Daewoo Leganza
Italdesign styling and Lotus-tuned handling for the budget-conscious executive.
- Power
- 133 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 9.7 s
- Top speed
- 128 mph
- Est. value
- $600–$3k
About the Daewoo Leganza
The Leganza was Daewoo's flagship attempt to break into the executive sedan market, featuring a body styled by Giorgetto Giugiaro of Italdesign. Its name is a portmanteau of the Italian words 'elegante' (elegant) and 'forza' (power), reflecting the brand's global ambitions. While the suspension was famously tuned by Lotus to improve ride quality, the car struggled to compete with established Japanese and European rivals due to its unrefined 'D-Tec' engine. Today, it is a rare sight on roads, remembered primarily for its high equipment levels relative to its low entry price.
Daewoo Leganza specs
The Daewoo Leganza produces 133 bhp (99 kW) and 185 Nm (136 lb-ft) of torque. It reaches 60 mph in 9.7 seconds and has a top speed of 128 mph (206 km/h).
| Make | Daewoo |
|---|---|
| Model | Leganza |
| Trim | 2.0 CDX |
| Years | 1997–2002 |
| Type | Saloon |
| Body style | Sedan |
| Country | South Korea |
| Original price | About $19,000 when new |
| Engine | 2.0-litre 16V inline-four |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,998 cc (2.0 litres) |
| Induction | Naturally aspirated |
| Power | 133 bhp (99 kW) at 5,400 rpm |
| Torque | 185 Nm (136 lb-ft) |
| Redline | 6,500 rpm |
| 0–60 mph | 9.7 s |
| Top speed | 128 mph (206 km/h) |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual |
| Drivetrain | Front-wheel drive |
| Weight | 1,390 kg (3,064 lb) |
| Power-to-weight | 96 bhp per tonne |
Typical figures for the standard car; options, markets and model years vary. Where our specs come from
How much is a Daewoo Leganza worth?
A typical Daewoo Leganza is estimated to be worth $600 – $2,500 (about £447 – £1,900).
Its original price when new was about $19,000.
Values are directional estimates for a typical example, not appraisals. Condition, mileage, history and specification all change what a real car is worth. Pound figures use the exchange rate of 3 November 2026. How values are estimated
Daewoo Leganza rarity in CarSpot
The Daewoo Leganza is a Common card in CarSpot, with a rarity score of 0 out of 100. Everyday cars you can spot on almost any street. A Common card is worth 10 XP.
Each model's tier starts from a 0–100 score based on its value plus its power or production numbers. Once enough players have spotted a model, how often it is spotted can move it up or down one tier. How CarSpot rarity works
Rarity is a collectible game mechanic, not an assessment of real-world scarcity or value.
Daewoo Leganza fun facts
- The Leganza's exterior design was originally proposed by Italdesign to Jaguar as the Kensington concept car in 1990.
- Despite its budget positioning, the CDX trim featured luxury items like full climate control, traction control, and wood-effect interior trim as standard.
- The car was a truly international effort, featuring Italian styling, a British-tuned chassis, a German-designed engine, and a Japanese transmission.