Chevrolet Lacetti (2002-2011): How to Remove the Bumpers

The Chevrolet Lacetti is a compact car produced from 2002 to 2011. It replaced the Daewoo Nubira and became one of General Motors' key offerings in the global market. The model was available in different body styles, went through several generations, and even had a sport version.

Production Years and Markets

The Chevrolet Lacetti was manufactured from 2002 to 2011, though in some countries (such as Uzbekistan), production continued longer. The car was sold under different brands:

• Daewoo Lacetti (South Korea, early years)
• Chevrolet Lacetti (Europe, CIS, and other markets)
• Buick Excelle HRV (China, hatchback)
• Suzuki Forenza and Renault Thalia (rebadged versions in the U.S. and some European countries)

 

Body Styles

The Lacetti was offered in three main variants:

• Sedan (J200) – The most popular option, especially in CIS countries.
• Hatchback (J200) – A five-door version with a sportier design.
• Wagon (J200) – Marketed as the Chevrolet Lacetti Station Wagon, less common but more practical.

Later, in 2006, the Chevrolet Lacetti Estate (European wagon version) was introduced, while China produced the Buick Excelle HRV based on the hatchback.

 

Model Code and Platform

The Lacetti was built on the GM J200 platform, which was also used for:

• Daewoo Nubira II (predecessor)
• Chevrolet Optra (Asian and American counterpart)
• Suzuki Reno (U.S. hatchback version)

Body codes:

• Sedan: T200 (Daewoo), J200 (Chevrolet)
• Hatchback: U200 (Daewoo), J200 (Chevrolet)
• Wagon: K200 (Daewoo), J200 (Chevrolet)

 

Technical Specifications

Engines varied depending on the market:

• 1.4L (94 HP) – Base engine, underpowered for the heavy body.
• 1.6L (109 HP) – The most balanced option.
• 1.8L (122 HP) – More powerful but less fuel-efficient.
• 2.0L Diesel (121 HP) – A rare diesel variant for Europe.

Transmissions:

• 5-speed manual (primary)
• 4-speed automatic (outdated but reliable)

Suspension:

• Front: Independent MacPherson strut
• Rear: Semi-independent torsion beam (budget versions) or multi-link (premium versions)

 

Bumper Plastic Marking: PP+EPDM-T15

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Depending on the production year and body style, the mounting points may vary slightly.

How to Remove the Front Bumper

1. Open the hood.
2. Unscrew six bolts under the hood and remove the radiator grille.
3. Remove two clips under the radiator grille.
4. Unscrew four bolts and two nuts (the nuts are located in the engine bay; an extended socket and ratchet will be needed), then remove the headlights.
5. Through the headlight openings, remove two clips and unscrew two bolts.
6. Unscrew the bolts securing the front part of the wheel liners: four from under the car and six in the wheel arches.
7. Move the wheel liners aside and unscrew one bolt on each side securing the bumper corners to the fenders.
8. Through the lower grille (or from under the car), remove four clips inserted from the bottom up.
9. With an assistant, pull the bumper forward and disconnect the fog light wiring harnesses.

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How to Remove the Rear Bumper

1. Open the trunk lid.
2. Unscrew four bolts inside the trunk.
3. Remove the screws and clips, then detach the side trunk trim panels to access the rear fenders.
4. Behind the side trim panels, unscrew four bolts and two nuts (hatchback models have four nuts and two bolts) securing the bumper sides to the fenders.
5. From under the car, remove four clips and unscrew two bolts.
6. In the wheel arches, unscrew the bolts securing the wheel liners (splash guards) to the bumper.
7. Behind the liners, unscrew one bolt on each side (fastened from the bottom up) securing the bumper corners to the fenders.
8. With an assistant, pull the bumper backward to remove it.

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2006 Facelift

In 2006, the Lacetti received updates:

• New Chevrolet-style radiator grille.
• Revised bumpers and lighting.
• Improved sound insulation.
• Upgraded suspension.

After the facelift, the model was renamed Chevrolet Lacetti New in some markets.

 

Sport Version: Chevrolet Lacetti WTCC

One of the most interesting facts about the Lacetti is its participation in the World Touring Car Championship (WTCC). From 2005 to 2009, Chevrolet raced a modified Lacetti, which won several stages. The car was driven by Robert Huff, who later became the 2012 WTCC champion (driving a Cruze).

 

Discontinuation and Successors

By 2009, Lacetti production in Europe began winding down, and by 2011, the model was fully discontinued. It was replaced by the Chevrolet Cruze, a more modern and technologically advanced car.

In Uzbekistan (at the GM Uzbekistan plant), the Lacetti was produced until 2016 under the name Ravon Gentra, a slightly modified sedan version.

 

Pros and Cons of the Chevrolet Lacetti

Advantages:

• Reliable suspension (if not worn out).
• Spacious interior for its class.
• Wide availability of spare parts.
• Low maintenance requirements.

Disadvantages:

• Underpowered 1.4L and 1.6L engines for spirited driving.
• Outdated 4-speed automatic transmission.
• Body corrosion (especially in cold climates).
• Mediocre build quality (plastic creaks).

 

Interesting Facts

• In Russia, the Lacetti was assembled at the Avtotor plant in Kaliningrad until 2009.
• In South Korea, the model was initially sold as the Daewoo Lacetti Premiere with richer trim options.
• In the UK, the hatchback was marketed as the Chevrolet Lacetti 5, while the wagon was called the Chevrolet Lacetti Estate.
• A 2.0L turbo diesel version existed in China but was rarely exported to Europe.
• In the U.S., the model was sold as the Suzuki Reno and Chevrolet Optra, but sales were low due to competition from Japanese brands.

 

Conclusion

The Chevrolet Lacetti was a typical budget car of the 2000s. It wasn’t groundbreaking but offered good value for money. Today, it’s an affordable used car suitable as a first car or city runabout. However, buyers should check for rust and engine condition before purchasing.