2010 Chevrolet Optra Magnum Sedan Review
Price
from: RM85,578
to: RM99,768
Installment
from: RM816/mth
to: RM951/mth
2010 Chevrolet Optra Magnum Sedan at a glance
The 2010 Chevrolet Optra's main attraction remains its pricing, as the rest of the package is at best average. The pricing strategy is thrown into doubt with the emerging of the competent and closely-priced Nissan Latio.
2010 Chevrolet Optra Magnum Sedan quick specs
| Body Style | Sedan |
| Class | Mid-size Family |
| Assembled | - |
| Engine Range | - |
| Fuel Options | - |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
2010 Chevrolet Optra Magnum Sedan 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 mid-size sedan you will see. The exterior styling is bland and rather boring. The interior styling fares better, if only by a little. All controls are neatly laid out, without any cluttering. Taken as a whole, the 2010 Chevrolet Optra's styling is unlikely to offend nor attract any prospective buyers.
Handling
The 2010 Chevrolet Optra may be used in Top Gear UK around their circuit, but crisp handling is not its strong point. The 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
Ride comfort over most surfaces is good. But refinement lags behind with a noisy cabin at higher speeds. Both engines are 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
Two engines are available: a 1.6-litre with 107 bhp and a 1.8-litre with 121 bhp. Both offer reasonable performances, and overtaking should be of little problem. With both engines' maximum torque arriving at 4000 rpm, the performances get punchy once past that mark. Between the two engines, the 1.8-litre engine with 14 horses more does not feel that much quicker. A four-speed automatic transmission is standard.
Roominess
The front seats have 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, but elbow room will then be at a premium. Although the interior room lags the class leaders', the boot space is among the best. Relative to the boot size, the boot opening is small and may hinder the loading of larger items.
Running Costs
The fuel economy is below-average for a mid-size sedan. 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. The Chevrolet brand, however, is unlikely to help the Optra hold its values as well as mainstream rivals such as the Honda Civic or Toyota Altis.
Value for Money
The competition is strong and aplenty in this mid-size sedan segment. Among the best include the Honda Civic, Toyota Altis and Ford Focus. The 2010 Chevrolet Optra's strategy is clear: offer at least average abilities at a lower price. Another notable player is the Nissan Latio, which is priced almost identically to the 2010 Chevrolet Optra and yet offers better abilities overall.
Equipment
The 1.6 base variant gets 15-inch steel wheels, fabric seat material, central locking, metallic console, 4-speaker single-CD player, tinted glass, manual fold side mirrors, and driver airbag. The 1.6 LS SS adds alloy wheels, split collapsible rear seats with centre armrest, 6-speaker single-CD player with MP3 decoder, fog lamps, front passenger airbag, anti-lock braking system, and electronic brake distribution. The 1.8 LT SS adds leather-covered steering wheel with audio control, speed-sensitive steering, 16-inch alloy wheels, leather seat material, 6-CD player, power fold side mirrors, and traction control system.
Environment
For the relatively small engine capacities of 1.6-litre and 1.8-litre, the carbon dioxide emission levels are high. Combine that with the below-average fuel consumption figures, and the 2010 Chevrolet Optra is inefficient by class standards. Many comparable Japanese and European rivals are more efficient and less polluting.
Live Life Drive Verdict
Reasonable interior space
Solidly constructed cabin
Decent equipment list
Bland exterior
Some unappealing cabin materials
Loud engines
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