Chevy Optra truly fabulous Sedan

Exterior

 The looks and appearance is really an appreciable work done by Itallian design house, and it catches eyes even today. The overall presence on road is good and not oversized even for Indian roads and traffic.

Interior (Features, Space & Comfort)

 The interior gives pretty elegance feeling and quality of plastic and texture/fabric of seats is good. The leather upholstry can be individual choice. The controls, nob etc..are easily approachable. It has loads of space for 5 adults of medium to above average sized physique. The thigh support is ample and one can strecth legs easily and it does not tire you on long drives. I have driven the car 625 km in one single day through highway, village raod, highway & hilly section en route.

Engine Performance, Fuel Economy and Gearbox

 I am using 10 year old Optra , and still find the engine good in terms of noise level, performance and fuel consumption. At times, the driving uphill gives a lack of punch initially before the res are build, though keeping it's weight in mind, I think that is justifiable. The recent trip gave me 13.5-14 km/ltr average with AC, which I feel is fair enough. The gear ratio in slow traffic gives bit stress on foot, otherwise one can push the car in low gear and can drive at slow speed in higher gear as well.

Ride Quality & Handling

 Optra's ride quality is really superb in it's category and feel planted on tarmac. It handles potholes and craters on Indian roads well, and I pushed the car on NH17 hilly road and negotiated curves at high speed and never felt loss of confidence.

Final Words

 This is a very good vehicle designed by Pinifarina, and I wish Chevy should have continued with this model with upgrades as it commands very respectable image with consumers.

Areas of improvement  

 I would like to get the gear ratio reviewed for bumper ot bumper traffic, and if Torque can be increased by 5% approx?

 

Internal Space, Handling, Styling, Looks, Riding Comfortnone, except narrow roads