By Tessa R. Salazar
Philippine Daily Inquirer
THE 1.6-LITER LS Chevy Optra wagon stands all by its lonesome in its market segment. The only wagon in the country that carries a submillion price tag (P869,000 for the automatic, P829,000 for the manual, to be exact), it’s also probably the only wagon that’s not ashamed to highlight its “mama’s toy” character.
It certainly knows where it’s going: right to the school zone and PTA meetings, where functionality and safety are more important than tuner-delight performances.
For a 1.6-liter engine powering a 1,190-kg body (for automatic), the heaviness makes up for its stability and loads of safety features. It has dual airbags, standard antilock brake system and four-wheel disc brakes.
The gate-type automatic transmission makes sure you’re not clumsily fiddling the wrong gear. The instrument panel is easy to read as you simultaneously look over the rear window to check on your restless kids and negotiate that blind turn.
The two rear passenger seats have three-point seatbelts, while the middle only has a lap belt (which should’ve also been given a three-point seatbelt).
Although the feel of the power steering is just right for this women test driver, the tiny honk buttons on both sides are not that accessible during emergency situations (it would certainly require some “practice honks”).
It boasts of Euro-ride tuning suspension with the right amount of compromise between ride comfort and road handling. It has such features as dynamic balancing system and all-wheel independent suspension, McPherson struts and gas-filled shock absorbers.
It also boasts of connecting the alternator and air-conditioning compressor with a single drive belt to reduce engine noise and vibration.
This mommy wagon is designed thoughtfully with lots of storage areas and compartments, a cooled glove box, vanity mirrors with cover, 60/40 rear split with center armrest and cupholders, side-door pockets, map lamps and center console.
The child safety lock is standard. The seat material is fabric. The front seat is sliding and reclining while the rear seat is a 60-40 split with center armrest. Power features are standard in steering, windows, side mirror and door locks. Mudguards are standard, too.
To calm the stressed-out mom is the six-in dash CD/MP3 player and tuner. It has six speakers. It has steering-mounted controls and a glass-printed antenna.
Fuel consumption (rough tank test) is a modest 8 to 9 km per liter (city drive) and about 12 to 14 km per liter at constant highway speeds of 80 kph. That means mothers only have to mind junior’s grades, and not the pump prices as well. Let’s leave that to dad and his credit cards, right?
SPECS
1.6 liter DOHC engine
engine displacement: 1,598 cc
max power 110 PS @ 5,800 rpm
max torque 150 Nm @ 4,000 rpm
Curb weight for manual 1,180 kg
Curb weight for automatic 1,190 kg
Gross weight for manual 1,665 kg
Gross weight for automatic 1,675 kg
Tires: 195/55R15
Wheels: 6JJ x 15 alloy
Dimensions
Length 4,500 mm
Width 1,725 mm
Height 1,445 mm
Wheelbase 2,600 mm
