Daewoo · 1990–2002

Daewoo Espero

The Daewoo Espero (also known as Daewoo Aranos in Spain) 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.

Text from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).

Successor: Daewoo Leganza

All Daewoo Espero data: UK builds, safety, recalls, model years →

Development

In the mid-1980s, Daewoo Motors was looking to enter in the mid-sized saloon market, which already had competitors like the Hyundai Sonata. To that end, it began developing a new model in 1986, codenamed "J-Car" (not to be confused with General Motors' J-Car, the multinational company's worldwide car project from the 1980s). It then acquired from Bertone a body design previously discarded by Citroën, which had been intended for the future successor of the Citroën BX. With access to General Motors technologies limited by contractual terms, Daewoo made extensive use of parts already being used on the Daewoo LeMans production. The steering, suspension, brakes and powertrain systems were the same as those used on the LeMans. The platform was also derived from the LeMans, but elongated between the B-pillar and the rear seat, as the Espero had a longer wheelbase than the LeMans. The Espero debuted on the Korean market in August 1990. The Espero achieved very good results in the wind tunnel, at 0.29 Cd.

Prototype

There was also a prototype that looked very similar to the Espero. This prototype is called DEV 2 (DEV meaning Daewoo Electric Vehicle) and was presented in 1995 at the Korea Motor Show in Seoul together with the Daewoo Bucrane concept, Tico concept, Nexia, Arcadia and the NGV3 concept. It was basically a version of the Espero but made out of recyclable materials which did not impact the environment. The DEV 2 had a redesigned front. This prototype was shown only in South Korea and only once at these fairs. It was painted white pearl and had 'DEV' badges in blue at the rear doors, its interior was white and the rims where a three spoke design and white as well. Under the hood it was powered by an electric motor which was a water-cooled AC induction motor (86 kW) with performance figures with 0–100 km (0-60 mph) acceleration of 13 seconds. Top speed was around 85 mph. 22 new lead acid batteries were laid on the floor of the body, and one charge distance of 80 km (49.7 miles) was carried out. It was said that the perfection was high but the performance and the range as an electric car was low.

Other Dimensions

== Asian == South Korea. In Korea, the Espero made its debut in August 1990. The styling was very different from the European Espero's, including no badge at the front but at the rear and on the steering wheel; the badge was black and had white three waves and white writing 'ESPERO' underneath it. The first version had different rear lights which the brake and indicator lights extended to the boot lid (though there were no illuminating lights at the boot lid) and differently styled hubcaps. In the pre-facelift, the range consisted of two models, named '1.5 DOHC' (being the base model) which had standard hubcaps and then the '2.0 SOHC' which had different styled hubcaps. The '2.0 SOHC' also had a version with package, being the top of the range model. In the cabin of the Korean Espero, a different steering wheel and an electronic dash was available with orange letters and accents. The steering wheel was slightly different from the three-spoke wheels in Europe, and more like the steering wheel from an Opel Vectra A/Vauxhall Cavalier MK3 except that the badge was different (again, the black emblem). No airbag was available. The front door cards were different: rather than the wrap-around design in European models, the vents were more square like and the grab handle was more ergonomic rather than just a pocket design. The centre console was flat and more angular. In late 1991, a facelift of the Espero was made. This included redesigned hubcaps (base model), a black badge saying 'ESPERO' at the rear, the rear lights were redesigned and now the black badge was put at the front. The boot opening was redesigned with a swivel badge over the keyhole to open the boot. This also meant the trim levels were revised, the base model being the 1.5 MPFi and the 2.0 MPFi (or with the pack

Europe

European imports began in January 1995 when it was one of two cars (the other being the Nexia) in the first European Daewoo range. It sold well, as a result of to its competitive asking price, notchback roofline with a steeply raked rear window, spacious interior, luggage compartment, equipment levels and the comprehensive aftersales package. Despite the fact the Espero also featured a couple of drawbacks, such as outdated interior design, mediocre fuel economy and a body which was fairly prone to corrosion, it still maintained popularity among price-conscious drivers. The Espero was launched just months before the Vauxhall Cavalier (Opel Vectra A) was discontinued and the Vauxhall Vectra (Opel Vectra B), the Cavalier's replacement, was introduced. In all European markets, there were option stickers at the back of the window in white writing ('ABS' for example). United Kingdom. When Daewoo arrived in the UK at the beginning of 1995, Daewoo was aiming the Espero to the Cavalier and Mondeo market, plus providing good promotions and offers in the package. This included a 3 year/60,000 mile warranty (this could be extended to a 5 year/100,000 mile warranty for an extra £350), a six-year anti-corrosion warranty, 3 years free servicing, maintenance and AA membership (which looked after breakdowns or accidents). Every replacement of parts were free, except for tyres. If the car broke down, needed servicing or was in an accident, they would bring a courtesy car. Once the vehicle was fixed, they gave the vehicle back and collected the courtesy car (this was in the AA membership). Plus, there was free delivery number plates, one-year free road tax and a full tank of petrol. There was also a free 'N' plate replacement for a free upgrade for the first 1,000 customers who bought a n

South America

=== Brazil === In 1994, the Espero was launched in the Brazilian market, imported from South Korea. Only one engine was available, the C20LE with multipoint fuel injection. The badging and details were just like the second facelift Espero in Korea (being in 1994). The following models were sold: Base Model (no added name) DLX CD The CD was the top-of-the-range model which included all the necessary extras with some options: electric sunroof, "CD" emblems at body wings, leather seats, driver's side air bag, ABS, CD player, and automatic transmission. All models had the three-spoke steering wheel (see Poland section). In 1995, the Espero was updated which included new badging, and minor changes to the exterior and interior. The rear "ESPERO" black badge remained. Only one trim level was available (CD). Some Espero's had a "2000i" emblem at the back to represent the engine type. Espero imports ceased in 1998.

Australia

=== Advertising === When Daewoo first came in Australia, they used the slogan in their advert, "The Daewoo Espero. Beware of expensive imitations". They claimed the boot was bigger than the Commodore and the Falcon and they also provided promotions which included a (whichever came first) 3 year/100,000 km warranty. The starting price was from $23,750. Production. In Australia it was sold from 1995 to 1997 before it was claimed to be replaced by the Leganza. Throughout its production, it was only powered by one engine, the 2.0 litre GM Family II engine. This engine was Australian built and was exported to other countries for assembly. There was also only one trim level, it was called the 'CD'. It was well equipped, this included all-round electric windows and electric mirrors, a five-speed manual gearbox, air-conditioning, power steering, remote trunk release and an AM/FM stereo radio with a CD player. There was also 'ESPERO 2.0i' emblems in white at the side skirts for the rear doors which no other markets have. The only optional items were a four-speed automatic transmission with overdrive and ABS/Airbag (combined safety option). The steering wheel was a three spoke design which was included for other markets (see Poland section) and the automatic transmission lever and writings had a different design as well. In 1996, there was a facelift which included revamped wing mirrors and fender indicators.

Sections adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0); text is shortened. Read the full article for the complete history and citations.

Specifications

name: Daewoo Espero
aka: Daewoo Aranos (Spain)
Manufacturer: Daewoo
Production: August 1990 – February 1997 (South Korea), September 1990 – May 1999 (Export Markets), 1996–2002 (Romania)
Class: Mid-size car (D)
Body style: 4-door saloon
Layout: FF layout
Successor: Daewoo Leganza (for Espero 2.0), Daewoo Nubira (South Korea)
Platform: GM T
Engine: petrol:, 1.5 L A15MF I4, 1.5 L G15MF I4, 1.8 L C18LE I4, 2.0 L C20LE I4, LPG:, 1.6 L G16LF I4 (taxi models)
Transmission: 4-speed Aisin 50-42LE automatic, 5-speed manual
Wheelbase: 2620 mm
Length: 4615 mm
Width: 1718 mm
Height: 1388 mm
Kerb weight: 1108 kg
Designer: Bertone under Marc Deschamps
Assembly: South Korea: Bupyeong, Poland: Warsaw (FSO), Romania: Craiova (Rodae), Russia: Aksay (Doninvest)

Specification summary from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0). Measured facts from Wikidata (CC0). Check the linked sources for citations.

More photos

Sources

Wikidata — https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q494447CC0 1.0 · retrieved 2026-10-01
Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daewoo_EsperoCC BY-SA 4.0 · Text © Wikipedia contributors; revision 1368806611 · retrieved 2026-10-01
Wikimedia Commons — https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Maroon_Daewoo_Espero-002-front.jpgCC BY-SA 4.0 · Photo: Maggot666PL · retrieved 2026-10-01
Car Model Index — https://models.autoculturesociety.com/Compiled record. Sources that do not permit reuse are not copied; this index is credited instead.