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Posted on: Jun 08 2007

Chevrolet-Optra

GM's biggest success in India, the Optra has neatly filled the slot vacated by the Opel Astra in the entry-luxury segment. A handsome car brimming with showroom appeal, the Optra also has a competitive price tag and plenty of standard equipment to help it along. Plus, Chevrolet keeps bringing out special editions, which are even better value, so keeping an eye on this car is a good idea.:

Design, Engineering and Interiors: 
Since Daewoo was taken over by GM, the Korean firm's products have started to be sold under various brand-names over the world, so the car that started out as the Daewoo Nubira is also variously called the Daewoo Lacetti, Buick Regal and here, the Chevrolet Optra.

The fact that the Optra is a Korean car means it has been tailored to Asian needs, and so, is quite perfect for India. A smart stylish exterior, designed by Pininfarina, exquisitely detailed headlights, three-part grille and an attractive rear make the Optra the best looker in its class.

The Optra has MacPherson struts in front and multi-link suspension at the rear. The drum brakes at the rear are a bit of a let down. The NY has a new grille, and more goodies, including ABS. The Optra's biggest asset is its spacious, rich-feeling cabin, one of the best in the class. The chrome-ringed dials, rubberised air-vent controls, stereo and plenty of cubby-holes show that the interiors have been designed with great care. At the rear, legroom is good, but the seating is somewhat low.

The plastics, though nice, aren't as rich as in the best cars, and electronic push-button adjustment for the air-con would be preferable instead of the three dials. The high-end Optras gets an in-dash CD-changer, but there are only cassette players on the base model. The top-of-the-line Optra LT gets a steering-mounted remote control as well, and now there’s more wood garnish, on the steering wheel and centre console in particular.

Performance, Fuel Economy and Handling:
The Optra has two engine options: a 1.8-litre sourced from Holden with a four-speed auto option and a Daewoo-developed 1.6 that has a Variable Geometry Intake System which modulates the air inlet tract to improve throttle response at both low and high rpms. Although not as responsive as some rivals, the revised gear ratios on the Optra 1.6 boosts performance and efficiency with adequate levels of refinement. The new VGIS engine on the 1.6 stretches a litre for 9 and 14.4kpl in city and highway conditions respectively.

The 1.8 feels best once at highway cruising speeds. The manual gearbox isn't very impressive, and feels quite clunky. The automatic is better, seamless and quite responsive. However performance is blunted considerably, and it doesn't kick down quick enough to facilitate easy overtaking. Fuel economy, at 8.4 and 13kpl, is not too bad, but with the auto, it goes down to a poor 6.9 and 8.2kpl.

The new 1.6 Royale may be a better bet with goodies to match the best, especially as an urban runabout as it is more efficient than its larger sibling and only marginally less powerful. The Optra has excellent high-speed manners, and feels superb while cruising at steady speeds. With a chassis fine-tuned by Lotus Engineering in the UK, the Optra's high-speed poise and composure sets it apart from the others. Get onto even a section of tight corners and the Optra just refuses to be shaken by the varying conditions below.

The steering however is not the most direct, and at times feels numb. Low speed ride too is on the stiffer side and can be jarring on certain rough surfaces. In town the ride quality is far from the best, but the story changes dramatically as speeds build up.

Verdict:
The Chevrolet Optra is a hugely impressive car and with the 1.6 you get a full sized car for Honda City money. Even more so when you consider its price tag. It looks good, has an A-grade interior, and is a comfortable and composed if unenthusiastic car at high speeds. If long-distance travel or just comfortable coasting interest you more than driving pleasure, the Optra is virtually unbeatable. The Optra is great value, greatly undercutting the rival Corolla. The best buys are the superbly priced 1.6 Base, and the fully loaded 1.8 LT with the 1.6 Royale offering a great alternative. Discounts are available, but keep an eye out for special editions.
Source: autocarindia.com