CHEVROLET OPTRA MAGNUM 1.6/SRV/MAGNUM 2.0

This was the first car to put GM India back on track when everything else failed, and the second to wear the bow-tie after the brilliant but ill-fated Forester. This GM-DAT, Korea developed saloon offers great value by offering a genuine entry-D segment competitor for C-segment money. While the 1.8-litre petrol was discontinues a while ago, the 1.6 continues to power the saloon by offering performance that’s just about okay, but it’s the 2.0 TCDI that continues to be the ace in this pack. This mind numbing engine goes through character assassination once it crosses 2000 rpm, making it frighteningly quick. The SRV on the other hand look like a toned down Alfa Romeo Brera. Its stunning looks however are not complemented by a cracker of an engine. The same 1.6 from the Optra is housed in the SRV that one can’t call home. The high pricing is a bit of a deterrent, though if you want to stand out from the crowd, it isn’t a bad choice.
AUTODATA:
Engine: 1598cc, 1-4/1991 cc, 1-4 diesel
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Power: 103@5800/100@5800/199@3000
Torque: 14.8@4000/14.28@4000/32.01@2125
Dimensions:
LxWxH (mm): 4540x1725x1445
LxWxH (mm): 4295x1772x1445 (SRV)
Wheelbase: 2600mm
What’s it got: A punchy diesel engine (Magnum), a suave looking large hatch (SRV)
What it ain’t: petrol engine a little dull
Anything else? Skoda Octavia TDI is still potent. Also look at Honda city and Mitsubishi Cedia.