Daewoo Nubira Station Wagon CDX, 2004
The first generation car, model J100, was released to the market in 1997 as Daewoo Nubira, and it was sold until 1999. The car takes its name from the Korean word Nubira, which means "to go everywhere". It was developed as a replacement for the GM T platform-based Daewoo Nexia and designed by Italian I.DE.A Institute. Both sedan and station wagon models were available.
In 2000, the first generation underwent over 90 improvements and was re-released as model J150. Examples of these include an increase in passenger space and reduction in noise, harshness and vibration, particularly from the engine by adding a fourth engine mount and by tuning the intake resonators. In addition, the exterior design was reworked by Daewoo's Worthing Technical Centre in the United Kingdom, creating a more dynamic image.
In 2003, Nubira was replaced by Daewoo Lacetti (model J200), a new Pininfarina-designed sedan, was unveiled, and the expansion of the lineup followed by a presentation of the new station wagon in 2004. However, in some European market, the Nubira name was kept for the sedans and the station wagons.