Click on image to view the full photo gallery
Daewoo Espero KLEJ 1.8 i (95 Hp)
Overall Rating
Daewoo Espero:
The Daewoo Espero is a four-door, five-seater mid-sized saloon produced by the South Korean company Daewoo Motors from September 1990 to 1997. The Espero was the first car entirely developed by Daewoo, which until then had only manufactured models developed by Opel. With the body designed by Bertone, the model is based on the platform of the Daewoo LeMans, a badge engineered version of the Opel Kadett E manufactured in South Korea. The engines were supplied by Holden, with options ranging from the GM Family 1 1. 5L to the GM Family II 2. 0L. The Espero was replaced by the Daewoo Nubira in 1997, but continued to be produced until 2002 in Eastern Europe....(Read more on Wikipedia)
KLEJ Overview:
Daewoo Espero (KLEJ). With 145 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~11.8 l/100km). Weighing only 1085 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 11 s). The top speed reaches 180 km/h. A four-door car with a separate trunk, ideal for families and daily commuting. Seating for 4 makes it ideal for daily use.
The Daewoo Espero (KLEJ) was not tested by Euro NCAP. As a vehicle from the mid-1990s, its safety features would be rudimentary compared to modern standards, likely lacking advanced passive and active safety systems common in later models.
1.8 i (95 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Offers a respectable balance of power and acceleration, feeling quite sprightly for its class with the manual gearbox, making it engaging to drive.
Fuel Economy
Good fuel efficiency for its displacement, making it a cost-effective choice for varied driving conditions.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Spacious interior and large boot capacity
- • Affordable purchase price and generally low running costs (especially manual variants)
- • Comfortable ride quality for its class
- • Distinctive Giugiaro-designed exterior styling
Cons:
- • Dated safety features with no Euro NCAP rating
- • Automatic transmissions significantly dull performance and economy
- • Interior quality can feel basic compared to European rivals
- • Resale value often low due to brand perception and age
Specifications:
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Daewoo |
| Model: | Espero |
| Generation: | KLEJ |
| Modification (Engine): | 1.8 i (95 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1995 |
| End of production: | 1999 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 4 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 95 Hp @ 5400 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 52.9 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 145 Nm @ 2800 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | C18LE |
| Engine displacement: | 1796 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | OHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 4.25 l |
| Coolant: | 8 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 84.8 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 79.5 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 8.8:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 11.8 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 5.7 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 7 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 11 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 11 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 180 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 11.4 kg/Hp, 87.6 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 7.5 kg/Nm, 133.6 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 10.5 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1085 |
| Max. weight: | 1630 |
| Max load: | 545 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 560 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 50 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4615 mm mm |
| Width: | 1718 mm mm |
| Height: | 1388 mm mm |
| Wheelbase: | 2620 mm mm |
| Front track: | 1426 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1423 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| 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 | 185/65 R14 |
| Wheel rims size | 14 |
| Front suspension | Spring Strut |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
Your first impression of the Daewoo Espero in one word? Go!