With diesel becoming the drink of preference, it’s no wonder diesel versions of popular cars are flooding the market. Now much more refined, almost as powerful, as fast as petrol cars and much more fuel efficient, common-rail technology has given diesels a new lease of life.
After the Swift Diesel, here’s another popular car that is getting the diesel treatment. The Optra Diesel is all set to join the now not-so-exclusive common-rail club. Powered by a 1991cc TDCi engine (Chevy speak for common-rail) churning out 120bhp and 28kgm of torque, it should be quite a scorcher. The diesel version also comes with a completely new front end. Everything up to the front doors is new. Headlamps from the SR-V, a huge grille, with a horizontal stripe running across it and an in-your-face Chevy bowtie freshen the nose. The chin is also new and goes well with the nose. The bonnet is new as is the windscreen. Viewed head-on, it looks more SR-V than Optra. An interesting touch is the mirror-mounted indicators a la Mercedes-Benz. What’s the point of new looks and new engine if the interiors don’t match up? The Optra D’s interiors have been given a makeover too and now resemble the SR-V’s dashboard. The three-tone dashboard looks far more upmarket than the SR-V and uses light colours and faux wood to embellish this effect.
What will be interesting is to see how this car will affect the undisputed champion of this segment. The diesel Octavia has had no competition until now and if Chevrolet India sticks with the Optra’s original formula of a big car for decent money, Skoda had better head back to the price sheet and come up with an answer. Fast.
source: autocarindia
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