I am interested in buying Optra. But wanted more info about it
(maintenance, depreciation value, etc). I know that this model was based
from Daewoo Nubira. So.... after doing some homework I found this review
about Nubira and want to share with everyone... The below review is juat a
part of it.
Overall Rating; 2 Star (out of 5 star)
Assets
Feels robust, looks contemporary, impressively roomy for the price,
adequate driving experience, attractive back-up package
Drawbacks
Less than brisk performance, noisy engines, some cheap interior fittings,
average ride, poor stereo, price not low enough
Verdict
Fair as worry-free transport, but not terribly modern and not quite the
keen deal it appears to be.
INTRODUCTION
The saloon and Station Wagon (estate) are currently both available as a
109bhp 1.6 SX, and the saloon also comes in 122bhp 1.8 CDX form, with four-
speed automatic transmission as an option. Both engines are elderly but
modified General Motors units. The Nubira is relatively simply engineered
and designed for toughness, Daewoo's owners GM intending to sell plenty of
examples badged as Buicks, for instance, into the demanding conditions of
the Chinese market. But Daewoo has also part-developed the car's
suspension system in the UK, to better suit our roads and driving styles.
RELIABILITY AND QUALITY RATING: 3 star
The Nubira feels solidly constructed and rattle-free, body panel fit is
pretty good and the interior appears robust. However, the quality of many
of the materials used inside falls well short of the latest standards in
this class; the column stalks, seat trims and the CDX's fake wood look
particularly cheap. A seat recline adjuster dropped off one test car, too.
Splashes of faux aluminium finishes give the cabin a lift, but it's hardly
state-of-the-art. Reliability of the previous Nubira was not a strong
point, but this model should be an improvement.
DRIVING RATING: 2.5 star
Few will have difficulty driving the Nubira - its major controls are
fairly light and easily operated, while the minor switchgear holds no
surprises. The gearlever moves across a wide gate, but is easy enough to
manipulate. Though the standard seat height adjuster is a little fiddly to
use, it allows you to angle the cushion as well as raising it. This, in
combination with a rake-adjustable wheel (reach too in the CDX) makes it
easy to get comfortable. Forward visibility is good and the mirrors are
just about big enough, but the high tail and trio of sight-blocking head
restraints conspire to make reversing a painful business at times.
Nubira owners are unlikely to be seeking dynamic driving thrills, but it
is game if pushed hard through bends, and it is capable enough not to
completely discourage brisk driving. It handles very safely, resists
running wide quite effectively, and the steering is sensibly weighted and
accurate, if a bit lacking in feel. There's some body roll, and mid-bend
bumps can unsettle it, but for most it will prove adequate. But if you're
after a practical car that really is fun to drive, look to a Ford Focus or
an MG ZS.
COMFORT AND EQUIPMENT RATING: 3.5 star
Were it not for its intrusive engines, the Nubira would score more highly
here, because its suspension operates very quietly, there is impressively
little road noise and wind noise is fairly well contained. And a major
plus point - the air conditioning really does chill effectively, unlike
many rival systems. The generous interior space and reasonably comfortable
seats build its score too, but the excessively noisy 1.8 engine, which
turns vocal even at relatively modest revs, breaches the peace somewhat.
The 1.6 is better, if no paragon. Both engines allow a pretty relaxed
motorway cruise, though. Provided you don't work it hard, then, the Nubira
is quite a civilised place to be, though the seats are rather flat and
unsupportive for long journeys. The attractive…The saloon's boot is long,
wide and fairly deep, and there are sp 1');
Close
How different is Optra against Nubira?
Started by
Xoomie
, Jan 27 2005 04:57 PM, 18 replies to this topic