Chevrolet Optra 1.6

Chevrolet isn't re-inventing the wheel with its successful Optra sedan. And a mild facelift hasn't altered its value-for-money credentials.

What's New
While a more dramatically-styled Optra 5 is due to break cover in 2006, the four door booted version of the car, as seen here, has gone for a more gentle re-working of the front end (for now). The previous three box grille has been replaced with a large single, two slat chrome unit which certainly gives the face a warmer, more elegant look than the somewhat 'pinched-in' appearance of the previous model. In turn, wider cut-lines have been added to the bonnet. It all adds up to a more generous and head-turning visage, while the rest of the car's mechanicals remain unchanged. While the headlights are apparently the same, they appear to stand out more vividly now thanks to the clever optical illusion of design. There is an optional bodykit available for the Optra, which extends the front and rear bumpers as well as side-skirts, which dues imbue the car with a touch more elegance.

How it Performs
The car's twin cam 1.6-litre engine comes mated to either a 5-speed manual box or a 4 speed ZF auto. Highway's test car was equipped with the latter and while the auto is a reasonably slick self-shifter, we suspect the manual will offer a more spirited drive from what is a pretty refined engine for a car in this price range. The figures tell the story, with a claimed 0-100km time of 11.7 seconds, the automatic is nearly a full second slower than the manual.

But the auto makes for a satisfying long distance driver providing you are not expecting a super-quick response on kick-down. With its 109 bhp on tap, the Optra has a strong mid-range that allows for safe and strong overtaking. With maximum torque peaking at 4,000rpm, the Optra wafts past slower traffic comfortably and unstrained from just 3,000rpm. Booting down the accelerator at these engine speeds actually provides a surprisingly sporty induction drone that belies the Optra's relatively conservative appearance. A non-stop trip by The Highway to Langkawi island earlier this year in the five door Optra 5 (which is fitted with an identical powerplant as the sedan) proved that a refined 1.6 litre engine can make for a pleasant stress-free journey without using excessive amounts of throttle.

It's the Optra's excellent front and rear independent suspension (worked on by Lotus) that really seals the vehicle as a great value car when taken as an entire package. Like the Optra 5, the MacPherson strut set up has been 'tuned' for European tastes, which is no bad thing in the local context. While the gas shock absorbers - the same items as found in the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, no less - offer excellent cushioning over less well paved surfaces, the taught suspension allows you to throw this sedan around without the anticipated 'wallow' that is often incumbent in some of its Japanese competitors. It's a sharp drive. Steering feedback is simply okay, but if it was as dynamic as the chassis, then the Optra would be an even more willing partner to hustle around the likes of South Buena Vista Road.

How it Stacks Up
The Optra slightly undercuts the 1.5-litre Honda City VTEC on price and also produces around the same horsepower. But Optra is more spacious than the Japanese competitor. However, the cabin build quality on the Honda just creeps ahead of the Chevy. Mitsubishi's evergreen Lancer also gives the Optra a good run for its money, with equally dynamic handling and an equivalent price. Even budget family saloons need to offer remarkable quality these days and the well-executed Optra continues to fight in an ever-shifting class.

Technical Specifications

MODEL Chevrolet Optra 1.6 ENGINE Engine: 1598cc 16v in-line 4 Max Power: 109bhp @ 5,800rpm Max Torque: 150Nm @ 4,000rpm TRANSMISSION 4-speed automatic/5-speed manual TOP SPEED 172kmh (auto), 180kmh (manual) 0-100km/h 11.5s (auto), 10.7s (manual)