Hey kris, congrats on your new ride. Great choice.
I picked-up the LS as well, I took the delivery on 1st May. Haven't got down to writing a review :(.
I had been looking for my Baleno replacement and had narrowed down to the Corolla, City, SX4. I have been a loyal Maruti Suzuki and honestly wasn't even considering GM.
The base version of the Corolla which suited my budget did not excite me as it was a stripped-down car.
City - Have been a fan of the OHC but the NHC never really appealed to me. I also found it too pricey as I was considering the Vtec
SX4 - Though fully loaded, wasn't impressed with the refinement, interior quality and the rattling issues. Have a Swift Zxi and so many parts are the same. I felt like sitting in a grown-up Swift. Wasn't too impressed with the power and bottom-end torque as well.
Then a good friend of mine recommended me the Optra Magnum. I was very apprehensive but decided to give it a test. The test drive completely bowled me over. To be sure I test drove the Magnum 4 times and it always blew me away with the power, refinement, interiors. It fulfilled all I wanted from the car. All I was worried about was resale but I have now bitten the bullet.
Pros:
- great power
- gobbles-up the potholes
- very spacious
- lumbar support is a big plus
- like the new front look
- cashless service package added a lot to my confidence and my decision
- refined power
- Diesel with a decent mileage
- Low running costs
Cons:
- Resale an iffy
- Wish they had redesigned the rear as well
- After sales though better than before is a grey area for me right now
- Handling could be better
Problems faced till now (Have clocked 2K Kms:
- Right wiper wasn't cleaning well
- Get a strange sound when I release the hand brake
Accessories added:
- Tyres changed to 205/60 Dunlop Sportz
- Head unit changes to double din JVC
- Speakers changed to JBL in the front and Blaupunkt in the rear
- Gear lock to be added
- 3M Paint protection on the 2nd service |