2010 Chevrolet Optra Magnum Estate Review
Price
from: RM92,578
to: RM97,578
Installment
from: RM883/mth
to: RM931/mth
2010 Chevrolet Optra Magnum Estate at a glance
With the 2010 Chevrolet Optra's mediocre abilities and Malaysians' lack of appetite for estates, the trend of having very few estates on Malaysian roads is unlikely to change. Most buyers prefer MPV or SUV to estates.
2010 Chevrolet Optra Magnum Estate quick specs
| Body Style | Estate |
| Class | Mid-size Family |
| Assembled | - |
| Engine Range | - |
| Fuel Options | - |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
2010 Chevrolet Optra Magnum Estate ratings (overall rating : 3/5.0)
| Styling | |
| Handling | |
| Comfort | |
| Quality + Reliability | |
| Performance |
| Roominess | |
| Running Costs | |
| Value for Money | |
| Equipment | |
| Environment |
Styling
The 2010 Chevrolet Optra is not the most handsome estate you will see. The exterior styling is bland and rather boring. The interior styling fares better, if only by a margin. All controls are neatly laid out, without any form of clutter. Taken as a whole, the 2010 Chevrolet Optra's styling is unlikely to offend nor attract any prospective buyers.
Handling
The Chevrolet Optra sedan may be used in Top Gear UK around their circuit, but crisp handling is not the Chevrolet Optra estate's strong suit. The 2010 Chevrolet Optra is much more at home on highways and straight lines than corners or fast bends. Grip levels are modest at best and the steering lacks any real feedback. But to be fair, the 2010 Chevrolet Optra remains composed on most roads—just do not take on that tight corner too enthusiastically.
Comfort
The ride comfort over most surfaces is good, though refinement lags behind with a noisy cabin at higher speeds. The engine is loud when revved hard, while some wind noise also intrudes when going fast. Adjustments are adequate for us to find a good driving position. Everything is clearly labelled, and major controls can be operated with the minimum of fuss.
Quality + Reliability
The cabin quality more or less meets our expectations. Cabin materials feel tough, and the assembly seems similarly durable. However, hard plastics are not difficult to find, and the overall quality falls behind the class leaders'. There have been no major problems reported, and if other Chevrolet models are any indication, the 2010 Chevrolet Optra should be mechanically reliable.
Performance
Only one engine is available: an in-line four-cylinder 1.6-litre with 107 bhp and 150 Nm. It offers reasonable performance, and overtaking should be of little problem. With the maximum torque arriving at 4000 rpm, the performance becomes punchy once past that mark. For those pondering if the 1.8-litre engine, with 14 horses more, offered in the Chevrolet Optra sedan is needed to offset the estate's extra weight, we found the 1.8-litre engine to feel barely quicker. A four-speed automatic transmission is paired to the 1.6-litre engine.
Roominess
An estate has to provide ample loading space as its main priority. On that front, the 2010 Chevrolet Optra delivers with 400–1410 litres of cargo space, completed by a wide loading entrance and a cargo net. The front seats come with decent head- and leg-room, while the rear is relatively tight though still adequate for most. The 2010 Chevrolet Optra can seat three at the back, in which case elbow room will be at a premium.
Running Costs
The 2010 Chevrolet Optra's fuel economy is below-average by class standards. Maintenance costs should be acceptable with Chevrolet's expanding network and efforts to bring in cheaper spare parts; the latter will also benefit second-hand market values. However, neither the Chevrolet brand nor the estate body style will help much in preserving the Optra's residual values.
Value for Money
Estates are not Malaysians' favourite type of car. Of the few that are around, estates from brands like Saab and Volvo are catered for the premium segment. The closest competitor to the 2010 Chevrolet Optra will have to be the Skoda Fabia Combi, which is better overall and also cheaper. With a full luggage load and five occupants on board, the Fabia Combi's 1.4-litre engine feels under-powered at times. On the other hand, the 2010 Chevrolet Optra feels adequately powered and, more importantly, should benefit from stronger dealer network support.
Equipment
The 1.6 LS gets 15-inch steel wheels, fabric seat material, split collapsible rear seats with centre armrest, central locking, metallic console, 4-speaker single-CD player, roof rack, driver airbag, anti-lock braking system, and electronic brake distribution. The 1.6 LS SS adds alloy wheels, 6-speaker single-CD player with MP3 decoder, front and rear fog lamps, front, rear and side skirts, and front passenger airbag.
Environment
For the relatively small engine capacity of 1.6-litre, the carbon dioxide emission level is high. Combine that with the below-average fuel consumption figure, and the 2010 Chevrolet Optra is inefficient by class standards. Japanese and European automakers pay more attention to the increasingly important consideration of efficiency.
Live Life Drive Verdict
Good loading space
Solidly constructed cabin
Decent equipment list
Bland exterior
Some unappealing cabin materials
Loud engine
