May 20, 2008 11:22 AM
13400 Views
This is my first review after reading zillions of them over the last 3-4 years.
But well, I recently realized that I was so happy with my recently purchased Optra Magnum Petrol (LT version) that I ought to tell other readers about it, who may be in two minds about whether or not to go for GM at all or not.
Ok - facts first, this is a company car given to me and I guess that played a big factor in my going for it in the first place...else I was all settled on the Honda City...at the last min, though there was some glitch with the City Vtec version mileage info or something and I decided to explore this option ..Much to my glee, I realized that I could actually afford a LT version (leather interiors, steering, gear knob, power folding mirrors, sun roof etc) since the dealer was offering a decent discount [GM is getting pretty serious about increasing its presence in India]
So, I took my 1st ride and didn't find anything wrong with it, except for the AC blower "noise" at even the 2nd level...I thought that may be irritating for the long-term but I decided to let it go and bought it..
So, after getting it delivered on Jan 21, 2008, I have driven about 4, 500km (yea, not much since my commute to office in Mumbai is only 6.7km one way and we haven't yet taken many long trips)...The experience till now has been really satisfying...the bad parts first:
1) Gear shifting - could have been smoother - its getting better but yet...not a major issue
2) Power steering - could have been smoother - anyway, not a major issue
3) Mileage - Because of my short commute and stop and go traffic I get 7.5-8kmpl only...once with a couple of trips on Western/Eastern express highway within the city, I guess I got 9.25 or something..yet to do a big-time highway run, so can't say...but guess, I am so worked up on this issue as well
The good
1) Space and comfort - I would probably rate this as the highest in its class and comparable cars (I havent sat in a Skoda though, and I am not considering Civic/Corolla and beyond)...
2) Ease of drive - notwithstanding the "bad" parts, its a pleasure to drive
3) Suspension - probably best in class
4) Inside console - pockets of storage, dashboard, 2-din music system - all really user-friendly
5) Oblivious to external noise - really cuts out the external traffice hum-drum superbly - you feel you are in your own world inside Optra...and I dont honk so its a really peaceful drive for me, which I love, in fact I look forward to spending that 30 mins inside my Optra every morning/evening..
6) AC - is actually quite powerful, the AC blower noise at even the 2nd level is high though...
Well, guess this is it...
In summary, I was afraid to own this car as a "personal" car as had never tested the GM name, but after having driven this for ~5, 000Km I am very comfortable in recommending this wholeheartedly to anyone who is considering similar cars (I havent really sat much in a Fiesta, Verna etc so my review may be a bit biased) ...
Trust the above helps you, esp those un-decided..
Cheers!
