The Daewoo Nexia Hatchback, specifically the KLETN variant powered by a 1.5-liter inline-four engine producing 75 horsepower and paired with a four-speed automatic transmission, was a relatively short-lived model produced between 1995 and 1997. It represented an entry-level offering within the Nexia range, aimed at buyers prioritizing affordability and ease of use over outright performance. The Nexia itself was a significant model for Daewoo, representing the company’s attempt to establish a foothold in the competitive compact car segment, particularly in European and emerging markets. This hatchback body style offered a more practical alternative to the sedan, appealing to those needing increased cargo versatility.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Daewoo |
| Model | Nexia |
| Generation | Nexia Hatchback (KLETN) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.5 i (75 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | 1995 |
| End of production | 1997 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 3-5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 9.3 l/100 km (25.3 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 5.1 l/100 km (46.1 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 6.3 l/100 km (37.3 US mpg) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 12.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 12.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 11.9 sec |
| Maximum speed | 163 km/h (101.28 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 12.4 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7.5 kg/Nm |
| Power | 75 Hp @ 5400 rpm |
| Torque | 123 Nm @ 3200 rpm (90.72 lb.-ft. @ 3200 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | G15MF |
| Engine displacement | 1498 cm3 (91.41 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 76.5 mm (3.01 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 81.5 mm (3.21 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 9.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | OHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 3.75 l (3.96 US qt | 3.3 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 6.2 l (6.55 US qt | 5.46 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 927 kg (2043.69 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1442 kg (3179.07 lbs.) |
| Max load | 515 kg (1135.38 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 390 l (13.77 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 720 l (25.43 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 50 l (13.21 US gal | 11 UK gal) |
| Length | 4256 mm (167.56 in.) |
| Width | 1662 mm (65.43 in.) |
| Height | 1393 mm (54.84 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2520 mm (99.21 in.) |
| Front track | 1400 mm (55.12 in.) |
| Rear track | 1406 mm (55.35 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 4 |
| Gearbox type | Automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Suspension with traction connecting levers |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 175/70 R13; 185/60 R14 |
| Wheel rims size | 5J x 13; 5.5J x 14 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the KLETN Nexia Hatchback is the G15MF 1.5-liter inline-four cylinder engine. This engine, a relatively simple design, featured a single overhead camshaft (OHC) operating two valves per cylinder. Fuel delivery was handled by a multi-port fuel injection system, a step up from earlier carburetor-equipped Daewoo models. The G15MF produced 75 horsepower at 5400 rpm and 90.72 lb.-ft. of torque at 3200 rpm. This engine was known for its durability, though it wasn’t particularly powerful or refined. The four-speed automatic transmission was a common unit for the time, offering smooth, if not particularly quick, shifts. It was designed to prioritize fuel economy and ease of driving over sporty performance. The transmission’s gear ratios were optimized for relaxed cruising and acceptable acceleration in urban environments.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.5-liter engine and automatic transmission combination resulted in a driving experience best described as adequate. Acceleration was leisurely, taking approximately 12.5 seconds to reach 62 mph. The automatic transmission, while convenient, did sap some of the engine’s limited power. Compared to the available manual transmission, the automatic version felt noticeably slower. The gear ratios were spaced to favor fuel efficiency, meaning the engine often felt strained during overtaking maneuvers or when climbing hills. However, for everyday commuting and city driving, the Nexia 1.5 Automatic provided a comfortable and predictable ride.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Nexia 1.5 Automatic typically came with a basic level of equipment. Standard features generally included power steering, central locking, and a basic audio system. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, and the dashboard featured a functional, if somewhat utilitarian, design. Optional extras, depending on the market, could include air conditioning, power windows, and upgraded audio systems. The KLETN trim level represented a mid-range offering, positioned above the most basic versions but below any potential special editions.
Chassis & Braking
The Nexia Hatchback utilized a front-wheel-drive layout with a relatively simple suspension setup. The front suspension employed wishbone components, while the rear featured a suspension system with traction connecting levers. Braking duties were handled by ventilated discs at the front and drum brakes at the rear. An Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was often included as standard equipment, enhancing safety. The suspension was tuned for comfort, providing a reasonably smooth ride over uneven road surfaces. The chassis was relatively lightweight, contributing to the car’s modest fuel economy.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Daewoo Nexia 1.5 Automatic was generally viewed as a practical and affordable option in the compact car segment. Critics acknowledged its value for money but often pointed to its lack of refinement and relatively low performance. Compared to other trims in the Nexia lineup, such as those with the manual transmission or potentially larger engine options (if available in certain markets), the 1.5 Automatic offered less engaging driving dynamics. However, it appealed to buyers who prioritized ease of use and fuel economy. Fuel economy figures of around 37.3 US mpg combined were competitive for the time.
Legacy
The Daewoo Nexia, and specifically the 1.5-liter automatic variant, has developed a reputation for being a reliable and relatively inexpensive to maintain vehicle. The G15MF engine is known for its durability, and parts availability, while diminishing, remains reasonable. In the used car market, these Nexias are often sought after as affordable transportation for students or as a first car. While not a particularly exciting vehicle, the Nexia 1.5 Automatic served its purpose as a dependable and economical compact car during its brief production run, and continues to offer basic transportation for those seeking a budget-friendly option.
