Auto India, Car India

India is quite acquainted with a wide range of SUV’s, launched by a number of native and global brands. However, the price range being much higher, it was beyond the reach of the mid premium class. Optra SRV, being the first in its class with a sport back, is expected to grab a major portion of the premium class hatchback market. Also, many of the prospectus SUV buyers are expected to choose Optra SRV, due to the attractive price difference between both of these.

Highlighting Features :
The Optra Magnum being a sedan contains most of the recent safety and comfort systems. The same base if followed in Optra SRV, with slight modifications aimed towards the sportier appearance. This hatchback is made more and more stylish looking. The manufacturers had hardly expected that the car would be used for domestic, sophisticated travels. That’s why they have worked hard to prepare the car for tough routes. GM is so sure of the quality level, that it has offered warranty for 3 years or 10, 00,000 km.!The following specification statistics will reveal you the highlights!

General statistics :

• Name and Model : Chevrolet Optra SRV 1.6 Option Pack
• Ex showroom price (Mumbai) : Rs 7,83,479 (may vary)
• Body type : Hatchback
• Available colors :
  • Blazing Red
  • Intense Black
  • Platinum Metallic
  • Velocity
• Engine type : 1.6L, 101 Bhp, VGIS, Petrol engine
• Maximum power : 101 @ 5800 (ps@rpm)
• Maximum torque : 14.3 @ 4000 (kg-m@rpm)
• Top speed : 175 km/h
• Acceleration (0-100 km/h) : 13.2 sec
• Steering : Tilt Power steering
• Brakes : Front disc, Rear drum
• Transmission : 5 speed manual
• Alloy wheels? : Yes
• Fuel tank size : 60
• Fuel efficiency : 12.5 (For Highway)9.7 (For City)
• Seating Capacity : 5
• AC / Non-AC : AC without climate control
• Music system : Cassette/CD player, radio with 4 speakers

Comments :
GM had already stirred the executive class sedan market with its recently launched Chevrolet Optra Mangum, which got many appreciations and substantial market sale. The car was headed for executive usages. Now, it’s the turn for fun! GM’s new arrival is the same Optra in a new avatar. This is new Chevrolet Optra SRV.

The Indian Auto Market had long felt the need for sport-back cars in the mid range. There are a number SUV’s by various auto brands, performing absolutely well.However the middleclass buyers, which are the most in numbers in India, hardly think of buying SUVs. The major concern for this is of course the higher price range. The new Optra SRV is surely filling the barrier.

With the base shape of Optra Magnum, the SRV is further enhanced in its exterior design. The Magnum’s earth-looking body orientation with alignment of the front, mid and rear portion is followed here too! The modifications are at the front and rear length. While offering a sporty look, a touch of executive sedan appearance is added to this hatchback. The body colored waistline molding can be mentioned in this regard.

The grip type door handles at the doors are aligned parallel with the waistline molding which makes Optra SRV’s side view awesome. As is in Optra magnum, the ORVM in Optra SRV are assisted with power and have in their body, the currently trended, side-turn indicators. Also, small indicators just behind the ORVMs are noticeable, too!The Halogen headlights and the fog lights (which were missing in the Magnum variant), are nicely shaped fit perfectly into the sporty looking exterior of this hatchback. The huge rear lamps however seems little bold, considering the hatchback body.

The driving thrill is one of the most emphasized thing in the design of Optra SRV, this comes of course at the cost of few other safety and comfort features such ABS and EBD, automatic climate control. Nevertheless, the car is meant for this only!

Pros :

• 1,598 cc, 101 Bhp, VGIS petrol engine
• 3 years or 10,00,000 km warranty
• Front suspension- McPherson Struts
• Rear suspension- McPherson Struts with dual link
• Body colored waistline molding, Grip type door handles
• Adjustable Headlights, Halogen Headlamps, Center high mount stop lamp
• Fog lights (front)
• Clutch foot rest,
• Power ORVMs
• Rear window defogger
• Rear spoiler
• Wheel covers
• Power steering, Leather steering wheel
• Power windows, front and rear, with one touch down driver side
• Central locking
• Front impact beams, Side impact beams
• Child safety locks
• Remote fuel lid opener
• Accessory power outlet
• Walnut finish on interior panels
• Cup holders (front and rear)
• Adjustable seats, Seat belt warning
• Rear seat headrest, Rear seat belts, Rear Seat Centre Arm Rest
• Fabric upholstery, 60:40 split folding rear seats
• Outside temperature display, Cigarette lighter
• CD player with front and rear speakers

Cons :

• No ABS, EBD
• AC without climate control

Bottom Line :
The new Optra SRV is a prefect combination of features of premium class sedan and hatchback. With an overall length of more than 4 meter and a top speed of 175 km/h, the car is perfectly suitable run on highways, with a speed more than 110-120 km/h. The appealing shape, accompanied by the shining surface and the greatly nice-looking alloy wheels certainly make an impression statement to the viewer.As mentioned earlier, the car is India’s first premium class SRV with quite an affordable price. This means a lot to people, as they wish to buy a sport-back car, but has to compromise at other sedans, due to high price range of SUVs. Now, with the introduction of new Optra SRV, people have got a nice, “sporty” option to executive sedans.