Chevrolet Optra Magnum [2007-2012] User Reviews

Exterior I know some people won't agree with me, but IMO this car has the perfect shape of a car and i love the looks especially from the side. I call it more of a formal/executive looking car. It has a strong built and you feel safe inside.

Interior (Features, Space & Comfort) Though it does not have that sleeky look of today's car, i still like the serious looks of the interiors, specially the dashboard. It truly gives me the feeling of an executive car. Though it does not have a USB port, i manage to use the USB using FM transmitter. This car has so much space that i think the only cars that can match will be Skoda Laura and above. The beige leather seat adds to the beauty of the car. On highways it is a pleasure to drive and most comfortable of all cars i have driven (exception being the Hyundai Emberra). The sound insulation is of good quality though not the best. I will give it 8/10 on that. One aspect of the car that i hate is the horn button. It is so small and its location on the steering is really bad. Personally i find it difficult to use especially when i travel ghat sections.

Engine Performance, Fuel Economy and Gearbox Its solid 2000 cc engine with a 121 PS and 314 Nm torque makes it such a powerful car that i can overtake any car on the highway (in this segment). After 1800 RPM it goes like a rocket. I have taken it to 192 km per hour on Bangalore - Hyderabad highway and the car was rock solid. Infact the car was ready to go even further but didn't want to push it. On highways i get an economy of 16 to 17 with an average speed of 120 kmph and i am quite happy about that. In cities i don't get more than 12 kmph. Coming to Gearbox, it is not the best gear box i have experienced. When i change gear, it makes a sound which i hate. The gearshift is not all that great. Secondly, the steering feels very heavey b'coz of hydraulic steering.

Ride Quality & Handling It has the best ride quality with its independent suspensions and b'coz of the large wheel base. It can take potholes with ease. Though ground clearance is good with 2 normal size people, it definitely is an issue if the car has four heavy people and if you are crossing one of those typical indian humps. I have cornered it at 130 kmph and the car behaved properly.

Final Words I bought my maggy in march 2011 and have done 5000+km on odo. I am in love with this car. Every time i come back home after drive, i still crave to drive it more and keep enjoying it. I think this is the best value for money car in its segment. I am sure anybody buying it will never repent provided he/she is buying the car accepting its looks.

Areas of improvement It can improve by providing features such as USB, Bluetooth, Steering mounted controls. Also if they could make the steering little lighter it would add few more stars to the cars driving comfort.