Chevrolet Optra Magnum TCDi

On the inside, the Magnum is again a mix of the SRV and the regular Optra. The dashboard is SRV with similar circular vents, central console and a matching steering wheel boss. The doorpads, however, are from the Optra. Of course, there are less sporty overtones. It’s finished in shades of beige, there are strips of fake wood, black leather and dull metal and this makes it feel more luxurious. The large seats are reasonably comfortable and legroom for tall drivers is good. There are many clever details like twin cupholders and a large storage bowl ahead of the gear lever. A mobile phone holder in the rear door pad and the hidden tray under the passenger seat are carried over onto this car to make the cabin feel well thought out and practical. Rear seat comfort is pretty good with ample legroom and thigh support. However, the ‘Hip’ or ‘H’ point is a bit too low (because the seat base has an acute angle) and this makes you sit in the seat rather than on it. Rear seat comfort is good as well.

While the Optra is not built exceptionally sturdily, and quality could have been better, it still does look fresh and new. There are some niggles though, the wood trim though looks quite fake, and the switches seem as if they are lifted from a segment below. In addition, the steering wheel doesn’t telescope or move back and forth. It does come with driver and passenger airbags though. The Magnum LT comes with leather seats but there is no electronic climate control system. The Optra’s 405-litre boot capacity is decent and the seats have a 60:40 split/fold function that improves flexibility should you need to load more.