The list of standard features is not endless, but all the essentials are incorporated. Standard is air conditioning (that worked well during my hot test week), digital
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| The LS version of the Optra5 comes with a premium 8-speaker audio system with AM/FM/CD and optional MP3 player. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press) |
clock, cupholders, steering wheel-mounted cruise control, steering wheel-mounted radio controls, power doors and windows, power tilt and sliding glass sunroof, body-colored bumpers, body-colored heated sideview mirrors, fog lamps, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and remote keyless entry. My LS test car came with a premium 8-speaker audio system with AM/FM/CD and optional MP3 player ($75). The tunes were turned up, the sunroof was open and the windows were down as I cruised to the beach. Even with all the wind blowing through the car (and my hair), the stereo never failed to produce quality sounds.
Anti-lock brakes are optional on the Optra5 LS ($565) model, however, 4-wheel disc brakes coupled with P195/55R15 all season
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| The cute looking Optra5 would no doubt make a great car for a student or young family. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press) |
tires and 15" aluminum wheels come standard. The aluminum rims add to the stylish exterior while improving handling capabilities. As I mentioned before, I am a fan of the car's exterior styling, but the interior design is not so hot. The front bucket seats and rear bench were upholstered in an "interesting" material in an attention-grabbing design. While it looked a tad better than the interior material of the Optra sedan, I found the upholstery to be a little tacky. I suppose if I looked at it in only a practical sense, the fabric seemed very durable, and in a long run should wear much better. But still, it would be more appealing if its design was less busy, perhaps just one color would do the trick. The seats, despite their questionable pattern, were nevertheless cushy for the tushy, even after long stints behind the wheel.
