Now with front-end changes. The front end of the ’08 Optra wagon has slanted eyes that accentuate the gold bowtie Chevrolet logo in the front grille, plus turn signals incorporated into the side mirror housings and new five-spoke solid rims.

FOR the family man not used to driving vehicles with a high ground clearance and high driver’s seat entry and exit points, the station wagon is a great budget option. Problem is, this unique vehicle is an endangered species due to the previous prevailing customer need for SUVs, pickups, MPVs and vans. 

GM Philippines has kept the “species” alive with a station wagon variant of its Optra sedan. But with seemingly perpetual gas hikes negating the use of truck-based utility vehicles, it presents itself now as a budget choice.

Can the Optra wagon make buyers look past subcompact hatchbacks?

Outside the wagon sports significant changes to its mug. Gone are the ’01-’06 Honda Civic-like headlights; in place are slanted “eyes” that give it a resemblance to the current Subaru Impreza, highlighting the prominent gold bowtie Chevy logo in the front grille. The rear’s swept-back look and new five-solid spoke wheels give oncoming motorists a ready-to-race impression, a far cry from the “hauler only” derriere design of its predecessor.

Same old, same old (layout) Much of the previous Optra wagon’s layout and interior colorway were retained, with a major change being the new MP3-ready radio with ergonomic buttons, knobs and display.

Nothing much has changed, interior-wise. Retained were the black steering wheel and the gray wraparound interior colorway. In place is a new radio that’s MP3 ready and can accommodate six CDs instead of five, along with larger, more user-friendly buttons and knobs for easy read and reach. However, the steering wheel’s stereo/horn controls are virtually in the same areas as the pre-2005 Optra. It would have been better if there were volume controls on the steering wheel, aside from the on/off, mute and function/radio toggle buttons. If you have a family and you have to deal with sibling warfare between toddlers in the back row and a pre-teen that goes ballistic in the shotgun seat AND the radio’s on, volume controls on the steering wheel are a much-needed help. And finding the horn buttons are difficult; they’re located at the nine and three o’ clock steering wheel positions, creating instant opportunities for sprained thumbs when depressing the horn.

One is overwhelmed by that “new car smell” once you plop yourself into the plush moquette seats. Unfortunately the smell permeates into the A/C once you turn on the blower knobs. Perhaps it’s the odor of the sound absorbent foam or part of the wagon’s noise suppression system entering the vents, but the A/C can make occupants dizzy if you turn it on and drive immediately with every window and door closed.

The Optra wagon’s extra rear real estate lives up to its billing, swallowing two DHL Jumbo boxes and a 13.4-kg LPG tank. The rear seats offer a 60:40 split-folding function, but do not exactly fold flat or tumble like the Honda Jazz’s ULT (Utility, Long and Tall) rear seats. The Optra wagon also lacks a rear hatch window recess for easier opening, a problem for the driver who has a bevy of groceries in both hands and can barely open the rear hatch.

On the road the narrow powerband and a quirky A/T combine to give sluggish acceleration, with the latter playing between first and second gears in traffic. You have to get the throttle to the redline and smack the A/T through the jiggly gate to second gear for decent downshifts. Even then you only stay for a moment in second due to its short ratio, and end up out of the power curve due to the tall third gear. As a result tested top speed (198 kph) and consumption 7.78 km/l (4 days, mixed driving) are a given but certainly disconcerting.    

The Optra has a unique Euro-Ride Tuning Suspension shock absorbing system, specially designed to accommodate load distribution for any road condition. Road irregularities are dampened with ease, and traction breaks at 90-95 kph. Steering is surprisingly light, but gives enough feedback for the driver to discern. Also, the brakes are surprisingly strong and the ABS wakes up when you need it. Lastly, the side mirrors have turn signals and lateral view up to the second lane of sight on both flanks.  

The ‘08 Chevrolet Optra wagon still manages to present itself as a bargain carrier, provided you’re the type who: 1) Carries passengers and cargo long distances; 2) Dislikes utility vehicles, subcompact cars, and paying over seven figures for a four-wheeler; and 3) Just wants to get from point A to point B on time.

TODAY’S expensive gas prices, indiscriminate diggings and chaotic metropolitan traffic make getting around the city not as enjoyable as it once was.  Driving a car from one place to another has now turned into a test of patience and luck, as well as a drain on one’s financial resources. 

FOR the family man not used to driving vehicles with a high ground clearance and high driver’s seat entry and exit points, the station wagon is a great budget option. Problem is, this unique vehicle is an endangered species due to the previous prevailing customer need for SUVs, pickups, MPVs and vans. 

Eyes on the Road: Trailers parked on the street

WE recently received reports about huge trailers that litter the streets of Aduana in Manila.

Oh, boy! Were we surprised when we visited the street one Sunday.

SEVERAL readers of my Formula One (F1) column and article last week have one similar request: “Please tell us more about Formula One.”

FORT BONIFACIO Development Corp. (FBDC) and Sunshine Television Production & Marketing Services Corp. (STV) have agreed to bring the 2008 “Auto Focus Motor Show & Auto Expo” to Area 2 of the Bonifacio Global City (behind NBC Tent). Heralded as one of the biggest displays of 2008 models ever assembled in one venue, the event is slated on November 25 to December 1.