The whole car feels light and nimble, but the spongy suspension bottoms out easily. The standard wheels are 15-inch alloys, but the skinny Hankook tires squealed with the slightest provocation. There was universal agreement that a wider set of rubber would do wonders for the Leganza's overall handling characteristics. Rated at 131 horsepower and 147 ft-lbs. of torque, the Daewoo's diminutive four banger is the only available powerplant. In combined city and highway driving, our Leganza returned 21 mpg, a respectable number, but a little low considering the engine's small displacement.
Shifts are crisp, but the transmission is easily confused by rapid changes in throttle application.
Pedal feel in and around town was acceptable, but panic stops revealed less than confidence-inspiring brakes. The ABS worked admirably, but was accompanied by excessive grinding and pulsing. All Leganzas get dual front seat airbags and reinforced roofs, but side airbags are not an option. Although we can forgive the Leganza for less than stunning performance and cheap leather seats, we can't overlook the Leganza's poor crash test results. They cited higher than normal cabin intrusion and excessive occupant movement as major reasons for their low rating.