The entry-level 1.4-litre version of Chevrolet’s Lacetti undeniably offers a great deal for the money. Jonathan Crouch checks it out
Probably the most positive thing you can say about Chevrolet’s Lacetti is that should you choose to park one on your driveway, the neighbours will assume you’ve bought something much more expensive. Certainly more than the £9,995 your dealer will relieve you of for the 1.4-litre SE Five-Door version we’ve been driving here.
A recent package of changes aims to further strengthen the car’s value proposition. So despite the fact that this variant’s price has recently been reduced, it still now additionally comes with alloy wheels, an alarm and rear parking sensors.
The Lacetti was the last of the products developed by the old Daewoo organisation and given that pen was being put to paper on this car when the balance sheet wasn’t looking to rosy, you might expect a few corners to have been cut, especially on this entry-level version. In fact, your first impressions are likely to be very positive. For a start, as already suggested, it looks right. This, you might expect, given that the lines come courtesy of Italian styling house Italdesign (also responsible for Chevrolet’s smaller Kalos supermini). They did this five-door Hatch version but not the saloon and Station Wagon models that also sit on this platform. These extra derivatives however, are not offered with the 94bhp 1.4-litre petrol engine we look at here.
This powerplant is a modern 16-valve unit as you would expect and has a big job to do, given that for the time being, Chevrolet has no diesel option to offer budget-minded Family Hatchback buyers. This unit also sits in the top version of the Kalos and as in that installation, feels smooth and vibration-free. Puling power isn’t a major feature (the maximum torque figure of 131Nm at 4,400rpm means enthusiastic drivers will need to make full use of the 5-speed gearbox) but fuel consumption at 39.2mpg on the combined cycle is reasonable. You’ll be opting for the 1.6 or 1.8-litre versions if performance is a higher priority but, for the record, the 1.4-litre car accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 11.6 seconds on the way to 109mph.
"This entry-level 1.4-litre model probably makes the most sense in the Lacetti line-up. …"
Break out the tape measure and you’ll find that the Lacetti’s wheelbase is a full 2600mm long, longer than cars like the Alfa 156 and the Audi A3. Given that this car competes against Focus-sized Family Hatchbacks and that most cars in the next Mondeo-sized class up campaign with a wheelbase of around 2670mm, you’ll appreciate that this Chevrolet offers a surprising amount of room. With 932mm of rear legroom and 275 litres of boot volume, you’ll not feel claustrophobic in the back of a Lacetti. Fold the rear bench down, keep a keen eye open for animal welfare types and you’ll be able to swing a generously sized cat in the 1,045 litres of fresh air at your disposal.
The rear light clusters are an interesting design feature, bisected as they are by the shutline of the hatchback, and the stub tail and roofline of the car look very much like a Vauxhall Astra -which may be something less than a coincidence. The almond-shaped clear glass headlamps and well-defined wheel arches are signature post millennial design features and the Lacetti looks the part even in traditionally frumpy five-door guise. A three-door model isn’t offered which is something of a shame, as this would be quite a looker.
Just how much value the interior designers attached to passenger comfort is evidenced not only by the steps they took to maximise sound insulation, but also by their attention to detail. The divided rear seat bench can be folded down in a ratio of 40:60, and there are many trays and holders to keep things tidy: cup-holders in the front centre console, a pocket on the side of the front passenger seat, compartments in all four doors and a ticket clip in the driver's sun visor. Other practical features are the central locking system and tinted windows. Power steering, ABS, dual front airbags, power windows at the front, central door locking with keyless entry, electric front windows, a remote release for the boot, height-adjustable driver's seat and adjustable steering wheel rake are all standard. You’ll need to trade up to the £11,415 1.6SX version if you want air conditioning.
On our French test route, we found that the ride and handling had been optimised for European driving conditions, Chevrolet having done most of their chassis tuning at MIRA near Nuneaton. Twin front and side airbags, four-channel anti lock braking and five three-point seat belts are offered as standard, the front belts featuring load limiters.
The entry-level Lacetti probably makes the most sense. It was a good deal more appealing than we were expecting and with the right deal on the table, could make much more sense than many of the cars further up the Family Hatchback buyer’s usual shopping list.
Facts At A Glance
CAR: Chevrolet Lacetti 1.4SE 5-door
PRICE: £9,995 – on the road
INSURANCE GROUP: 5
CO2 EMISSIONS: 171g/km
PERFORMANCE: 0-60mph – 11.6s / Max Speed – 109mph
FUEL CONSUMPTION: (combined) 39.2mpg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front and side airbags, anti-lock brakes
WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE ?: Length/Width/Heightmm 1925/1452/1180mm