Chevrolet is offering Middle East buyers its new Optra in a bid to take a bigger share of the region’s lower-medium segment, which is expected to grow another 50 per cent by 2008.

The 2004 Optra is described as a “no compromise performer that delivers big-car characteristics in a mid-range package.” The package is available in the region from $8,958 to $10,398.  Optra’s base model comes with a 1.6-litre, double overhead cam engine, mated to a five-speed manual gearbox and producing 107hp. High-output AC, power steering and power windows, cloth trim and 14-inch steel rims are among the features.

The LS model comes with a 1.8-litre engine delivering 119hp and has four-speed automatic transmission, 15-inch steel rims, deluxe interior console, tiltable steering wheel and lumbar support on the driver’s seat as well as remote control electric door locks. Additional options include 15-inch alloy wheels, touch down power windows and a wood-grain and leather interior package.

The top-of-the-range LT adds electronic climate control, driver and passenger airbags, 15-inch sport alloy rims, ABS braking, remote keyless entry, deluxe cloth trim and an in-dash CD player with six speakers. All three variants will be four-door saloons, to be followed later in the year by a five-door hatchback version.
Chevrolet recently launched in the region the Aveo and Epica.

“We expect to win a substantial share of a market in which we’ve not had a significant presence in the past,” said Jim Cnossen, Middle East marketing director of General Motors. Chevrolet is the largest division of General Motors.

GM’s Middle East sales were 28,793 units in the first seven months of this year, seven per cent up on the same period in 2002. The company has targeted sales of 61,000 units taking into account that sales are usually higher in the second half of the year.