2001 Daewoo Vada - AllCarIndex

August 30, 2001 –  The Daewoo Vada concept, to debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show, is one of a new generation of SUVs that combines the performance and handling of a sports car with the off-road capabilities of an SUV. With futuristic lines that project a rugged, off-road image, this four-seater is aimed at young active individuals who demand maximum fun and excitement at reasonable cost in an SUV.

Riding on a compact 2420mm wheelbase that endows it with excellent handling characteristics, VADA measures 4200mm, 1828mm and 1626mm in length, width and height respectively.

The Vada development team faced the aesthetic challenge of creating a vehicle that is equally at home in the city or in the outback. Following a bold approach and thinking 'outside' the box, they've succeed in creating a muscular body that conveys aggression, security and off-road capability.

Vada's steeply raked windscreen gives it a sporty almost coupe-like silhouette that sets it apart from most SUVs on the road today. Fully adaptable suspension delivers a sports sedan ride over pavement but retains full off-road capability.

In profile and stance, Vada adopts a 1.5 box shape with a steeply raked windscreen rising progressively to peak over the B-pillar. The effect is that of a dramatic wedge shape more reminiscent of a sports car than the Jeep-derived styling that characterizes the competition.

Vada's body architecture follows a highly constructivist theme with intersecting sheer, hard surfaces that are controlled by shut lines and fluid geometric shapes. Character lines over the front and rear fenders and doors suggest a hard and uncompromising surface language that reflects the harsh natural and urban environments the vehicle will inhabit. With its purposeful look and surfaces that resemble armor plating, Vada provides the driver with a heightened sense of security.

This aesthetic is further reinforced through the use of large areas of natural coloured bumpers, aggressive angular front and rear lamp shapes which visually pin bumpers to the bodywork and the roll cage-like 'A' pillar, cant rail and 'C' pillar.

Vada is powered by a 132HP 2.0-liter DOHC engine which can propel Vada from zero to 60mph in around 10sec and gives a top speed approaching 130mph. Shod with 225/55 R18 tires mounted on extra-wide 9J x 18 alloy wheels, the Vada has the roadholding qualities of a sportster. Intelligent four wheel drive and stability control system enhance safety and performance.

For a touch of versatility, a pneumatic ride height adjustment system with computer controls is incorporated into Vada's suspension system. The system gives excellent roadholding characteristics and impressive wheel travel and ground clearance capabilities to deal with off-road obstacles. Steering is actuated by an electrically powered hydraulic steering system.

The Vada is the last product of Daewoo's Worthing, UK Technical Center before it was sold to TWR. It is the final stage in the 'Versatile' concept development shown in the 1999 Mirae and 2000 Musiro, and the 'Designed Around You' corporate theme. The exterior and interior were developed primarily using Alias digital modelling over a 5 month period.

The Daewoo VADA design team included Stuart Jamieson (now at Lincoln in the US) responsible for the original exterior concept design, Brian Osborn (now with TWR, who previously worked on the Daewoo Shiraz, Mya and IAD Magia) who led the design development and refinement of the exterior concept via Alias into the full size model, Laurent Boulay (now with VW), Chris Milburn (TWR), Bob Mudie (TWR), Ramesh Bassi (now MG Rover), Guy Colborne (exterior designer Daewoo Mirae, now TWR). White/blue exterior color scheme by Louise Woodward (Ford), Dominique Raye (Hyundai).