Daewoo Tacuma > Reviews (7)

--Background--

We bought this car as a second car, two years ago. Previously, my wife had had the Daewoo Nexia for over 3 years with very little problems. We knew that Daewoo offered us no thrills but we also liked the smooth ride it gave. In the end we settled on a 51 reg CDX which set up back £4000.

--From the outside--

For those of you that are not aware, the Tacuma is classed as an MPV. I would say the shape is now slightly dated and I would liken the shape to the Renault Scenic. This model comes with the roof bars as standard and alloy wheels.

--From the drivers seat--

Road visibility is very good as you are higher up than a normal car. Saying that, I can not see the end of the bonnet from the drivers position. I am 5ft 10 so maybe someone significantly taller would not have a problem. The dashboard certainly does not have any wow factor about it but it is adaquate. The mileometer is digital as you would expect for a car of this age. The speedometer is still analogue how ever which I must admit, I prefer. The centre console is quite nicely designed. The car came with a Sony 6CD autochanger unit as standard, the disc carousel being located in a compartment in the boot. Below the stereo are the heat controls. There are two dials, one for the method of heat (top vents, windscreen, feet, etc) and one for the temperature. Alongside these dials are buttons to switch on the air conditioning and the type of air circulation (outside air or not). Below these controls, there are basic drink holders that are big enough for 2 standards sized cans of coke.

Moving over to the passenger side, there is a glove compartment which is not very big. This however is made up for by the two storage trays located under both fnrot seats.

The car comes with both a driver and a passenger airbag.

--Backseat driver details--

The first thing you will notice when sitting in the back is the fact that you have acres of space. This car is so deceptive, from the outside it doesnt look that big, but from the inside you'll soon change your mind. There is plenty of legroom even for the biggest of people. The model we bought also came with underfoot storage which is big enough to take 5 or 6 A4 pads of paper which will keep the kids amused on those long journeys. Also standard are lunch trays which fold out from the front seats. These include enough space to spread your food out and a hole where you can safely place your drink.

--In the boot--

Boot space is generous, even without folding the seats forward. As previously mentioned, there is a compartment where the CD carousel goes. This is towards the outside of the car which means it is easily accessible, even if you have an almost full boot. There is also a 9 volt adapter in the boot which is ideal for running a small travel fridge off, should you decide to go on a picnic.

--In the pocket--

The Tacuma is group 7 insurance which works out at about £350 for my wife with full no claims bonus. However, the real killer is the road tax which comes in at a whopping £190. This is a lot of money for a car of this class, so much that we actually considdered replacing the car but decided not to. Fuel economy is not that hot either, averaging around 30mpg.

--Verdict--

This car is not going to turn any heads, that is not Daewoos style. They do however, give you excellent value for money. This is a nice car but the running costs are slightly higher than I would have liked.