The Daewoo Prince 1.9i, produced between 1993 and 1999, represented a significant step for the South Korean automaker into the mid-size sedan market. Positioned as a more upscale offering within Daewoo’s early lineup, the Prince aimed to provide a comfortable and relatively well-equipped vehicle, primarily targeted towards family buyers. The 1.9i variant, equipped with a 103 horsepower engine and a four-speed automatic transmission, was a popular choice, offering a balance between affordability and convenience. The Prince was based on the underpinnings of the former GM-Daewoo collaboration, sharing some components with vehicles like the Holden Commodore in Australia, though heavily localized for the Korean market and subsequent export efforts.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Daewoo |
| Model | Prince |
| Generation | Prince |
| Type (Engine) | 1.9i (103 Hp) |
| Start of production | 1993 |
| End of production | 1999 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Maximum speed | 175 km/h (108.74 mph) |
| Power | 103 Hp @ 5200 rpm |
| Power per litre | 54.3 Hp/l |
| Torque | 153 Nm @ 2800 rpm (112.85 lb.-ft. @ 2800 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine displacement | 1897 cm3 (115.76 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 93 mm (3.66 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 69.8 mm (2.75 in.) |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 460 l (16.24 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 70 l (18.49 US gal | 15.4 UK gal) |
| Length | 4802 mm (189.06 in.) |
| Width | 1720 mm (67.72 in.) |
| Height | 1417 mm (55.79 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2670 mm (105.12 in.) |
| Front track | 1435 mm (56.5 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1412 mm (55.59 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 4 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
| Front brakes | Disc |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 195/70 R14 |
| Wheel rims size | 14 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Prince 1.9i was the 1897cc (1.9L) inline-four cylinder engine. This engine, often referred to by its internal code, utilized a multi-port fuel injection system to deliver fuel to the cylinders. The engine featured a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) valvetrain with two valves per cylinder. While not a particularly high-performance engine, it was known for its relative smoothness and durability. The four-speed automatic transmission was a conventional hydraulic unit, providing relatively smooth shifts but lacking the sophistication of more modern automatic gearboxes. The transmission was geared towards comfort and fuel economy rather than outright acceleration. The engine’s longitudinal mounting and rear-wheel drive configuration were somewhat unusual for a vehicle of this class, particularly in the early 1990s, and reflected the influence of the Holden Commodore platform.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.9i automatic Prince offered a comfortable, if not particularly exciting, driving experience. With 103 horsepower, acceleration was adequate for everyday driving, but overtaking maneuvers required careful planning. The automatic transmission’s gear ratios were optimized for fuel efficiency, meaning the engine often felt strained when pushed hard. Compared to the manual transmission versions of the Prince, the automatic suffered a noticeable performance deficit. The rear-wheel drive layout provided a balanced feel, but the relatively soft suspension tuning prioritized ride comfort over sharp handling. The steering, while precise, lacked significant feedback.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Prince 1.9i typically came equipped with a reasonable level of standard features for its price point. These included power steering, air conditioning, and a basic audio system. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, with a relatively simple dashboard layout. Optional extras included power windows, central locking, and upgraded audio systems. Higher trim levels offered features like alloy wheels and a sunroof. The 1.9i automatic was generally positioned as a mid-range trim, offering a good balance of features and affordability. It sat below the higher-spec models that might have featured larger engines or more luxurious appointments.
Chassis & Braking
The Prince utilized a conventional chassis design with an independent wishbone suspension at the front and a coil spring suspension at the rear. The front brakes were disc brakes, providing adequate stopping power, while the rear brakes were drum brakes, a cost-saving measure common in vehicles of this era. An anti-lock braking system (ABS) was often included as standard equipment, enhancing safety. The suspension was tuned for comfort, resulting in a relatively soft ride. Stabilizer bars were fitted to both the front and rear axles to reduce body roll during cornering, but the overall handling characteristics were geared towards everyday usability rather than sporty performance.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Daewoo Prince 1.9i received mixed reviews from automotive critics. It was generally praised for its comfortable ride, spacious interior, and relatively affordable price. However, it was often criticized for its lack of performance, particularly in the automatic transmission guise. Compared to other mid-size sedans available at the time, such as the Ford Mondeo or Opel Vectra, the Prince offered a less refined driving experience but a more competitive price. Fuel economy was reasonable, but not class-leading. Reliability was generally considered to be average, with some reports of minor electrical issues.
Legacy
The Daewoo Prince, while not a groundbreaking vehicle, played an important role in establishing Daewoo as a credible automaker in the global market. The 1.9i automatic variant, while not the most desirable version from a performance standpoint, remains a relatively common sight on used car markets. The engine and transmission combination proved to be reasonably durable, and parts availability is generally good. Today, the Prince is often appreciated by enthusiasts for its retro styling and simple, straightforward mechanicals. It represents a unique chapter in automotive history, showcasing the ambitions of a South Korean automaker striving to compete on the world stage.
