more refined. The Leganza has simple and elegant exterior lines along with a short rear fascia. Its chrome front grille is flanked by fog lamps and exclusive projector-type headlights. When you get right down to it, the Leganza boasts many features usually found in more expensive vehicles.

Under the hood is a 2.2-litre DOHC engine with a 131-hp output at 5,400 rpm and 148 pound-feet of torque at 4,400 rpm. While its fuel economy is remarkable, the Leganza runs out of breath when asked to climb uphill. The four-speed automatic transmission has a good gear ratio that makes optimal use of the mechanical system and shifting is precise and smooth. At cruising speed, the Leganza is completely quiet and its big four-cylinder engine purrs. But as soon as it’s pushed a bit hard, the very same feline growls with the same sound typical of much rougher and gruffer high-performance sport models.

Four disc brakes are backed by an ABS system. On the preproduction model we tested, the pedal was firm at times but stopping was always progressive and linear. The Hankook 205/60R15 tires provide outstanding grip, even on snow, and the optional traction control system is crucial only in extreme circumstances. The Leganza is fitted with an independent suspension featuring MacPherson struts, which ensures satisfactory road stability and the kind of smooth ride usually seen only on more expensive midsize sedans.

The Leganza’s rigid chassis is superbly quiet. But strangely, when the cruise control system is activated the car downshifts, accelerates beyond the desired speed, then settles down. This was a test drive on a preproduction model: so does the explanation lie in the cold weather conditions, the snowy roads or the fact that the model still needed some reworking? It’s hard to say. In my humble opinion, if Daewoo takes the time to rectify some finish details, the Leganza will have all it needs to take its rightful place in the four-cylinder midsize car category. And if it’s at all committed to achieving success, the next step will be better reliability and prime quality after-sales service.

 PROS
Nice styling
Smooth transmission
Detailed equipment

CONS
Questionable reliability
Limited dealer network
Sluggish engine

CRASH TEST (five stars indicate the best protection)
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