Chevrolet Optra Magnum TCDi

The Optra’s 1991cc diesel motor comes with a Bosch 1600-bar common-rail injection system is coupled with a four-valve head and turbocharger. Power and performance are considerable. 120bhp and a whopping 32kgm of torque are enough to propel an SUV, and the motor features technology like a balancer shaft and a dual mass flywheel. 

In the real world the Optra Diesel can keep pace with most of its petrol competitors, if not completely blow them away. The surge in power makes driving this car a real pleasure. The one weakness of this engine is its narrow power band. There is considerable turbo lag and the concentrated slug of torque between 2000 to 4000rpm makes you work hard with the gears. Second gear is a touch too tall and the gap between first and second gear accentuates the lag. Also, the sudden rush of power can catch you unaware in city driving. This non-linear power characteristic of the Optra Diesel takes some getting used to but once you figure out the power band, the Magnum is great fun to drive. Constantly using the sweet-shifting gearbox is also a pleasure. The Chevy is also whisper-quiet and the low noise levels have to be complimented. It gets audible when you near the redline but clearly for most operating speeds, vibrations and clatter are well suppressed.

The Optra gave 11.4 kilometres per litre (kpl) in the city, while on the highway it returned 16.5kpl.