Daewoo Espero KLEJ 2.0 i (105 Hp)


Overall Rating

6.7 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 3.0 / 5
Value 4.0 / 5
Performance 3.0 / 5
Comfort 3.5 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

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 169 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~11.6 l/100km). Weighing only 1130 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 12.8 s). The top speed reaches 185 km/h. A four-door car with a separate trunk, ideal for families and daily commuting. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.

Safety Rating
Not rated
Euro NCAP Year N/A
Adult Occupant N/A
Stars N/A
Expert Note:
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.

2.0 i (105 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 4 stars

Performance Verdict

Offers solid performance for a family sedan, with the manual gearbox allowing for better driver engagement and control, making it a capable cruiser.

Fuel Economy

Good fuel economy for a 2.0L engine, especially when paired with the manual transmission, making it efficient for its power output.

Best Use Case: Mixed / Highway

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):2.0 i (105 Hp)
Start of production:1995
End of production:1999
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Sedan
Seats:5
Doors:4
Engine:
Power:105 Hp @ 5000 rpm.
Power per litre:52.6 Hp/l
Torque:169 Nm @ 2800 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:C20LE
Engine displacement:1998
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:86 mm mm
Piston Stroke:86 mm mm
Compression ratio:8.8:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:11.6 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:5.3 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined:6.8 l/100 km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:12.8 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:12.8 sec
Maximum speed:185 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:10.8 kg/Hp, 92.9 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:6.7 kg/Nm, 149.6 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:12.2 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1130
Max. weight:1630
Max load:500
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 ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelFront wheel drive
Number of gears5
Transmission typeManual
Front brakesVentilated discs
Rear brakesDrum
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires size185/65 R14
Wheel rims size5.5J x 14
Front suspensionSpring Strut
Rear suspensionCoil spring

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