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2004 Chevrolet Optra LS Road Test

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Alexandra Straub
The interior is well finished and includes more standard features like a four-speaker AM/FM/CD stereo with decent sound quality (and you can option up to a AM/FM/CD/MP3 head unit for only $75), front power windows, floor mats and full carpeting with heel pad and driver-side dead pedal, fabric door trim and integrated front/rear map pockets, as well as a driver's-side sunglass holder. I found that all amenities where handily positioned.

The $1,725 Preferred Equipment package adds steering wheel mounted audio controls, a power glass tilt and slide sunroof, woodgrain accent trim and more. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press)
A $1,725 Preferred Equipment package adds steering wheel mounted audio controls to pump up the volume on 4 additional premium speakers, a power glass tilt and slide sunroof, woodgrain accent trim, a leather shift knob and leather-wrapped steering wheel, fog lamps, mud guards and 15-inch alloy wheels.

The exterior styling is also notable. GM describes their Optra as having a "highly refined appearance and tight lines reminiscent of expensive European sedans." The body-colored front and rear bumpers with wrap-around bumper guards, body-colored side moldings and dual rear-view mirrors, halogen headlamps and fog lamps enhance the overall look. While attractive I found that it blended in with the crowd a little too much for my liking - a positive point to some as there's nothing wrong with going with the flow.

The Optra's 119-hp 2.0-L, 16-valve, DOHC, 4-cylinder engine is sufficient for cruising around town. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press)
Fueling the Optra's fire is a 2.0-L, 16-valve, DOHC, 4-cylinder engine providing 119 horsepower at 5,400 rpm and 126 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm. The power is sufficient for its compact size, at least around town, but I wouldn't go as far to say ten seconds to 100 km/h is quick. It's enough to trek up steep hills at a decent speed though, unless loaded down, or coast along at reasonably fast highway speeds. When it comes to slowing the sedan down the standard power-assisted four-wheel disc brakes do a pretty good job as well. Spending a little extra on optional ABS might be wise just the same.
Alexandra Straub
Alexandra Straub
Automotive expert
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