I simply adore this car!

 

Exterior Hi, I own a caviar black optra magnum. The paint quality is special and looks wet and rich. The tail lamps design and the red color set in black body....delicious!

Interior (Features, Space & Comfort) Interiors look plush and wow passengers when they step in and look around. The wood finish on the interior door panel and the dash add to the 'old money' feel. The selection of backlights (green-colored) on the cluster and the equipment in the front look 'just ok'. Not even as good as those in a Hyundai Accent, for instance.

Mine is an LT model so the leather seats and inner door panels look great. Rear seats wide and comfortable. Arm rest for that extra comfort.

Engine Performance, Fuel Economy and Gearbox Engine performance of my 2 ltr diesel motor is mind -boggling. Smooth transmission and power delivery is linear. like most dielels, noisy at cold start...but quietens down to a smooth purr pretty quickly. I use System D fuel additive and with this, I find the engine smoother and quieter with no visible exhause smoke. Fuel economy is nothing to write home about I get 360 to 370 km per 30 ltrs. I have a relaxed driving style and do not push the car around. I keep the tires properly inflated and drive with window glasses raised. But make no mistake, the car has a brute of an engine and is quite agile for its size! Gear changing is notchy and goes clackety clack and it quitens for some time after greasing during service.

I drive alone most of the time except during weekends when my wife and kids ride with me. At these times it pays to be careful when negotiating the road bumps. If u go too fast over them, you are apt to hear a heart-wrenching 'thack" from the underbelly. But you will learn quickly not to hurt the car!

Ride Quality & Handling Wow...super! the independent suspension makes for a cushioned ride in Bangalore's apology for roads. Capable of enduring quite a bit of torture. Looks, feels and behaves like an expensive car.

Final Words I have had this car for nearly a year and have done about 11000K - long enough to know the car well. THis car kind of grows on you and like good wine, gets better and classier with age. Let's just say I am deeply in love with my Optra Magnum 2.0 LT. My car and I share a very special bond.

Areas of improvement Design of horn buttons could be better. They are small and difficult to find. Takes some getting used to. Can be frustrating especialy when u quickly need to toot.

The engine start key slot ring angle needs a review, it would probably be easier to find if it had illumination a la SX4.  The art leather-bound user manual does not easily fit into the glove box. Glove box should be illuminated.

The green background lights should be changed to amber, but not in-your-face amber like the....... oops! lets just say like some of the other cars in this segment.

The leather-wrapped steering wheel looks good but could do with a little contouring for better grip.

The useful documents and other knick-knacks holder at the elbow of the driver (under the arm rest) should be pushed forward so the driver can look into the box without twisting his neck out if its socket.

Finally the wheels could have been slightly bigger - may be Cruz - size. Would improve 'personality'!  Tires get dirty far too quickly - the walls I mean...takes away somewhat from its overall looks. The SX4 and the Hyundai Emberra tires for example manage the city dust better!

Believe you me, I really had to think hard to list the 'points for improvement'. I am no auto expert and therefore will not nitpick. For a simple user like me it is an honest-to-goodness car! Congratulations to GM for designing this car for India! Wah bhai wah!😄

The overall appearance..even after 1 year, my heart swells with pride every time I see the carNothing at all...believe me!