RESPECTABLE FOR A CAR OF THIS SIZE

Despite the short gearing, the Optra’s fuel economy was pretty respectable, both in the city and on the highway. For a car weighing 1265kg and powered by a 1.8-litre engine, a figure of 8.1kpl in the city and 11.2kpl on the highway is acceptable. The large 60-litre fuel tank gives the Optra a range of 570km — useful for long high-way runs.