it drives. Must say it is absolutely wonderful! The suspension is sportingly firm and the ride is quite composed. The engine pulls strong but as with a long-stroke engine, it doesn't rev as willingly as others. It's fairly quiet but
can still be heard when the throttle is opened wide. That said it doesn't labour uphill, (took it on one of the most treacherous hills in Kingston, Jamaica; Red Hills) we were 3-up and the car pulled cleanly and shifted smoothly and didn't hunt for gears. Brakes were strong coming downhill and had no fade whatsoever. The steering is nicely weighted and very direct. Gas pedal is light to the touch and seems nicely suited to blipping the throttle for downshifts (those who plan to buy the manual version take heed!) The controls have a very nice feel and the column stalks (right hand drive customers may take a while to get used to the indicator being on the left side of the column, as per the Leganza) I never fumbled on that bit of change...but when I got back in my car OOOPS!! Wipers across dry windscreen isn't a good thing! The doors shut with authority and panel gaps were close and even. That said I only noticed one bit of flaw with the fit and finish. The forward-most part of the dashboard (a separate panel) doesn't fit flush with the A-pillar on the right side. The left side is perfect. I checked with another demo model that was there and that flaw was present there too. It didn't rattle or move when I pushed against it so I chalk it down to a clip being designed incorrectly. The sales-rep said that they were going very fast, with a shipment due that day, of which half were already accounted for! The design of the car, the price (currently JM$1.3M with all the toys, making it the chepaest car in it's class by a very wide margin), and the warranty (2 years BUMPER TO BUMPER...the ONLY manufacturer to offer that in Jamaica) are 'WOOing buyers! LOLOL If you get the chance...go drive it...I gave my friend the same advice and she placed her order immediately! It's just a pitty that I can't afford one right now. The Aveo/Kalos is in my price-range but let me be honest with you. I'm NEVER buying another car with drums at the rear. It's otherwise a nice car though...I'm telling you guys...Daewoo and GM seem serious about making it work this time. It's just a pitty that they chose to do it without the Daewoo name in Jamaica.
BTW...The Optra is also being built in India too..here's what they get over there...<salivating as I type>
