Chevrolet Lacetti (2008-2016): How to Remove the Bumpers

Production Years and Model Code

The Chevrolet Lacetti II, also known under the index J300, is the second generation of the popular compact model from the South Korean company Daewoo, produced under the Chevrolet brand. Production began in 2008 and continued until 2016, although sales in some countries ended earlier due to model lineup changes.

The model was based on the GM Delta II platform, which was also used by the Opel Astra H, Chevrolet Cruze, and other General Motors vehicles. The internal index J300 was used to designate this generation, while the first generation (Lacetti/Nubira) had the index J200.

 

Body Types

The Chevrolet Lacetti II was offered in several body styles, depending on the market:

• Sedan (4 doors) – The most common variant, especially popular in Russia, CIS countries, and Asia.
• Hatchback (5 doors) – Less common but available in Europe and some Asian countries.
• Station Wagon (5 doors) – Produced in limited numbers, mainly for the European market.

Unlike the first generation, the coupe version and three-door hatchback were not offered in the second generation.

 

Model Overview

Design and Dimensions

The Lacetti II featured a more modern and aggressive design compared to its predecessor. The radiator grille was styled in line with Chevrolet’s design language of the period, with a large logo and chrome trim. The sedan’s dimensions were approximately 4.58 m in length, 1.75 m in width, and 1.47 m in height, placing it alongside competitors like the Kia Cerato and Hyundai Elantra.

Interior and Features

The Lacetti II’s interior was more spacious than the first generation but retained a budget-oriented approach. Base versions used hard plastics, while higher trims featured soft-touch materials and improved sound insulation.

Available options included:

• Air conditioning (climate control in top trims),
• Power package (power windows, mirrors),
• Heated seats,
• Bluetooth-enabled multimedia system,
• Cruise control (rare).

 

Bumper Plastic Marking >PP+EPDM-TD20<

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

How to Remove the Front Bumper

1. Open the hood and locate the two screws and four clips securing the upper part of the bumper. Remove the screws and carefully detach the clips.
2. Under the bumper, remove the ten screws attaching it to the radiator grille and crash bar. If removing the bumper with the grille, also detach four clips and loosen two bolts on the crash bar.
3. In the wheel arches, remove three screws on each side securing the fender liners and bumper corners to the fenders.
4. Release the clips on the fenders by gently pulling the bumper toward you.
5. With an assistant, carefully pull the bumper forward to remove it. Disconnect any wiring harnesses if present.

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How to Remove the Rear Bumper

1. Open the trunk lid.
2. Removing trim and connectors:
   • Remove the side trim panels in the trunk.
   • Disconnect the wiring harnesses for the taillights located behind the trim.
3. Removing the taillights:
   • Remove four caps in the trunk opening.
   • Unscrew the bolts under the caps securing the taillights.
   • Carefully detach the taillights (they are held by clips in the fenders).
4. Underside fasteners:
   • Remove two push pins (for wagons, also remove two screws).
5. Wheel arch fasteners:
   • Remove two screws on each side securing the fender liners.
   • Remove one screw (inserted from bottom to top) on each side, securing the bumper corners to the fenders.
6. Releasing clips:
   • Press the clips in the fenders (pull the bumper corners downward and toward you).
   • Disconnect the clips under the taillights.
7. Removing the bumper:
   • Work with an assistant—gently pull the bumper backward, avoiding damage to wiring.
8. Disconnecting electrical components:
   • Disconnect all wiring harnesses from the bumper’s electrical components.

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Technical Specifications

The car was equipped with gasoline and diesel engines, depending on the market:

• Gasoline engines:
  • 1.6L (109–113 HP) – Base option,
  • 1.8L (140 HP) – More powerful but less common.
• Diesel engine (for Europe):
  • 2.0L (150 HP) – Rare, mostly found in station wagons.

Transmissions included a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic (outdated even for its time).

The suspension featured a MacPherson strut setup at the front and a semi-independent torsion beam at the rear, typical for budget models.

 

Sales Markets and Features

• Russia and CIS: The Lacetti II was actively sold until the mid-2010s, when it was replaced by the Chevrolet Cruze.
• Europe: Due to stricter emissions standards, the model was quickly discontinued.
• Asia: In China and South Korea, the car was sold under different names (e.g., Buick Excelle XT).

 

Interesting Facts

• Successor and Replacement:
  Although Chevrolet marketed the Lacetti II as a separate model, in many countries, it served as a transitional model between the Lacetti I and the Cruze.
• Sport Version:
  In 2010, South Korea introduced the Chevrolet Lacetti Winstorm, a crossover based on this platform, but it did not gain widespread popularity.
• Assembly in Different Countries:
  The car was assembled not only in Korea but also in Russia (St. Petersburg plant), Uzbekistan (GM Uzbekistan), and Ukraine (ZAZ).
• Issues and Criticism:
  Common complaints included:
  • Weak side bolsters in the seats,
  • Outdated 4-speed automatic transmission,
  • Corrosion on sills and wheel arches (especially in cold climates).
• Motorsport Participation:
  In some countries, the Lacetti II was used in circuit racing and rallying but without major achievements.

 

Conclusion

The Chevrolet Lacetti II (J300) is a typical representative of the budget segment from the late 2000s to early 2010s. It offered a spacious interior and reliability but lagged behind competitors in terms of performance and material quality. Despite this, the model remained popular in CIS countries due to its affordable price and low maintenance costs.