India Cars

GM motor launched its Multi Utility Vehicle the Tavera ELITE SS-D1 is a new-generation car. It is a perfect blend of SUV and MUV. The Tavera uses a 2.5-litre direct-injection turbo-diesel, which puts out a modest 80bhp and performance is just that — modest. This utility car has a 2499cc diesel engine, with dimensions of 4435(L) X 1680(W) X 1765(H) mm and weights 1585kg. It has a ground clearance and a wheelbase of 184mm and 2685mm respectively and turning radius of 5.62 meters.

Sitting on 15-inch alloys, the Tavera’s smooth, rounded styling is a well-balanced design.  From the front, the Tavera looks like the Isuzu Trooper. The rectangle headlamps, grille and bumper are attractive. Under the skin, it follows the traditional MUV body-on-ladder-frame construction with a tube-type chassis, and the tried-and-trusted suspension layout of a torsion bar in front and leaf springs at the rear.

It is very roomy kind of car, with lots of legroom and width. The front seats have loads of space even for tall drivers and the middle row has ample space too. The third row obviously has the least spacious seats. Though the overall seat comfort is decent, it is compromised by the high floor, which results in a low seating position and tall passengers will find a lack of under-thigh support.

The interior design is good looking. The sliding controls and the look of the dashboard are similar to a Japanese car of the 1980s. The roof lining isn’t moulded and the handbrake lever sprouts from the dashboard. Some of the plastics and switches look and feel cheap and the area between the front seats are empty which accentuates the spindly gear lever. GM India needs to fill this empty space with a useful storage bin. It comes with a tachometer, electronic trip meter, a useful cubby-hole above the dashboard and a side glass defroster. Also unique is the three-row air-conditioning, which cools all three rows. This air-con system is innovative and very effective.

The economy Tavera returning 14.3 kpl in the city, and 20.1 kpl on the highway. The steering is not very light but gives a good feel of the road, especially at high speeds. The suspension is on the stiff side. The Tavera feels exceptionally stable and well planted to the road with surprisingly little body roll. The brakes have pretty good stopping power but the pedal feel is pretty hard and could do with some more servo assistance.

It also comes with factory fitted dual air conditioner, heater, music system and has additional features like power steering, power windows (front and rear), rear windshield wiper, washer and defogger, fog lamps, leather wrapped steering wheel, alloy wheels, cigarette lighter, tachometer, digital clock, body colour bumpers, molded floor and trunk carpets, cabin lamp, mud guards and is available in 4 colours. It has security features like central door locking system, ABS, high mounted stop lamp, childproof rear door locks, front and rear seat belts and side impact beams. It also offers both sides OSRVM, Spare Wheel under Floor, Remote Fuel Lid Opener, Full Fabric Floor Carpet, Day Night inside Rear View Mirror, Bright and Lively Beige Fabric Seat Upholstery, Body Side Graphics, Wood finish on Instrument Panel, Rear Windscreen Defogger, 2nd Row Armrest, Premium MP3 Audio System with 6 Speakers, Remote keyless entry, Soft Feel Beige Upholstery, Large Rear Room Lamp.

GM motor launched its Multi Utility Vehicle the Tavera ELITE LT-L2 is a new-generation car. It is a perfect blend of SUV and MUV. The Tavera uses a 2.5-litre direct-injection turbo-diesel, which puts out a modest 80bhp and performance is just that — modest. This utility car has a 2499cc diesel engine, with dimensions of 4435(L) X 1680(W) X 1765(H) mm and weights 1585kg. It has a ground clearance and a wheelbase of 184mm and 2685mm respectively and turning radius of 5.62 meters.

Sitting on 15-inch alloys, the Tavera’s smooth, rounded styling is a well-balanced design.  From the front, the Tavera looks like the Isuzu Trooper. The rectangle headlamps, grille and bumper are attractive. Under the skin, it follows the traditional MUV body-on-ladder-frame construction with a tube-type chassis, and the tried-and-trusted suspension layout of a torsion bar in front and leaf springs at the rear.

It is very roomy kind of car, with lots of legroom and width. The front seats have loads of space even for tall drivers and the middle row has ample space too. The third row obviously has the least spacious seats. Though the overall seat comfort is decent, it is compromised by the high floor, which results in a low seating position and tall passengers will find a lack of under-thigh support.

The interior design is good looking. The sliding controls and the look of the dashboard are similar to a Japanese car of the 1980s. The roof lining isn’t moulded and the handbrake lever sprouts from the dashboard. Some of the plastics and switches look and feel cheap and the area between the front seats are empty which accentuates the spindly gear lever. GM India needs to fill this empty space with a useful storage bin. It comes with a tachometer, electronic trip meter, a useful cubby-hole above the dashboard and a side glass defroster. Also unique is the three-row air-conditioning, which cools all three rows. This air-con system is innovative and very effective.

The economy Tavera returning 14.3 kpl in the city, and 20.1 kpl on the highway. The steering is not very light but gives a good feel of the road, especially at high speeds. The suspension is on the stiff side. The Tavera feels exceptionally stable and well planted to the road with surprisingly little body roll. The brakes have pretty good stopping power but the pedal feel is pretty hard and could do with some more servo assistance.

It also comes with factory fitted dual air conditioner, heater, music system and has additional features like power steering, power windows (front and rear), rear windshield wiper, washer and defogger, fog lamps, leather wrapped steering wheel, alloy wheels, cigarette lighter, tachometer, digital clock, body colour bumpers, molded floor and trunk carpets, cabin lamp, mud guards and is available in 4 colours. It has security features like central door locking system, ABS, high mounted stop lamp, childproof rear door locks, front and rear seat belts and side impact beams.  It also offers both sides OSRVM, Spare Wheel under Floor, Remote Fuel Lid Opener, Full Fabric Floor Carpet, Day Night inside Rear View Mirror, Bright and Lively Beige Fabric Seat Upholstery, Chrome Hub Caps, Body Side Graphics, Wood finish on Instrument Panel, Rear Windscreen Defogger, 2nd Row Armrest.

GM motor launched its Multi Utility Vehicle the Tavera ELITE LT-L1 is a new-generation car. It is a perfect blend of SUV and MUV. The Tavera uses a 2.5-litre direct-injection turbo-diesel, which puts out a modest 80bhp and performance is just that — modest. This utility car has a 2499cc diesel engine, with dimensions of 4435(L) X 1680(W) X 1765(H) mm and weights 1585kg. It has a ground clearance and a wheelbase of 184mm and 2685mm respectively and turning radius of 5.62 meters.

Sitting on 15-inch alloys, the Tavera’s smooth, rounded styling is a well-balanced design.  From the front, the Tavera looks like the Isuzu Trooper. The rectangle headlamps, grille and bumper are attractive. Under the skin, it follows the traditional MUV body-on-ladder-frame construction with a tube-type chassis, and the tried-and-trusted suspension layout of a torsion bar in front and leaf springs at the rear.

It is very roomy kind of car, with lots of legroom and width. The front seats have loads of space even for tall drivers and the middle row has ample space too. The third row obviously has the least spacious seats. Though the overall seat comfort is decent, it is compromised by the high floor, which results in a low seating position and tall passengers will find a lack of under-thigh support.

The interior design is good looking. The sliding controls and the look of the dashboard are similar to a Japanese car of the 1980s. The roof lining isn’t moulded and the handbrake lever sprouts from the dashboard. Some of the plastics and switches look and feel cheap and the area between the front seats are empty which accentuates the spindly gear lever. GM India needs to fill this empty space with a useful storage bin. It comes with a tachometer, electronic trip meter, a useful cubby-hole above the dashboard and a side glass defroster. Also unique is the three-row air-conditioning, which cools all three rows. This air-con system is innovative and very effective.

The economy Tavera returning 14.3 kpl in the city, and 20.1 kpl on the highway. The steering is not very light but gives a good feel of the road, especially at high speeds. The suspension is on the stiff side. The Tavera feels exceptionally stable and well planted to the road with surprisingly little body roll. The brakes have pretty good stopping power but the pedal feel is pretty hard and could do with some more servo assistance.

It also comes with factory fitted dual air conditioner, heater, music system and has additional features like power steering, power windows (front and rear), rear windshield wiper, washer and defogger, fog lamps, leather wrapped steering wheel, alloy wheels, cigarette lighter, tachometer, digital clock, body colour bumpers, molded floor and trunk carpets, cabin lamp, mud guards and is available in 4 colours. It has security features like central door locking system, ABS, high mounted stop lamp, childproof rear door locks, front and rear seat belts and side impact beams.  It also offers both sides OSRVM, Spare Wheel under Floor, Remote Fuel Lid Opener, Full Fabric Floor Carpet, Tilt Quarter window, Day Night inside Rear View Mirror, Bright and Lively Beige Fabric Seat Upholstery, Chrome Hub Caps.

GM motor launched its Multi Utility Vehicle the Tavera ELITE LS-B3 is a new-generation car. It is a perfect blend of SUV and MUV. The Tavera uses a 2.5-litre direct-injection turbo-diesel, which puts out a modest 80bhp and performance is just that — modest. This utility car has a 2499cc diesel engine, with dimensions of 4435(L) X 1680(W) X 1765(H) mm and weights 1585kg. It has a ground clearance and a wheelbase of 184mm and 2685mm respectively and turning radius of 5.62 meters.

Sitting on 15-inch alloys, the Tavera’s smooth, rounded styling is a well-balanced design. From the front, the Tavera looks like the Isuzu Trooper. The rectangle headlamps, grille and bumper are attractive. Under the skin, it follows the traditional MUV body-on-ladder-frame construction with a tube-type chassis, and the tried-and-trusted suspension layout of a torsion bar in front and leaf springs at the rear.

It is very roomy kind of car, with lots of legroom and width. The front seats have loads of space even for tall drivers and the middle row has ample space too. The third row obviously has the least spacious seats. Though the overall seat comfort is decent, it is compromised by the high floor, which results in a low seating position and tall passengers will find a lack of under-thigh support.

The interior design is good looking. The sliding controls and the look of the dashboard are similar to a Japanese car of the 1980s. The roof lining isn’t moulded and the handbrake lever sprouts from the dashboard. Some of the plastics and switches look and feel cheap and the area between the front seats are empty which accentuates the spindly gear lever. GM India needs to fill this empty space with a useful storage bin. It comes with a tachometer, electronic trip meter, a useful cubby-hole above the dashboard and a side glass defroster. Also unique is the three-row air-conditioning, which cools all three rows. This air-con system is innovative and very effective.

The economy Tavera returning 14.3 kpl in the city, and 20.1 kpl on the highway. The steering is not very light but gives a good feel of the road, especially at high speeds. The suspension is on the stiff side. The Tavera feels exceptionally stable and well planted to the road with surprisingly little body roll. The brakes have pretty good stopping power but the pedal feel is pretty hard and could do with some more servo assistance.

It also comes with factory fitted dual air conditioner, heater, music system and has additional features like power steering, power windows (front and rear), rear windshield wiper, washer and defogger, fog lamps, leather wrapped steering wheel, alloy wheels, cigarette lighter, tachometer, digital clock, body colour bumpers, molded floor and trunk carpets, cabin lamp, mud guards and is available in 4 colours. It also offers both sides OSRVM, Spare Wheel under Floor, Remote Fuel Lid Opener, Full Fabric Floor Carpet, Tilt Quarter window, Day Night inside Rear View Mirror, Bright and Lively Beige Fabric Seat Upholstery, Chrome Hub Caps, Aluminium Side Step (BS3 only). It has a sitting capacity for 8 people. It has security features like central door locking system, ABS, high mounted stop lamp, childproof rear door locks, front and rear seat belts and side impact beams.

GM motor launched its Multi Utility Vehicle the Tavera NY EDITION B2 is a new-generation car. It is a perfect blend of SUV and MUV. The Tavera uses a 2.5-litre direct-injection turbo-diesel, which puts out a modest 80bhp and performance is just that — modest. This utility car has a 2499cc diesel engine, with dimensions of 4435(L) X 1680(W) X 1765(H) mm and weights 1585kg. It has a ground clearance and a wheelbase of 184mm and 2685mm respectively and turning radius of 5.62 meters.

Sitting on 15-inch alloys, the Tavera’s smooth, rounded styling is a well-balanced design.  From the front, the Tavera looks like the Isuzu Trooper. The rectangle headlamps, grille and bumper are attractive. Under the skin, it follows the traditional MUV body-on-ladder-frame construction with a tube-type chassis, and the tried-and-trusted suspension layout of a torsion bar in front and leaf springs at the rear.

It is very roomy kind of car, with lots of legroom and width. The front seats have loads of space even for tall drivers and the middle row has ample space too. The third row obviously has the least spacious seats. Though the overall seat comfort is decent, it is compromised by the high floor, which results in a low seating position and tall passengers will find a lack of under-thigh support.

The interior design is good looking. The sliding controls and the look of the dashboard are similar to a Japanese car of the 1980s. The roof lining isn’t moulded and the handbrake lever sprouts from the dashboard. Some of the plastics and switches look and feel cheap and the area between the front seats are empty which accentuates the spindly gear lever. GM India needs to fill this empty space with a useful storage bin. It comes with a tachometer, electronic trip meter, a useful cubby-hole above the dashboard and a side glass defroster. Also unique is the three-row air-conditioning, which cools all three rows. This air-con system is innovative and very effective.

The economy Tavera returning 10.6kpl in the city, and 13.7kpl on the highway. The steering is not very light but gives a good feel of the road, especially at high speeds. The suspension is on the stiff side. The Tavera feels exceptionally stable and well planted to the road with surprisingly little body roll. The brakes have pretty good stopping power but the pedal feel is pretty hard and could do with some more servo assistance.

It also comes with factory fitted dual air conditioner, heater, music system and has additional features like power steering, power windows (front and rear), rear windshield wiper, washer and defogger, fog lamps, leather wrapped steering wheel, alloy wheels, cigarette lighter, tachometer, digital clock, body colour bumpers, molded floor and trunk carpets, cabin lamp, mud guards and is available in 4 colours. It has a sitting capacity for 8 people. It has security features like central door locking system, ABS, high mounted stop lamp, childproof rear door locks, front and rear seat belts and side impact beams.

General Motors India is finally launched the large MUV segment. From the outside, the Tavera looks pleasant from most angles because of its contemporary styling and lines that flow well from the front to rear. Two easy creases on the hood coupled with sleek wrap around headlamps and neatly designed front grill give the Tavera a soft, look. The rear however is more on the lines of vehicles that belong to this product category.

The Tavera has a weight that varies from 1585kg to 1660kg depending on the trim level under consideration. The top of the line Tavera comes in a two-tone paint job that gives it a plush look.  Tavera will run on 15-inch steel wheels compared to the 14-inch ones for the Qualis and will be shod by 205/65 section tyres.The Tavera in India is powered by a 2.5-litre, direct injection, turbo diesel engine, capable of delivering a maximum 80PS of power at 3900rpm. Even more impressive are the torque characteristics of the engine as it develops a maximum torque of 186Nm at a very low 1800rpm lending it good drivability. It has a ground clearance and a wheelbase of 184mm and 2685mm respectively and turning radius of 5.62 meters. Fual efficiency is 14.3 kmpl Overall, 20.1 kmpl Highway Driving.

The 80PS engine is made to a five-speed manual gearbox which drives the rear wheels. The construction of the Tavera is body on ladder frame type with a specially stiffened frame which is sprung on double wishbones with independent torsion bar springs and an anti-roll bar on the front, while the rear incorporates of the semi-elliptical leaf springs. The suspension layout is actually quite similar to that on the Qualis.

The Tavera has a soothing interior trim from inside, good seating space for both front and middle row passengers and a commanding driver’s view with well laid out steering-seating arrangement. The leg room is more than any vehicle of its category; the third row of front facing seats is quite close to the floor thereby not offering adequate thigh support as the knees are raised. The instrument cluster is very basic comprising of the odometer, and fuel and temperature gauges, and it is only the top of the line variant that also gets a tachometer. High end variants of the Tavera will come with a split air condition with dual evaporator coils, one for the front and the other for the second/third row of seats. The air conditioning vents for the two rear row of seats are uniquely placed on the roof and throw air on both the rows. Seating arrangement also varies with a bench seat accommodating three in the front and/or a bench seat at the rear accommodating three or facing front or two bench seats facing side-ways instead of the third row and accommodating four persons, two on each bench.

The starting of the engine reveals a pleasant surprise with noise levels inside the cabin, especially with a DI, being awfully low as well. The gear shift is nice and smooth but there is a slight problem with the 2nd and 3rd gears being slightly far apart, and inducing rather frequent shifts when going up inclines.

The suspension has been set up taking into consideration Indian road conditions. The visibility from the front is great and the Tavera is as easy to drive as any car, and in fact drives better than many cars. The steering which feels fine at normal speeds does become slightly vague at higher speeds, but should not be a cause for any great concern.

This utility car has Robust 2.5 L Diesel Engine, Flexible seating option (7/10) Best-in-class mileage, Rear Door Child Lock, Spare Wheel under Floor, Remote Fuel Lid Opener, and Full Fabric Floor Carpet Tilt Quarter window, Day Night Inside Rear View Mirror.

GM Motor introduced its Chevrolet Forester 2.0 on Indian Road. The Chevy-badged Forester will be imported directly from Subaru in Japan and sold through select GM India dealerships that have been expanded and developed as Chevrolet franchises. The Forester has earned a reputation internationally for its unique repertoire of talents. It’s an estate and SUV rolled into one with sparkling performance and brilliant dynamics to boot. The Forester comes with an awesome reputation largely because it is based on the Subaru Impreza and uses the same underpinnings of this rally-bred saloon. That means MacPherson struts with transverse links in the front and independent struts using coils over shock absorbers at the rear, located by dual lateral links. The Forester’s styling falls in between an estate and an SUV.  It has a ground clearance and a wheelbase of 190mm and 2525mm respectively.

The flat-four engine considerably lowers the centre of gravity and distributes weight evenly between the front wheels. Torque steer is also eliminated by the use of equal length driveshaft. High-low range in the 4-WD transfer case has to be manually selected. The Forester’s 4×4 transmission comes with a dual-range gearbox and a viscous-type limited slip differential at the rear. Despite the additional weight of its 4×4 mechanicals, the Forester weighs a mere 1375kg, much lighter than any other SUV in the market.

The Forester’s steering is very.  And when you press on, the steering has a fine ability to remain unfazed, regardless of speed. The Forester’s body is also remarkably composed at speed over undulating roads. The suspension is fully independent all-round, and the high-tech nitrogen-filled dampers have in-built springs to get them to react faster to rebound. The suspension set-up is deliberately soft to allow for compliance off-road and at low speeds. However, there’s still a hard edge over sharp irregularities like manhole covers and expansion joints. However, as speeds build, the suspension tightens up and vertical movements are kept under a tight rein, as are dive and squat under braking.

It has also little road presence, the upswept headlamps and the thick bumper with its sunken fogs providing the only visual interest. The Forester’s insides feel highly driver-centric. The seats are comfy and supportive, and all the controls, like the stubby gear lever and sporty steering wheel fall easily to hand which are made from top quality material. The rubberised texture of the dash and door pads, the silver-finished centre console, the netted door pockets and the feel of the switchgear are all superb. Storage space is not great, but there’s a useful bin in the top of the dash. The rear seat lacks sufficient under-thigh support, and the backrests do not recline.

The front seats are superbly comfortable and offer good support even during spirited driving. The driver’s seat can also be tilted and raised, has a tremendous amount of legroom and, like the passenger seat, comes with a mini-armrest that folds away neatly into the backrest. Cubbyholes and storage areas abound. There’s not much space in the rear and this is one of the Forester’s weaknesses. Legroom is not generous by any yardstick and the small seat base gives little underthigh support. Also, with three adults abreast, shoulder space is tight.

The Forester’s flat four or ‘boxer’ engine is amazingly smooth. Give it the stick and the Forester reaches serious speeds pretty quickly. The dash to 100kph comes up in 11.78 seconds and goes on to hit a top speed of 177kph. The flat-four engine configuration in the Forester is another Subaru trademark and a first for the Indian market. This compact, naturally aspirated engine, which uses a single overhead camshaft to actuate four valves per cylinder, develops a decent 120bhp.

Fual efficiency, it gives 8.0kpl in the city and a respectable 10.05 on the highway.  The Forester’s ability to give a flat and consistent ride on virtually any surface and remain unfazed is staggering.  A 60-litre tank gives a useful range of over nearly 600km on the highway.

This utility car has a 1994cc petrol engine, with dimensions of 4450(L) X 1735(W) X 1590(H) mm weighs 1375kg. It also comes with a factory fitted air conditioner, heater, music system with 6 CD Changer and has additional features like power steering, power windows (front and rear), premium upholstery, fog lamps, body colour bumper, cigarette lighter, light off or on reminder, rear defogger, adjustable steering wheel, molded floor and trunk carpet, 16” alloy wheel, tachometer and is available in 4 colours. It also comes with security features like central door locking system, ABS, Air Bag for driver and passenger, side impact beams and childproof rear door locks. It also has cup holders, umbrella storage, auto-off headlights systems, digital twin trip LCD display odometer, glass antenna on rear quarter window, digital clock, 3-dial electrical type HVAC control panel, ash & coin tray and a coat hook-rear.

The Optra 1.8 AT is powered by the 1.8-litre DOHC 16-valve unit sourced from GM’s Australian subsidiary Holden. With 116.6PS of power on tap, the Optra is the more powerful car of the duo but at the same time it’s also 230kg heavier, in effect blunting her performance advantage.

The transmission employed is a four-speed automatic sourced from acclaimed German transmission specialists ZF. This is a conventional four-speed torque convertor with ‘fuzzy-logic’ that uses electronics to adapt the shift pattern to driving style. In international markets this transmission comes with the option of being able to change gears manually like in the Mercedes and Sonata V6 ‘boxes, which India does not get. What we do get is a hold function which when activated holds on to a gear, be it high or low gear, till the button is released. One can also manually select first, second and third gears in which the transmission holds on to the gear and up shifts take place right at the rev limit unlike in D mode where up shifts happen 1000rpm shy of the rev limit. A digital read-out is provided on the speedo to indicate the gear selection mode.

Select drive and the Optra take off smoothly and on sedate acceleration shifts into a higher gear seamlessly without lurching. Refinement is a strong point with whine from the auto ‘box being well contained. As with any auto however performance does get blunted and in the Optra’s case it is quite a bit, though we’ll come to that later. Kick downs happen a little lazily requiring forward planning while executing overtaking manoeuvres on the highway.

The Optra’s performance to a large degree. Where the manual transmission Optra took 4.90s far the 0-60kmph sprint, the AT took 6.24s for the same sprint. For the 100kmph dash the AT took 14.8s, 3.7s slower than the manual. The drop in performance is also evident in the top speed figures, 175.6kmph of the AT to the 190.8kmph of the manual. Remember the AT also weighs 35kg more than the manual. Inside there is considerably more leg, knee and shoulder space, the dashboard is classier and better finished while the equipment levels are higher. The chassis and suspension combination on the Optra gives her an excellent ride quality and superb handling characteristics.

The Optra gives an in-town mileage figure of 5.2kmpl and a highway figure of 11.5kmpl. 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. The LT trim version of the Optra that we tested comes loaded to the sills boasting everything from full leather upholstery, alloy wheels (though not the same as our test car), sun roof, .5-CD 6-speaker Blaupunkt sound system, a driver’s side airbag and disc brakes front and rear (unlike the manual 1.8 that has drums at the rear) as standard. It also offer features like 4-speed Automatic Transmission, Driver Seat Height Adjuster, Tilt Steering, Driver and Co-Driver Seat Lumbar Support, Remote Keyless Entry with Chirp and Trunk Opening, Front Fog lamps, Leather upholstery

Chrome outside Door Handles and Tailgate Handle, 14″ Alloy wheels, electrically operated sun roof, Audio Remote Control on Steering Wheel, Dual airbag, Automatic Climate Control System

Rear Disc Brakes, All-around wood finish including Centre Panel.

GM motors introduced its Chevrolet OPTRA 1.8 LT in India. The Optra is a Korean car but it has been tailored to India condition. A stylish exterior, designed by Pininfarina, elegantly detailed headlights; three-part grille and an attractive rear make the Optra the best looker in its class.

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. The revised gear ratio 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 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. It has 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 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.

The steering however is not the most direct and at times feels frozen. Low speed ride too is on the stiffer side and can be jarring on certain rough surfaces.

GM’s Optra has precisely filled the slot vacated by the Opel Astra in the entry-luxury segment. A handsome car crammed with showroom appeal, the Optra also has a competitive price tag and plenty of standard equipment to help it along. 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 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. It offers various features like

Driver Seat Height Adjuster, Tilt Steering, Driver and Co-Driver Seat Lumbar Support, Remote Keyless Entry with Chirp and Trunk Opening, Front Fog lamps, Leather upholstery, Chrome Outside Door Handles and Tailgate Handle, 14″ Alloy wheels, Electrically operated sun roof, Double DIN Audio system with 5 CD Changer, Dual airbag, Automatic Climate Control System, Rear Disc Brakes, All-around wood finish including Centre Panel, Tilt Adjustable Front Headrests ,15″ ALLOY WHEELS WITH ABS and EBD as option at extra cost.

GM motors introduced its Chevrolet OPTRA 1.6 LT ELITE in India. The Optra is a Korean car but it has been tailored to India condition. A stylish exterior, designed by Pininfarina, elegantly detailed headlights; three-part grille and an attractive rear make the Optra the best looker in its class.

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. The revised gear ratio 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.

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 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. It has 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 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.

The steering however is not the most direct and at times feels frozen. Low speed ride too is on the stiffer side and can be jarring on certain rough surfaces.

GM’s Optra has precisely filled the slot vacated by the Opel Astra in the entry-luxury segment. A handsome car crammed with showroom appeal, the Optra also has a competitive price tag and plenty of standard equipment to help it along. 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.

This luxury car has a 1599cc petrol engine, with dimensions of 4500(L) X 1725(W) X 1445(H) mm weighs 1220kg. It has a ground clearance and a wheelbase of 173mm and 2600mm respectively and turning radius of 5.2 meters. It also comes with a factory fitted air conditioner, heater, music system and has additional features like, Driver Seat Height Adjuster, Silver finish on Centre Panel and luxurious wood finish on IP and door boards, Plush feel beige fabric, Tilt Steering, Driver Seat Lumbar Support, Remote Keyless Entry with Chirp and Trunk Opening, Front Fog lamps, Body Colored Outside Mirrors and Door Handles, cooled glove box, molded floor and trunk carpet, tachometer and is available in 6 colours, Electrically operated sun roof.  It also comes with security features like central door locking system, high mounted stoplight, front and rear door side impact beams and childproof rear door locks.