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Gas you like it

Finally, a good-looking, spacious car with a CNG option to reduce your fuel bills... Siddhraj Singh checks out the new, alternative Chevy Optra

BIG SAVINGS The luxury mid-size market could do with more machines like the newly introduced Optra CNG

The threat of oil prices crossing $100 a barrel looms large and with natural resources depleting at a rate never known before, this is perhaps the next biggest challenge that mankind will have to deal with in the coming years, before we completely run out of fossil fuel. So are our carmakers ready with any kind of a backup plan?

Gas is it

The answer is yes. Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) is one solution. And surprisingly, this little explored option is believed to reduce running costs of a vehicle by 70 per cent. Car manufacturers have certainly started o take note - today, you can get yourself a gas kit in some cars, fitted without voiding the warranty at the dealer level. General Motors India (GMI) is not lagging behind, and has chosen its hot-seller, the Optra, to be fitted with such a kit.

The Optra's Bendini CNG kit features a three stage CNG reducer, and like the similar Mitsubishi Lancer, has its own electronic control unit (ECU), which runs independently. There is a small control box mounted on the dashboard, with a three-way switch that allows the driver the choice of either petrol or gas. The car also has LED lights that come on and display the mode and the amount of CNG left.

Fit and finish

While it's a useful thing to have, the control box is tacky in construction, and a bunch of wires protruding from underneath the steering column doesn't make a pretty sight in a car that is fast becoming a status symbol of youngsters in urban India. Thankfully, the Optra comes with a huge boot and despite the large gas cylinder parked there, there is still some space left for the luggage, just like in a hatchback. With a neat divider in place, you can fit in one medium and one small suitcase, just about enough for a weekend trip to a nearby destination for one person.

Cheap and tacky control switch, though

Behind the wheel

Starting the car on CNG is almost like a trip down memory lane and it brings back good old days when cars were fitted with carburettors. Bringing the Optra CNG to life takes a prolonged crank along with a slight application of power. Despite the higher 120 octane rating, this car is certainly not meant for spirited driving.

Almost 200 kilos of extra weight make their presence felt instantly. To compensate, the rear suspension has been beefed up to handle the extra load. As expected, the power output is perceptibly lower in CNG mode, though it does drive smoothly. Although it is sluggish initially when on gas, the Optra pulls away nicely once you tap the throttle. Though, shift up too early, and you will find yourself struggling for pace, while overtaking requires a downshift almost every time.

Revving up the engine rewards you with power the car is happiest near its 4,000 rpm mark, where response becomes positive.

Highway cruising is also a breeze, and the overall drive quality can be termed "refined" as compared to other aftermarket CNG kits.

The petrol Optra gives 9.5 kpl in the city, while the CNG gives 12.1 kpkg, at Rs 22/kg. Optra owners who are currently not too thrilled with its fuel economy have another option to consider with the introduction of this kit, which will not only make owning this car economical but will also fetch them better resale value later on.

The kits cost Rs 50,000 - rather expensive when you consider that otherwise, CNG kits go for approximately Rs 40,000.

But then, Chevrolet has got a good thing going - the Optra, kitted out in this manner, still retains its manufacturer warranty. And that means the CNG route for the Optra is definitely worth a look-see.

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