Chevrolet Optra Magnum TCDi ... My new love ..!!

beanstalk_230 · 13th November 2007, 17:11

OT - IMHO even the spark has a nice and a smooth gearshift among the chevvy's

gemithomas · 14th November 2007, 10:37

At what rpm does the engine redline? Is there enough range to play with? Or do you have to shift gears frequently?

beanstalk_230 · 14th November 2007, 22:39

as far as i remember the engine redlines somwhere near 5k, i read shuvd's post somwhere about his magnum doing 160 in the 4th gear at 4.5k rpm [mine has done just 1500kms so not much of ripping done, atleast not till that extent]

above 2k you are the king no matter which gear and that goes on and on, but yeah in the city you'll have to shift, and i need to mention one thing (just my opinion), the turbo is a bit too powerful for the STOP & GO Traffic, so i just make a rule to shift before 2k or it would be a common sight tailending each and every other car in front of me on those stop and go traffic days, 2nd gear at really low speeds [0-10kmph] is not responsive (atleast in the initial few kms you may have to adjust with the gas and clutch ratio, after that you'll gradually get to know how to do the adjustment ). Its more getting used to the car that help more and more on the driving aspect.

hope this helps
cheers

gemithomas · 14th November 2007, 22:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by beanstalk_230

as far as i remember the engine redlines somwhere near 5k, i read shuvd's post somwhere about his magnum doing 160 in the 4th gear at 4.5k rpm [mine has done just 1500kms so not much of ripping done, atleast not till that extent]

above 2k you are the king no matter which gear and that goes on and on, but yeah in the city you'll have to shift, and i need to mention one thing (just my opinion), the turbo is a bit too powerful for the STOP & GO Traffic, so i just make a rule to shift before 2k or it would be a common sight tailending each and every other car in front of me on those stop and go traffic days, 2nd gear at really low speeds [0-10kmph] is not responsive (atleast in the initial few kms you may have to adjust with the gas and clutch ratio, after that you'll gradually get to know how to do the adjustment ). Its more getting used to the car that help more and more on the driving aspect.

hope this helps
cheers

thanks man. just wanted to know if it had the problem that the safari 3.0 had. I mean having a very narrow rpm range to play with once the turbo kicks in the the redline. Now i understand that we have enough range to play with here.

beanstalk_230 · 14th November 2007, 22:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by gemithomas

thanks man. just wanted to know if it had the problem that the safari 3.0 had. I mean having a very narrow rpm range to play with once the turbo kicks in the the redline. Now i understand that we have enough range to play with here.

not a problem man, this is what i have started the thread for i.e. sharing my experiences with you all
BTW gemithomas do go in for a TD because its your own perspective that matters at the end of the day

cheers

leong · 15th November 2007, 05:15

engine sounds real sweet...i know of a friend whos turbo blew in the octavia....was a lac in costing....

shuvd · 15th November 2007, 12:05

@ gemithomas - Its fine till 4500. Beyond that, there is a drop in performance. Redlines @ 4500 as well. You can revv till 5000, but no use. There are two ways to enjoy this engine. Either shift early and enjoy the torque wave or shift at the redline for crazy acceleration. Sometimes, the Magnum feels as fast as my turbo charged Octy!! Feels mind it, feels.

@ Beanstalk - Make that 170 @ 4500 in 4th.

jkdas · 15th November 2007, 12:36

drove an LS last week. Was wondering how a third passenger would feel when he is made to sit in the middle. SX4 too has a hard middle seat problem thanks to the handrest.

11 lac and a 4 seater?

shuvd · 15th November 2007, 12:47

@ Jkdas - Don't know why people keep saying that the Magnum has space. I, (IMHO) think the Octavia offers more space except the rear legroom bit. Haven't used the rear seats in either, so I really don't know.

11L for LS?!! I got the LT here for 10.67 OTR, minus 50% off the insurance.

jkdas · 15th November 2007, 13:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by shuvd

@ Jkdas - Don't know why people keep saying that the Magnum has space. I, (IMHO) think the Octavia offers more space except the rear legroom bit. Haven't used the rear seats in either, so I really don't know.

11L for LS?!! I got the LT here for 10.67 OTR, minus 50% off the insurance.

Thats what I felt coz of the bad design of the hand rest.

its 11lac for LT

beanstalk_230 · 15th November 2007, 19:13

@ shuvd - will surely try revving upto 4.5k rpm after i complete 2000kms, nicely described the "ways of enjoying the engine" - you are very right about both the ideas
@ jkdas - haven't tried sitting in the middle backseat so can't comment

Ofcourse the magnum does not have LOTS of space , its just that its very comfortable and yeah actually the space in comparison with the close competition [8.5L - 11L range, till octavia, especially with a 9L verna] is considerably more.

P.S. acceleration is truly crazzyy

@ shuvd

abhibh · 15th November 2007, 19:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by beanstalk_230

@
Ofcourse the magnum does not have LOTS of space , its just that its very comfortable and yeah actually the space in comparison with the close competition [8.5L - 11L range, till octavia, especially with a 9L verna] is considerably more.

P.S. acceleration is truly crazzyy

@ shuvd

LOTS OF BOOT SPACE TO BE SPECIFIC.

sibu · 24th November 2007, 07:04

I have a few questions...
1. what colour suits the magnum the best?
2. what is the correct rpm for magnum to get max. FE?
In other words, at what speed should u change gears, starting from the first gear, to get max. FE?
3. What accessories do u recommend for the magnum LT?

PS: I am a proud owner of a black magnum LT......

beanstalk_230 · 24th November 2007, 14:42

welcome to the magnum club.. congrats sibu

a) i personally think that sparkling diamond and black suits the the car the best
b) i didn't actually try getting maximum FE though i think that changing gears at around 1800 - 2100 rpm would get you the maximum FE (in other words avoiding the turbo would get you better FE IMHO). if you try it do share your experience
c) lol.. depends on you - get spoilers & skirts, better ICE, new wheels and if required new alloys as well , get a petes box when it comes out, change the bulbs (much needed), sunroof, and more and more and more. buddy it depends on you what you actually need and how much moolah you have

cheers

brraj · 4th December 2007, 17:22

hi all,

Took a test drive of diesel optra magnum LT in NICE roads of bangalore.

The acceleration in gear...

1st Gear - 45kmph
2nd - 90
3rd - 130
4th - 160
5th - 200

NOTE - Speeds were noted while the AC was ON with 3 people inside.

Even at the speeds of 200 and hard breaking the magnum behaved very well without skidding in straight line as well as curves. There was tyre noise while doing 200kmph and it should be rectified replacing it with good tyres. One thing which surprised me was even at that speed i didnt even feel that i was doing 200kmph it was like 100-120kmph.

Seating Comfort
I have tested corolla,skoda RS which when hard braked at high speeds people who are sitting in the front tend to fall on dash board and people who are sitting back side tend to fall on the front seats believe me its from my own experience(test are done without seatbelts).
One word for optra seating comfort = Excellent. There was one instance, which proved seating comforts of an optra, The guy who was sitting at the back seat was sleeping even after me doing such speeds and torturing the car which surprised me.

Things i liked in magnum are...
- ABS
- Airbags
- Excellent handling/Breaking
- good mileage for at least the speed i do
- Armrest
- VFM
- Seating comfort
- Leather seats
- Smooth gearshifts

There were lot of surprises at least for me who was driving ikon 1.6nxt(now sold).

I was in a big dilemma whether to go for verna crdi / optra magnum diesel, but now i am more leaning towards magnum... because Verna crdi lacks handling/breaking, Airbags, seating comforts.

13th November 2007, 17:11	#46
beanstalk_230 BHPian Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Lucknow/New Delhi Posts: 263 Thanked: 45 Times	OT - IMHO even the spark has a nice and a smooth gearshift among the chevvy's
	() Thanks

14th November 2007, 10:37	#47
gemithomas Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Trivandrum Posts: 2,366 Thanked: 143 Times View My Garage	At what rpm does the engine redline? Is there enough range to play with? Or do you have to shift gears frequently?
	() Thanks

14th November 2007, 22:39	#48
beanstalk_230 BHPian Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Lucknow/New Delhi Posts: 263 Thanked: 45 Times	as far as i remember the engine redlines somwhere near 5k, i read shuvd's post somwhere about his magnum doing 160 in the 4th gear at 4.5k rpm [mine has done just 1500kms so not much of ripping done, atleast not till that extent] above 2k you are the king no matter which gear and that goes on and on, but yeah in the city you'll have to shift, and i need to mention one thing (just my opinion), the turbo is a bit too powerful for the STOP & GO Traffic, so i just make a rule to shift before 2k or it would be a common sight tailending each and every other car in front of me on those stop and go traffic days, 2nd gear at really low speeds [0-10kmph] is not responsive (atleast in the initial few kms you may have to adjust with the gas and clutch ratio, after that you'll gradually get to know how to do the adjustment ). Its more getting used to the car that help more and more on the driving aspect. hope this helps cheers Last edited by beanstalk_230 : 14th November 2007 at 22:41.
	() Thanks

15th November 2007, 05:15	#51
leong Newbie Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: mumbai Posts: 3 Thanked: 0 Times	engine sounds real sweet...i know of a friend whos turbo blew in the octavia....was a lac in costing....
	() Thanks

15th November 2007, 12:05	#52
shuvd Senior - BHPian Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Calcutta Posts: 1,081 Thanked: 7 Times View My Garage	@ gemithomas - Its fine till 4500. Beyond that, there is a drop in performance. Redlines @ 4500 as well. You can revv till 5000, but no use. There are two ways to enjoy this engine. Either shift early and enjoy the torque wave or shift at the redline for crazy acceleration. Sometimes, the Magnum feels as fast as my turbo charged Octy!! Feels mind it, feels. @ Beanstalk - Make that 170 @ 4500 in 4th. Last edited by shuvd : 15th November 2007 at 12:09.
	() Thanks

15th November 2007, 12:36	#53
jkdas Senior - BHPian Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Thiruvananthapu Posts: 9,687 Thanked: 1,492 Times View My Garage	drove an LS last week. Was wondering how a third passenger would feel when he is made to sit in the middle. SX4 too has a hard middle seat problem thanks to the handrest. 11 lac and a 4 seater?
	() Thanks

15th November 2007, 12:47	#54
shuvd Senior - BHPian Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Calcutta Posts: 1,081 Thanked: 7 Times View My Garage	@ Jkdas - Don't know why people keep saying that the Magnum has space. I, (IMHO) think the Octavia offers more space except the rear legroom bit. Haven't *used* the rear seats in either, so I really don't know. 11L for LS?!! I got the LT here for 10.67 OTR, minus 50% off the insurance.
	() Thanks

15th November 2007, 19:13	#56
beanstalk_230 BHPian Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Lucknow/New Delhi Posts: 263 Thanked: 45 Times	@ shuvd - will surely try revving upto 4.5k rpm after i complete 2000kms, nicely described the "ways of enjoying the engine" - you are very right about both the ideas @ jkdas - haven't tried sitting in the middle backseat so can't comment Ofcourse the magnum does not have LOTS of space , its just that its very comfortable and yeah actually the space in comparison with the close competition [8.5L - 11L range, till octavia, especially with a 9L verna] is considerably more. P.S. acceleration is truly crazzyy @ shuvd Last edited by beanstalk_230 : 15th November 2007 at 19:21.
	() Thanks

24th November 2007, 07:04	#58
sibu Newbie Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: trivandrum Posts: 13 Thanked: 3 Times	I have a few questions... 1. what colour suits the magnum the best? 2. what is the correct rpm for magnum to get max. FE? In other words, at what speed should u change gears, starting from the first gear, to get max. FE? 3. What accessories do u recommend for the magnum LT? PS: I am a proud owner of a black magnum LT......
	() Thanks

24th November 2007, 14:42	#59
beanstalk_230 BHPian Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Lucknow/New Delhi Posts: 263 Thanked: 45 Times	welcome to the magnum club.. congrats sibu a) i personally think that sparkling diamond and black suits the the car the best b) i didn't actually try getting maximum FE though i think that changing gears at around 1800 - 2100 rpm would get you the maximum FE (in other words avoiding the turbo would get you better FE IMHO). if you try it do share your experience c) lol.. depends on you - get spoilers & skirts, better ICE, new wheels and if required new alloys as well , get a petes box when it comes out, change the bulbs (much needed), sunroof, and more and more and more. buddy it depends on you what you actually need and how much moolah you have cheers
	() Thanks

4th December 2007, 17:22	#60
brraj BHPian Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: bangalore Posts: 913 Thanked: 1,282 Times	hi all, Took a test drive of diesel optra magnum LT in NICE roads of bangalore. The acceleration in gear... 1st Gear - 45kmph 2nd - 90 3rd - 130 4th - 160 5th - 200 NOTE - Speeds were noted while the AC was ON with 3 people inside. Even at the speeds of 200 and hard breaking the magnum behaved very well without skidding in straight line as well as curves. There was tyre noise while doing 200kmph and it should be rectified replacing it with good tyres. One thing which surprised me was even at that speed i didnt even feel that i was doing 200kmph it was like 100-120kmph. Seating Comfort I have tested corolla,skoda RS which when hard braked at high speeds people who are sitting in the front tend to fall on dash board and people who are sitting back side tend to fall on the front seats believe me its from my own experience(test are done without seatbelts). One word for optra seating comfort = Excellent. There was one instance, which proved seating comforts of an optra, The guy who was sitting at the back seat was sleeping even after me doing such speeds and torturing the car which surprised me. Things i liked in magnum are... - ABS - Airbags - Excellent handling/Breaking - good mileage for at least the speed i do - Armrest - VFM - Seating comfort - Leather seats - Smooth gearshifts There were lot of surprises at least for me who was driving ikon 1.6nxt(now sold). I was in a big dilemma whether to go for verna crdi / optra magnum diesel, but now i am more leaning towards magnum... because Verna crdi lacks handling/breaking, Airbags, seating comforts.
	() Thanks