LAST CHANCE TO BUY . . . DAEWOO LACETTI

When is it going?

The Lacetti only arrived last year, and it won't be disappearing altogether, but along with the rest of Daewoo, it's getting a brand new badge - Chevrolet. So, before the Lacetti goes all global with a Chevy nameplate, here is your

last opportunity to buy a good old-fashioned Daewoo.

What's good about it?

It was designed by the legendary Giorgetto Giugiaro, who styled the original Golf. He doesn't always design masterpieces, and this isn't one, but it's a lot more stylish than most of the cheap-and-cheerful cars that come from the Far East. What you get is a neat five-door hatchback with a choice of 1.4, 1.6 or 1.8 petrol engines. There is just the one trim level to go with each engine, which is refreshing not least because every car has ABS brakes, power steering, twin airbags and electric front windows. Apparently, the Lacetti is the last model to be based on old Daewoo technology, and considering the Nubira, that is no bad thing. In future, there will be General Motors underpinnings, but the current car handles nicely, is reasonably refined, and has a decent ride. Three years of free servicing is a plus, as is the buying package detailed below.

What's bad about it?

Not a great deal. You could be picky about the materials used on the interior, but then, you get what you pay for. Some find the 1.6 engine a bit noisy, and when the road gets rough, the Lacetti can jump around a bit. But for the price, there's nothing to complain about.

How much?

Arguably, one of the cleverest things you could do is to buy a new Lacetti from your local Daewoo dealer, and then, when it becomes a Chevrolet dealer, it simply replaces the car you bought with a brand new one, but with a Chevy badge on it. Brilliant. If you don't think that is a good deal, then there are still companies who can get you money off. Virgin Cars (0870 766 3311) may have some pre- registered models, and a 1.4 SE that normally sells for pounds 9,400 was down to pounds 7,699; and a 1.6 SX that is usually pounds 10,390 was pounds 7,999 (although those are not on-the-road prices).

Any snags?

It's too new to tell.

FACT FILE

Launched 2004

Engine 1.4, 1.6, 1.8

Performance 1.6: top speed 116mph 0-60mph 10.5 secs

Economy 39.8mpg

NCAP Not tested. ABS brakes and airbags as standard