Faults:

Jerky transmission (dealer can't duplicate).

Trouble finding gears (software upgrade).

Windshield lining exposed at dash (recurring).

Malfunctioning daylights (recall service).

Alarm activating randomly (still recurring after suspected broken wire fixed).

Warning lights showing faint on dash and locks not functioning (hasn't recurred since broken wire fixed as per above).

General Comments:

Get the impression of poor quality overall, although I'm not sure if it's a result of inferior materials, assembly, or dealer service, or a combination of all three.

Poor acceleration.

Average handling.

Gas consumption worse than expected.

Best part of this car is its roominess -- it really is surprisingly roomy for a compact.

Hatchback is really convenient.

*As an aside, this car is no longer available in Canada...

General Comments:

As a whole, I am very satisfied with the Optra5. I've found it to be reliable, even when leaving it unplugged overnight at -40C.

One item of question is the automatic transmission: the residential speed limit in Canada is 50 km/h; the Optra 5 shifts into 2nd gear at about the same point - so trying to keep that speed results in choppy and almost constant up-an-down shifting. The only way I've been able to bypass this issue is by trying to keep an average speed of 52 km/h.

Faults:

Shortly after buying this car, we took it on a long trip. Travelling at thoroughfare speed, against the wind, the hood shook alarmingly. We stopped to check that everything was tight and in place then continued with a prayer. We had no problem, once adjusted to this movement and have had no other related difficulty.

At about 10,000km, while we were on holidays in a city far from home, the engine light came on and the car stalled at an intersection. We were able to park it long enough to cool then drive it home. Peter Smith, our dealer in Belleville, Ontario, Canada, replaced a computer chip, under warranty and we've had no trouble with it since.

General Comments:

Our children are grown, but we frequently carry older in-laws. They find the back seat comfortable and easy to access.

Both my wife & I utilize cruise control functions located on the steering wheel, but had to be instructed on location of 'on/off' button, further back, toward steering column. Rarely use audio controls on steering wheel, as they're no more convenient that radio-mounted buttons.

Over-all economy is good, about the same as '98 Wolfsburg (5sp. standard) we owned previously...and Optra parts are much, much cheaper!

On-ramp acceleration requires a heavy foot or patience, but cruisability, once up to speed, is fine. Steering in slippery conditions is at least as predictable as the Jetta and suspension produces improved ride characteristics.

We added hood shield and body-tone painted side window awnings for convenience. In a glut of similar silhouetted vehicles, have had lots of comments on sleek lines and good looks.

Pleased with roomy trunk for such a small car.

Faults:

Alarm randomly goes off. This occurs fairly rarely though.

General Comments:

The transmission can be a bit sloppy on the on-ramp and when passing cars on the highway. In city driving it performs quite well though.

I have after market low profile tires which really tightens up the ride and improves handling 10 fold over the original tires.

The amount of cargo space is incredible with the hatchback. I am in a band and I often carry a full drum-set and a larger bass amp in the back.

The stereo with MP3 player works well and sounds quite good through the 6 speakers.