Chevrolet Optra Magnum [2007-2012] User Reviews

I recently bought the Chevy Magnum 2.0 TCDi LS.

First.. The positives:

I dont know what impresses me more -- The after sales service or the car itself.

I've got calls from the local delaer and from chevy HQ asking if I am happy with the car and have any complaints. I bought 2 cars from Maruti earlier and dont remember anyone asking me for my opinion about the car. I hope this enthusiam for service continues. I could get used used to this ;-)

The power, space, fit and finish is AMAZING..It moves like a rocket and handles well at high speeds. At 120 kmph, the ride was so smooth that I felt like I was driving at 60. The mileage is excellent, though I doubt if it gives the figures, the company promises. The diesel engine is a bit noisy but the interiors are well insulated from external sounds.

What could be improved:

1. The plastic quality -- The glass holder attachment is flimsy and often gets detached from the spring holding it in place. This can be refixed quickly myself though.

2. The 'artificial' leather seat cover provided by Chevy is not stitched very well. Some of the seams came undone after 2 months. (I bought the LS version so I thought seat covers might look better than the cloth upholstery.).

3. The car occasionally stalls in second gear at low speeds. -- No, I wasn't going too slow for second gear... The dealer said that this has been reported in a few other cars too. This however happens very rarely (perhaps once in 3-4 weeks).

4. The middle section in the rear seat is a bit uncomfortable, because the arm-rest when folded back is rather hard. This is the same for the skoda as well. The honda civic's rear seat however does not have this problem.

5. There seems to be a bit of rust forming on the ventilated disc brakes on all the wheels. I dont know if this is normal.

I read and compared dozens of cars over a period of 4 months, before I decided to purchase the Magnum.

I had originally intended to buy the skoda, but the skoda vs Magnum comparison booklet given by the chevy sales team and a review by AutoCar magazine in June/July 2007 (not sure of the mag name) convinced me.

Overall, I think this is a fantastic car to own with great value for money and would definitely recommend it to someone with a 10-12 lakh budget for a new car.

Exterior Good looks.

Interior (Features, Space & Comfort) Everything so beautifull except center console and music system.(Installed Pioneer AVH-P4490BT ,Blaupunkt Velocity series VC 662 component speakers on 4 doors, JBL 4 channel amp 750 watts(powering my 4 speakers) , Blaupunkt velocity monoblock 2 Channel amplifier with bass control 400 watts (powering my Pioneer 12" Subwoofer). Installed reverse sensors and good quality reverse camera connected with my pioneer LCD. Made it a complete car.)

Engine Performance, Fuel Economy and Gearbox Performance:This is the part why I chose optra..it can rule the road. My car is baught on April 2012. I've driven 6000 kms now. I've installed enginecal tuning box which is custom tuned for my own driving purpose.  Very happy. Gear box is really smooth. A 2 litre Engine can produce maximum 150 to 170 bhp at this torque(talking about same segment cars ) Where cruz has 150. This is because of chevrolet engine built quality..if u try the same BHP on same engine made by Indian cars the engine will blow off..because the built quality is so inferior. And the optra has proved on its engine life also. Nothing to worry. There was a romour that this model(Optra Magnum) may be stopped when they slashed down the price in between. But still , I opted for it.I just enquired about the availability of spareparts if the model is stopped and i was informed , even if a model is stopped,the parts will still be available for another 10 years. So I could not compromise on this lovely machine. I'm addicted now. Thanks to chevrolet. I had an opel astra 1.7 turbo..very robust car. I can very well say you GM cars will not ditch you on safety. Its very safe comfortable and confident cars if u know to drive. So guys if you plan to buy one you dont have to try comparing..as there is none in the segment if u can compromise a little on mileage for the performance.

Ride Quality & Handling Great ride quality. I can say that the ABS really does its job very well unlike some other cars. I have never had skidding experience even though im a fast driver. I have touched 180 km/hr. it accelerates very well.

Final Words The car is amazing and confident to drive around. Real passionate drivers can surely go for it. This car is a victim of poor marketing from chevrolet. Only those who knows it will go 4 it now.  A real beast.

Areas of improvement Had some minor issues with the after sales service.. They should improve quality and dedication. Breaking could be improved & make it smooth like Laura.  Need traction control on lt variant & Provide an LCD music system with bluetooth on Lt variant, reverse sensors,provide a good horn,good head lamp bulbs.

It has been 3months since i own my magnum it has been a wonderful experience to drive ..Smooth accelaration and never lacks of power ..though powerful yet can handle at eace in city roads of chennai ...and gives a milage of 14KMPL..space is too good rear confort is excellent conbined with silky smooth suspensions ..engine is noicy but inside the car is silent ...with 4 disc and backed with ABS dont you worry of stopping yours but then be careful none from behind bumps you ....Excellent boot space too to laod your baggages on a long vacation ..

Now it is great on looks from the front ..rear could hsve been better shaped ..Head Lamps will require uplift it not quite bright on highways ...dont you worry on a cost of rs 1200 you can fit in 100/90 W halogens ..

Acceralaration is smooth but it little tough to change gears ...gear shift is little hard ..A/c needs to be little powerful it does not chill the entire space ...for music lovers the indeck Alpine is not enough to give you that extra punch ...should have been better ...

Well rest the dash is superb interiors feels posh ..seats are awesome ..what more ..

Great car ..at an excellent price ..a true indian asking

I bought the car this diwali and believe me it made my diwali brighter.The car has rich interiors and plastic quality is great.The interiors are equivalent to or better than much expensive cars.On the performance front the car would give most of the cars a tough competition. 

 I also happened to go for a 1000km trip and was thouroughly impressed with the performance. I could not speed as I had not got used to the car and did not want to stress a new engine. However even at 2400 rpm the car would cruise effortlessly at 110-120 kmph. The handling was good and overall I felt very confident about its safety. The car returned an average of 16 kmpl. Not much to complain about the car except the missing USB port and remote on the music system.I strongly recommend that buyers going for Verna and Fiesta have a look before deciding.

This car is a power house, truly a wolf in sheep's clothing -- a cultured beast.