GM motors introduced its Chevrolet OPTRA 1.6 LS 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.

 

 

 

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.

Filed under: Chevrolet Cars in India