New Delhi, 07 July 2003: General Motors India (GM India) today launched the Chevrolet Optra. The four-door notchback provides a new choice in India's growing midsize sedan market. Based on a new platform from GM Daewoo Auto & Technology, the Optra is being manufactured domestically by GM India at its Gujarat facility. It will be available at all GM India dealerships across the country beginning on 7th July 2003

"The Chevrolet Optra represents an extension of GM's commitment to providing more for less," said Aditya Vij, President and Managing Director of GM India. "The Optra has been tailored to meet the changing tastes, lifestyles and needs of car buyers in India. It delivers outstanding value through its unique combination of modern styling, a spacious interior, user-friendly features and efficient performance."

Modern European Styling

The front-wheel drive Optra was penned by world-renowned Italian design house Pininfarina. The result is a gracefully proportioned vehicle with a distinctive European flair. The look is modern and dynamic, yet simple, refined and well balanced. The Optra has a wedge shape with clearly accentuated shoulders. The roof line drops down to the high rear section almost like that of a coupe. Prominent wheel arches give the Optra a solid stance. Jewel-effect headlights and taillights, crystal-effect front fog lamps, a distinct chrome-ringed tri-port grille and body-color side mouldings provide an element of sporty elegance.

Richly Appointed Interior

The Optra is as stylish inside as it is on the outside. Its richly appointed interior is the most luxurious in its class. Wood grain was especially chosen to harmonize with the Optra's plush seats. Key driver information is accommodated in three circular instruments. Audio and air conditioning controls are within easy reach of both driver and front seat passenger. Among the many other standard amenities are a large cooled glove box and a power outlet in the center console.

Roomy and Comfortable Ride

A length of 4500 millimeters, width of 1,725 millimeters, height of 1,445 millimeters and wheelbase of 2,600 millimeters make the Optra one of the roomiest vehicles in its class. It also is among the most comfortable one in its segment. It's ergonomically designed interior has high hip-point seats that ensure easy entry and exit as well as optimal visibility. The Optra makes highly efficient use of space, with more than a dozen storage spaces such as a pocket on the side of the front passenger seat, storage bins in all four doors and even a slot for a mobile phone.

The Optra's Total Noise Reduction System (TNRS) utilizes extensive noise insulation materials throughout the body, engine compartment, door panels and floor pan. This ensures the exceptionally quiet ride, with minimum vibration and harshness, reminiscent of a large sedan. The Optra's Dynamic Balancing System (DBS), all-wheel independent suspension (AWIS), MacPherson struts up front, gas-filled shock absorbers, and a suspension that has been finely tuned for India's roads provide an excellent compromise between ride comfort and road handling.

Powerful 16-Valve Engine

The Optra comes equipped with a 16-valve D-TEC engine that is characterized by high power, high efficiency and low noise. The 1.8-liter double overhead camshaft (DOHC) engine is extremely refined, generating 115 PS of power at 5,800 rpm and 158 Nm of torque. The engine is mated to a refined manual transmission.

Active and Passive Safety

Active and passive safety features are a hallmark of the Optra. High-strength steel, which accounts for 40 percent of the body shell, provides high torsional rigidity and crash stability. Progressive crumple zones and a reinforced passenger cabin help protect occupants in the event of a front or side collision. A driver's airbag affords additional protection, as do five three-point safety belts, height-adjustable front seatbelts and rear seat head restraints. A generous windshield provides all-around visibility, eliminating blind spots while adding to the Optra's elegance.

The original model upon which the Optra is based was put through nearly 2 million kilometers of durability tests on four continents. This includes punishing winter testing in Canada and Sweden, and extreme hot weather testing in Australia and Spain. It has also been extensively test driven across India in different climatic, traffic, road and fuel conditions. The engine, suspension and air-conditioning systems of Optra have been adapted to suit Indian conditions. With a total of 194 crash tests carried out in the United States and South Korea, the Optra conforms to the demanding Euro NCAP standards.

"As one of the world's fastest-growing vehicle markets, India has tremendous promise," said Vij. "By making India among the first countries in the world to build and sell the Chevrolet Optra, GM is demonstrating its faith in this market. Driving forward, GM will continue to introduce new models from throughout the GM family as part of its pledge to become a leader and a trusted friend of the people of India."

GM India is a wholly owned subsidiary of General Motors Corporation. Besides the Chevrolet Optra, GM India also manufactures the Opel Astra, Corsa, Corsa Sail and Swing at its state-of-the art facility in Halol, Gujarat. In addition, GM India sells the imported Opel Vectra and Chevrolet Forester.