It may be a Daewoo with a Chevy badge, but the new Optra is as
good as it gets — it could be a serious threat to the Toyota Corolla.

This is ironic. Daewoo's first mid-size saloons, like the Cielo, were based on cars from Opel, GM's European arm. The Cielo had an Astra-based engine, gearbox and suspension system. A decade later, the tables have turned. After acquiring the bankrupt Korean car-maker, GM has incorporated Daewoo cars into GM brands. This new range of models is light years ahead of what Daewoo has made in the past, and can compete with the very best. The all-new Daewoo Nubira will be badged the Chevrolet Optra.

The Optra is GM India's most significant model yet. It is larger and better than the Astra it replaces, and in fact rivals the larger Corolla. GM India will initially launch the 1.8-litre manual, followed by the top-of-the-line 1.8 automatic. By the year’s end, the cheaper 1.6-litre Optra is expected too, aimed at the Lancer and Baleno. But what the Optra is really eyeing is the huge vacuum the current Honda City will create when it is discontinued in October.

We tested the 1.8 Optra LT — the fully loaded manual transmission variant — which is aimed squarely at the Corolla and Octavia. Is it as good or better? Turn the page for the answers.