ARTICLE RECEIVED VIA http://www.auto123.com/en/info/news/previews,view,Chevrolet.spy?artid=24473&pg=1

A Practical SUV Alternative

By: Trevor Hofmann

Canadian Auto Press

 

With the addition of the subcompact Aveo hatchback, as well as the 

Thanks to GM's buyout of Daewoo, Chevrolet now has an impressive and growing lineup of unique import-oriented alternatives including the new compact Optra Wagon. (Photo: General Motors of Canada)

compact Optra and midsize Epica sedans, GM

Canada has been able to offer a unique import-oriented alternative within its well respected Chevrolet nameplate.

The new cars come from General Motors Daewoo Auto & Technology (GMDAT), the cooperative company that was formed as a result of the GM buyout of Daewoo's Korean manufacturing assets. The buyout also included the budget brand's line of cars, the Lanos subcompact, Nubira compact and Leganza midsize.

While the Lanos, Nubira and Leganza continue to be sold outside of North America under the Daewoo nameplate, GM and Suzuki have modified each car's grille, added brand specific badges and renamed them for specific markets. For instance, the Leganza is

The Suzuki Forenza Wagon, which is a mirror image of the Optra Wagon sans Chevrolet specific design details and badging, was introduced last month in Manhattan during the New York International Auto Show. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

dubbed Verona throughout North America and sold through Suzuki dealers, while GM Canada sells a version of the car named the Epica through its Chevrolet franchises. The same goes for the Lanos, called the Aveo at Chevrolet stores across the continent and the Sprint+ in Canadian Suzuki dealers. Suzuki Canada doesn't even get the Forenza, Reno or upcoming Forenza Wagon, but then again U.S. Chevy dealers don't get the Optra, Optra5 and upcoming Optra Wagon respectively.

"The addition of the wagon exemplifies the great things happening at Chevrolet, and further solidifies its position in the small car market," stated Cathy Mowat, Marketing Manager for Chevrolet small cars. "Chevy small car sales are up an incredible 75 percent for the calendar year to date, and we expect the Optra wagon to bring even more customers to our showrooms."

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."

A 5-speed manual transmission is standard with a 4-speed automatic available. It should handle corners respectably due to an independent front and rear suspension, and stop quickly via 4-wheel disc brakes and optional ABS.

Although nothing is official yet, expect the base Optra Wagon to start somewhere around $16,500. (Photo: General Motors of Canada)

Safety in mind, GM states that "high levels of active and passive safety" will be featured, including dual stage frontal airbags with a passenger-side weight-sensing system.

With greater interior room and similar performance to competitive compact wagons, plus a generous helping of standard features, how much will it cost? While the automaker has yet to release pricing, expect it to start a little higher than the current Optra sedan and 5-door hatch at around $16,500 in base trim before topping out at about $21,500 in LS form.

Canadian families looking for a practical entry-level hauler that isn't an SUV will appreciate Chevy's new Optra Wagon.

Specifications:

BACK TO TOP