Chevrolet Optra Magnum Sedan

Bought this car somewhere June 2009 at promotion price of 39 K (auto and not OPC then). Bought at OPC for 23k then. (No more at this price now)

Good bargain though this model do not come with pushdown rear site but overall boot size big enough

for normal use.

Good road handling especially on highway and making turn at Adam road turning to PIE / Bke can feel car gripping tigh on road surface, during heavy rain car handling was good.

My first car and it's not a Japanese brand! Any issues? Certainly NOT.

I felt very confident since my test drive though friends had raised their eyebrows when I opted for an American Brand instead.

And honestly, I do not care anymore since I am satisfied with the performance so far. I selected this car knowing very well the few shortcomings, which get compensated by price, and it helps in maintaning good balance between what you spend and what you get.

Ive been driving my optra magnum for nearly 10 months now and i can say that its a very good car. I bought the SS edition (SuperSport) and its exterior styling is just superb. The interior though is simple yet good looking as well. Its not as powerful as the subaru wrx but i can assure you that the performance of the optra magnum will shock you. Even im amazed by its performance. The pick up is excellent and even though its bhp is 109 but it has amazed me with its power.

Conclusion: May not be as powerful as the wrx or type R, but if youre looking for a performance car in the 1.6 litre range then Chevrolet Optra Magnum is the car for you.

I just bought my Chevrolet Optra less than 3 days ago. And I must say, driving it felt really good and stable. The handling was good, cornering and U-turns were stable (no feeling of being 'thrown-out'). The steering is a lil' stiff though. Lady drivers might have a lil' problem with them.

Since I bought the SS edition (supersport), the exterior has all the good looks (16" sports rim, spoiler, body kit, fog lamps... etc). The interior is simple. Not the kind of sporty dashboard you'll be looking for, just plain functional dashboards.

The seats were a little 'hard' too. Seems like they didn't use a lot of sponge on my seats. Kinda uncomfortable at times.

Lastly, the greatest turn-off for this car is... its a gas-guzzler. Its not fuel efficient. If you think its the way i drive, think again. I dun speed or step hard on the accelerator. During normal drives, I put my gears to neutral approaching red lights and downslopes. Yet.. after only 2 days of driving, I hit half tank. According to my calculations, around 9.3km/l.

Conclusion: May not be the best choice of cars if you're seeking for fuel efficient car. At its price range, which i thought is a little steep, maybe other brands may be more suitable. However, if you're looking for great stability, and great luxurious feel, then Optra is the car for you!

Got the opportunity to test drive the CNG Optra (A) Magnum Sedan, courtesy of GM S'pore.

Outlook wise,... this Optra looks much better than the pre-face lift ones for sure... especially the front, it looks much handsome now.

Interior,... I see an updated centre console with factory fitted HU and a small CNG/Petrol indicator on the right hand side of the dashboard. The rest remains the good old ways.

Driving it,... was told that the conditions for the car to switch from Petrol to CNG happens under these conditions: 1) Engine rev be brought up to 1600rpm and above, 2) water temp above 50 degrees. So crank starting the car means that it'll always be fueled by petrol first... Once conditions for CNG reaches, car will run on CNG automatically. Driver may however choose to run on either fuel source when car is up and running.

During the short test drive, I actually switched from CNG to petrol and vice versa for 4 times! The switch between the 2 fuel source was almost unnoticeable! These switches took place while the car was cruising at 70-80km/h on 4th gear. All it takes is a press of a button! That simple! Probably it's just me, but I felt that the engine was actually smoother when it's running on CNG!

Moving on, this Optra ferried 3 passangers and a driver during the test drive, an empty boot less the CNG cylinder. It shows the same grit as its petrol version moving off from stand still. Cruising was a breeze... guess this is the sweetspot for all Optras. Even when I wanted a more brisky run, shifting down to D2, this CNG Optra still behaves much the same like its petrol only sibling! Step and it goes. The ride is comfortable, (thanks to the re-tuned suspension setup to accomodate the CNG tank.) especially at the rear. My only complain was the spongy brakes feel...

Previous having the Aveo 1.4 Sedan, due to its good proformace have decide to upgrade into 1.6 Optra. Juz ordered this car with CNG after a test drive. With that CNG tank in, still having half of the space and it is still spacoius.(of course is a saving in petrol and cleaner air). u dont feel Power lack of it changes into CNG to petrol. With its upgraded side signal lights and overall, there is feel that its a very grand car

good steering control over corner n high speed. firm ,silent.