2005 Chevrolet Optra Wagon Preview

Shown first at the New York International Auto Show in Suzuki guise as a Forenza Wagon, the GMDAT family hauler will get a bowtie when it arrives in Canada this fall.

The new Optra Wagon has been styled by Pinifarina, the same design house that pens most Ferraris. (Photo: General Motors of Canada)

The car looks good, due to its Pininfarina (yes the same design house that pens most Ferraris) styling, with a Chevy chrome grille, large clear-acrylic headlamps, standard fog lamps, and vertically styled taillights.

GM says the vertical rear lamps have been purposely designed to allow for a wider liftgate opening, giving easier access to its 1,971 liter cargo capacity when the rear seats are folded forward, while rear legroom and front and rear shoulder room are said to fit five adults comfortably.

The new wagon will be longer and wider than the already largish 2004 Focus Wagon. If it is decked out anything like the

Despite its low price, the Optra Wagon will be nicely finished inside just like its sedan and 5-door hatchback siblings. (Photo: General Motors of Canada)

U.S.-only Suzuki Forenza, and being its sister car it should be, it will feature an 8-speaker audio system with steering wheel-mounted controls, side airbags for both driver and front passenger, speed-sensitive power steering and heated power mirrors, at least as optional equipment - these features come standard in the Forenza Wagon. A sunroof should also be available in top-level models only.

The Optra Wagon should be peppy off the line too, due to a 2.0-litre, 16-valve DOHC inline 4-cylinder engine capable of 119 horsepower at 5,400 rpm and 126 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm. Those concerned with the environment take note that the Optra Wagon is an Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV) and stated to be "remarkably fuel-efficient."