The new Chevy has been designed for worldwide consumption, being sold as with the bowtie brand in Asian markets. It will appear as a somewhat modified Suzuki Forenza in the U.S. and abroad as well, where it will also share architecture with the Daewoo Nubira. All variations on the model will be manufactured in a new plant in Korea. Essentially, it's a small four-door sedan configured in the usual four-cylinder, front wheel drive layout. For reference, it is 64 mm (2.5 in) longer than a Honda Civic four door sedan and of similar height and width.
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| Targeted at first time buyers, the Chevy Optra comes packed with standard features at a value price. (Photo: General Motors) |
"Chevrolet Optra is for young Canadian families who are looking for a functional dependable car with a generous level of standard equipment at an attractive price," says Don Johnson, General Director of Marketing. Optra's target market is the first time new car buyer made up of recent graduates, young professionals, and of course, families.
Chevy's new compact will comfortably seat five adults in an interior described by GM as "highly functional and visually attractive." Look for thoughtful extras such as a height adjustable driver's seat with lumbar support, a storage tray beneath the passenger seat and trunk access through a 60/40 split-folding rear seat. Also standard is a deluxe gauge cluster featuring a tachometer and coolant temperature gauge.
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| Clean lines and attention paid to details should make the Optra a Canadian sales winner. (Photo: General Motors) |
I'm always impressed when automakers take time to consider the little things, especially in lower-end models. GM has accomplished this by equipping the Optra with standard items as grocery bag hooks, seatback pockets, sunglasses holder, central storage deposit tray, an additional 12-volt outlet and a block heater to fend off cold Canadian winters.
Optra's clean lines and smooth skin looks entirely modern, that in my view is more European than American (how refreshing for a GM product). The overall design is well proportioned and pleasing to a conservative eye. Nothing too daring or racy, thank you very much.