11.4 / 16.5 km/l (city/highway), 2.0L TCDi I-4 Diesel
9.5 / 14.4 km/l (city/highway), 1.6L VGIS I-4 Petrol
2.0L TCDi diesel, 119 bhp Diesel
1.6L VGIS petrol, 203 bhp Petrol
5-speed Manual Transmission (MT) * Estimated values may differ under various conditions.
Stylish designing inside and out. Option of three variants. New technologies such as dual mass flywheel and balanced shaft module. Comfortable, plush interiors. Impressive driving dynamics. Ample safety features. Automatic Transmission not offered. Fuel economy is not impressive.
The Chevrolet Optra Magnum is a 4-door sedan manufactured by General Motors Corporation. The Optra Magnum carries over from the Chevrolet Optra and is the first diesel car launched by GM in India.
India is the third location, after Europe and Korea, where the Optra Magnum has been launched. It is available in six variants - the 2.0 MAX TCDi, 2.0 LS TCDi, 2.0 LT TCDi, 1.6 LS, 1.6 LT and 1.6 MAX.
The Optra Magnum features some new technologies such as dual mass flywheel, which helps in reducing vibration while idling, and a balanced shaft module, which guarantees refined and smooth engine operation.
The Optra Magnum comes with a warranty for two years or 40,000 kms and competes with the Skoda Octavia, Hyundai Elantra and Toyota Corolla.
The 2.0L variants of the Optra Magnum are powered by a standard 2.0-liter TCDi (Turbo Common Rail Direct Injection) diesel engine, which churns out a maximum power of 119 bhp at 3,000 rpm and 314 Nm of torque at 2,125 rpm. The engine features four cylinders, 16 valves and a Single Overhead Camshaft (SOHC). And the 1.6L variants are powered by a standard 1.6-liter VGIS (Variable Geometry Intake System) petrol engine, which churns out a maximum power of 203 bhp at 5800 rpm and 148 Nm of torque at 4000 rpm. The engine features four cylinders, 16 valves and a Double Overhead Camshaft (DOHC). Both the engines are linked to a standard 5-speed manual transmission. The engine delivers decent acceleration and the transmission also shifts smoothly.
The Optra Magnum rides on McPherson Struts with anti-roll bars in the front as well as the rear. It is also equipped with twin-tube gas-filled shock absorbers. With this suspension system, the Optra Magnum can brave all sorts of road irregularities and offers a smooth ride.
Ventilated disc brakes in the front and disc brakes at the rear offer forceful stopping power, with short stopping distances, to the Optra Magnum. A power steering, which offers quick and prompt responses, gives direction to the Optra Magnum.
The Optra Magnum rides high on a wave of style. With smooth flowing lines and curved corners, it looks different from other sedans available in the market today. It measures more than 14 feet in length, while its wheelbase measures 8.5 feet.
Its front fascia is adorned by a distinct honeycomb grille that sports the Chevy bow-tie, body-coloured bumpers with integrated fog lamps, almond-shaped headlamps, which shine bright even when not turned on, and a long, broad hood.
At the sides, it features body-coloured waistline moulding with chrome and flared fenders, which give a boost to its aerodynamic design. It also comes with sleek doors and chrome-plated door handles, which give it an integrated appearance.
The designers of the Optra Magnum did not ignore its rear; it looks as impressive as its front. Bright and beautiful tail-lamps further add to its style quotient.
The Optra Magnum rolls on 6J x 15 wheels and 195/60 R15 tyres. However, the MAX comes with steel wheels, while the LS and LT wear alloy wheels.
The Optra Magnum comes with plush, comfortable two-tone beige interiors that will invite you to step in and will floor you with a multitude of convenience features. The Magnum can seat up to five passengers comfortably. Its all variants feature standard 60/40 split-folding rear seats and height-adjustable driver's seat. The LS and LT also come standard with driver side lumbar support, under-tray co-driver seat and centre dome lamp with delay function.
A centre arm rest with storage box and cup-holders offers comfort in all the variants; while the MAX features a centre arm rest only in the front, the LS and LT come standard with one each in the front as well as rear.
Leather upholstery is limited to the LT, though the other two variants are also very comfortable. Leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear shift knob are also exclusive to the LT. All variants are directed by a tiltable power steering. A dual tone instrument panel is present in all the variants. The Optra Magnum also features walnut finish on interior panels.
The Optra Magnum also boasts of 360-degree air vents for surround cooling effect. It also comes standard with power windows and power door locks. Also standard on all variants are a cooled glovebox, a rear window defogger with timer, clutch foot rest and electrically-adjustable outside rear-view mirrors with turn indicators.
For entertainment, the LS comes with a standard 1 DIN MP3 while the LT boasts of a 2 DIN Tape MP3.
The Optra Magnum also comes loaded with safety features to take care of its occupants. It features standard 5 MPH impact-proof front and rear bumpers, child-safety rear door locks, central locking, centre high mount stop lamp, airbags and safety seat belts. The LT gets the advantage of dual airbags and anti-lock braking system (ABS). ABS, along with XPRO protection ensures prompt braking.
