Recent automotive market has been a buzz with the huge discount Chevrolet is offering for Optra 1.8L and 1.6L, at ~66K, discount of almost 30K. As usual with our 'kepoci' sense tingling all over, www.Luk4all.com.my has decided to check out this car. 
 

The 1.8L is powered by DOHC 16-valve, even though classified as compact-sized sedan, but it is roomy once seated.

Maybe some of you have already known, but searching through the web, we made a startling discovery, this car is sold in Asian and Canada as Chevrolet Optra, in USA as Suzuki Forenza, and it uses a Holden engine (company from Australia) on the 1.8L and
a Daewoo engine (Korean) on the 1.6L. Talk about complicated relationships in automotive world, this car would the record holder... This relationship or new subsidiary is known as GM Daewoo Auto & Techonology or in short GMDAT. GM owns 41% of GMDAT while Suzuki owns 14.9%, Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp owns 10% and Korean Development Development Bank at 33% (note that this figure might not be the latest). A truly globalize company and car indeed.

The 1.8L is actually classified as compact-sized sedan, powered by DOHC 16-valve inline-four engine, giving it a good performance and dependability. Though classified as compact sedan once you get in it, the design gave you a roomy feeling whether you are seated in front or behind. It comes with many nice to have features including, power steering, door locks, windows, mirrors and trunk opening; electronically folding side mirrors; air conditioner; 2- DIN stereo with five-disc in-dash CD changer, six-speaker
system and steering wheel controls. A keyless entry system with alarm and immobilizer is also included. And not forgetting.... Leather seat is included.

And before we go any further, we would like to point out again that this car was previously sold at RM90K++, however at the RM60K++ many of the safety features are still included at that rock bottom price, and that is dual airbag, ABS (anti-lock braking system, to prevent your car from slipping when you braked on wet or slippery road) and EBD (electronic brake force distribution).

Fuel consumption is at 8.8L per 100KM, and as a comparison to Toyota Altis 1.8L at 7.8L per 100KM, in a nutshell you get better fuel consumption with the Toyota. But I don't it matter any more with the price different of the 2 cars.
 

Fuel consumption is at 8.8L per 100KM, ~10% more than Altis.

We at luk4all.com.my have also the opportunity to test drive the 1.8L. Basically the handling, drive and braking system is pretty good, you can also very well feel that the car is very stabile, glued to the road, maybe due to the weight of the car and indirectly impacting the fuel consumption. One thing I would like to point out is the engine response isn't too good, even though I slammed the pedal all the way down, it feels like forever before I feels that engine response. Of course once the engine response it will just go.... Going through bumps and potholes was pretty smooth, and the it is also a very quiet car.

Conclusion... at ~RM66K this car is a steal, whether it is a Korean, Japanese or American car. The price beats all the disadvantage I have heard so far. I have also heard there are only limited quantity available, and once they are gone, THEY ARE GONE. The story is GM will be coming in after this batch is sold, taking over 51% of Hicomobil, which currently distribute Optra.

Oh yeah by the way..... I heard some folks could get the car at price as low at 63K, so shop around. But don't wait too long as before you know it, this deal is GONE!!