Oct 03, 2009 03:55 PM
22858 Views
(Updated Nov 23, 2009 08:57 AM)
A few months ago- In June 2009 to precise - I decided I need to replace my old warhorse Scorpio 2.6 Turbo (it was getting on to 6 years).
So I started doing the usual rounds of Test drives and I settled on one of either Honda Civic, Corolla Altis or the Optra Magnum.
What impressed me most in the test drive was the pickup- This car was miles ahead of any other car in its class. That coupled with the legroom at the back and the solid Thud the doors gave when closed were the final clinchers.
Its been three months of absolute driving bliss with my new Chevy Optra Magnum 2.0LT diesel- sparkling diamond colour.
The Engine can barely be heard inside the car. The interior has leather seat covers and is of good quality- but could be better, I guess- it did not have the same feel as the Skoda Superb I test drove.
But the comfort level is high and thats what matters. It took a bit of adjusting though. The low seating is way different from the high altitudes of the scorpio. Too, the indicators and Wiper controls are opposite to the settings on the Scorpio (Indicators on the left of the wheel). The clearances are less than what you find on honda City- so you need to be slow over the speed breakers
Long drives are not tiring. Its a drivers car. The seats are adjustable. Both Mirrors can be adjusted from the inside. The Goggles holder is a necessary addition.
The Automatic climate controlis superb. No complaints.
The 6-cd changer Stereosystem Sound is just about OK- nothing to rave about- but does not jar either. The stereo console lacks a remote- a big minus, since my kids need the songs changed every minute. The console is also custom made for Chevy. I am not sure it can be replace by a normal stereo console. Too, there is no USB port. Hello...? Even the basic Audio systems have a USB port now.
Lots of Boot space. The back seat folds in to join up with the Booty- if more spce is required.
The Engine gives me about 12.8 to 13 kmph mileage in the city. On my trips to pune, I have got 15.5kmph, which is getting better all the time. The fuel tank has a 65 litre capacity. Wow!
I got a good deal from Nikhil Automobiles in Navi Mumbai. The model was a Dec 2008 model - so I wrangled a 1 Lac discount. It eventually cost be 9.3 Lacs ex-showroom and a final price of 10.8L on the Road. The three year free service was a bonus.
I would have liked the car to come with a rear parking sensor. I got one fitted anyway.
All in all- A fantastic car- thats very badly marketed by Chevrolet.
Update: 23rd Nov 2009
Completed 10000 Km on this car. On my drives to Pune, I get 17.5 km to the litre- which is the rated mileage. In the city, its still 13-13.5 kmph and I am hoping it will improve after the service. The Low clearance is bummer in Navi Mumbai, where the speed breakers are more like Car breakers.
Driving is such a pleasure. Sigh!
