The fuel consumption is a little bit high. About 10km/litre, but I guess it's still new, compare to my previous renaults megane, 16km/litre.
It's a good car. Comfortable. Quiet and responsive engine. Good brakes (rumours that the brakes are not good, but it's not true).
Continental car feeling. Nice interior. Doesn't look and feel like a cheap korean car. Good built quality.
Comfortable interior. 3 normal adults could sit comfortably behind.
Good road holding. Stable when drive fast. Quiet even at high speed. Good braking, I jammed brake to avoid being "captured" by the camera at the traffic light.
Must get used to the audio controller at the steering wheel. When making a turn, sometimes accidental press the mute button. Good audio systems.
Worth the buy, value-for money. A better option than buying a japanese or a korean car but cheaper than a continental car.
Although this car has a Chevrolet name plate, it is made in Korea, as Deawoo, so don't think it is 100% Chevrolet.
The Chevrolet Optra 1.6 is made in Thailand, similar too many other Japanese makes. Only the Aveo is made in Korea. However, it is significant to note that GM have sent their Engineers to Thailand and Korea to QC the production. The Chevrolet isn't holding a Daewoo engine. It is in fact fitted with a GM engine. The following is an excerpt from www.aas.com.sg, a premier automobile body. "The Optra is the first brand new product from Chevrolet that was designed to give the American car giant a foothold in Asia. It was developed by Daewoo R & D, now known as General Motors Korean Technical Centre, and is more than just a Daewoo Nubira replacement. With handsome styling by Pininfarina, it looks more European than Asian from certain angles. Also new is the fact that the Optra is built at GM's impressive Rayong factory outside Bangkok, along side the Opel Zafira MPV."
Hi, my car has reached 1000KMs and the rumors of high fuel comsumption is not true too! Boy, I'm glad I do not listen to rumour mongers. Now my fuel comsumption is between 12-13 km/l. The engine is getting smoother and quieter too. I guess my FC will continue to be better after my 1000km service. Talking about Japanese brand cars, my colleague who just bought a top-selling japanese car is not happy with his, the FC is higher too. Well, I guess one should stop listening to rumors. He should at least test drive the car and compare. I don't think Chevrolet would jeopardize their brand name by launching the Optra. I have no regret owning it, unlike my colleague :)
The engine is the Australian-built Family-II version through Holden, a brand-subsidiary of General Motors. Versions of this engine have a twenty-year history, with Opel among the list of major vehicles.
The ECM was developed by Delphi with its CPU operating at 32-bits compared with 8-bits in the previous engine.
The electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission is built by the acclaimed German company, ZF. It contains an Adaptive Gear Control, automatically adjusting to the driving conditions and the driver's particular style by the use of Fuzzy Logic, a software-type that assesses driving conditions and decides when to select proper shifting mode for that particular condition in real time. The Transmission Control Module will adapt to the changes in driving style and alternate to the appropriate shift modes: Economy / Medium / Sporty - Load 1 / Load 2 / Load 3 - and Shifting Inhibit.
I've been driving optra 1.6 for the last 1 year. Initial problem I faced is a low battery power, which cause my car failed to start. It was replaced by the dealer. Another problem that still appear is a slow clinging sound comes from the right front door. Its disturbing. Overrall the handling is quite smooth and stable. No replacement part was made until at present. Good looking from all angle. The design is fantastic. It attract most youngster with the present design. Fuel consumption is not that bad, and its much better then many previous ford 1.8GL.
Well I'm a 4 mths old OPTRA 1.6A owner. On the I'm whole I'm happy with the car except two issue.
1. No air-con sensor, which means the compressor running all the time when you start your engine - which well breakdown easily or shorter life span on compressor.
2. Poor ventilation in the engine compartment - if can resolve the OPTRA 1.6 fuel consumption will be better (ca fight with Japanese car consumption).
The car Chevrolet Optra doesn't look American Car??Any how the car is nice price wise. to buy an original chevrolet will cost much more. So you are driving chevrolet optra with a price of Korean car.
Hi, anyone owns an Optra Estate? Care to comment? Thanks.
Got my car on Christmas Eve 2005. Fuel consumption is about
10.8km/litre (30/70 urban/highway) - I think my gentle driving style and slightly firm tyre pressure (230kpa) have contributed. Figure should improve after run in.
Like the European car feel, firm composure and quietness of the car. Very different from the Japanese car I have previously driven.
Definitely value for money.
I've owned an Optra 1.6 for 12 months. I've had the radiator coolant dry up quickly to minimum level within about 2 months. The complaint has been raised to the workshop three times, but still, the same situation after remedial effort. Does any one encounter this issue? Is radiator coolant supposed to be added that often for a new car?
Dear Optra 1.6 owner who has problem with the radiator coolant drying off. That is an unsual problem that you are having. I hardly top-up the radiatior cooland level, I own a Optra 1.8, even I top-up, its just little, hardly need to top up at all, the level almost same through out. I think there's something wrong about your radiator. I'm sure its leaking somewhere or maybe check the cap of the top-up tank. Change it and test, maybe the rubber seal had worn-off.
Change your service centre or bring your car to another service centre, it's a small problem that you are having, I'm sure there are other competent people. Where are you from by the way? If from Malaysia and around KL, there's o good service centre at PJ at Off jalan 222. So far they solve all my problems and servicing. I've done 42000KM in 14 months and no problem with my car so far.
Hello, my 2004 Optra has 28364 kms & besides regular service points it has been a great car. Once you get used to the brakes in winter & the slushy feel of the gear box, where & who assembled the car makes little difference because it's all backed by good old GM.
I've been driving optra 1.6 for the last 16 months, and has not making any problem yet except need little bit addition collant. It is common for any cars?
The main problem I face at present is when driving at night during rainy day which really disturb my visual. It is possible to add the mist lamp such as optra 1.8 to my car. Hope any of the readers can help me with the matter.
Try applying Rain-X on your windscreen and windows to improve visual. It doesn't cost much to enhance safety.
On radiator, I have no problem on the coolant level so far.
My optra is 1.6.
Fuel consumption so far is about 10 to 11 km/litre on mix highway/urban cycle. I am using ESSO 5000 (RON95)
I own my Optra since July 2005 and have already 30000kms on it. Had no problem at all so far.