Optra Magnum diesel LT or Laura Elegance ?need help

anant.arora · 15th August 2007, 14:51

Hey guys, i am a newbie to this forum and need your help in choosing the right car ...

I am currently having two cars in my family , the Hyundai elantra diesel and the Octavia rider 1.9 tdi.
I am driving a Skoda Octavia rider and will be replacing it shortly ...

My budget is upto Rs. 16 lacs and i 'll keeping the car for the next 2-3 years and i 've shortlisted the Magnum diesel LT(Rs. 11 lacs OTR) and the Laura elegance(Rs. 15.45 lacs OTR after dealer discounts) .

I test drove the Laura on saturday and felt quite nice and had my mind set on the laura (i thought it would be a brilliant upgrade) but yesterday my friend called me up to join him for the test drive of the magnum diesel(he is planning to buy the magnum) ohhh!what a drive it was .....

I was surprised by the adrenaline rush of the 2.0 litre engine, the comfort , the ride ,the interior space and almost everything impressed me about this car except the Brand 'Chevy' and the rear end looks .

Now i am totally confused as to what car i should go for ... here are some pros and cons that i felt ...

Optra :

1) Brilliant performer
2) Excellent ride comfort
3) Fantastic rear seats(better than the Laura)
4) More Spacious
5) cheaper by Rs. 4.5 lacs (OTR)
6) cheap A.S.S/spares
7) poor brand image
8) A daewoo underneath
9) poor resale(i guess)
10)not a very good looker

The Laura :

1) More snob value/wow factor
2) Looks better
3) Better built
4) Better equipped
5) Excellent features
6) expensive by Rs. 4.5 lacs
7) expensive spares/A.S.S
8) stiff ride
9) excellent FE(i was told its 14 in city conditions)

The thing thats keeping me away from buying a Chevy is the Snob value, the resale factor and the Image ...

Should i spend those extra 4.5 lacs and buy a Laura or save the moolah and buy Chevy and forget about the Brand Image, resale value etc . ??

My heart says Laura, my mind says Magnum ....

I really dont remember the Last time i was so confused in my entire life

Please help me choose the right car ? need your suggestions very badly ...

Thanks .

rubin2006 · 16th August 2007, 00:28

I think optra Magnum is fantastic car and the price of skoda Laura is expensive outrightly and Frankly speaking if you re so concerned about
Snob value then look for something else like something in petrol . Teana or Camry in petrol or may be look at VW Passat if the pricing is somewhere close to 20s which is not yet clear ( that will offer you much more snob-stuff then the ever common skoda batch for years to come )

I think Your mind is giving you better thought go for magnum it is lot more
Bang for your buck, and if you still think you want to be in lap of luxury with ultimate Badge this side of BEEMER and MERC stretch your self a Little bit and GO for that Passat ,and you will not want anything more

reignofchaos · 16th August 2007, 00:41

LOL whats snobbish about a cheap czech car maker

. Go for the magnum.

deepakvrao · 16th August 2007, 00:56

Not driven the Magnum but it sounds great. OTOH I just got myself a 1 year old Laura AT and it if fabulous. Try the AT before deciding and you might just want to either up your budget or look for a second hand ar which should be within your budget.

The DSG gearbox has to be driven to be believed. The goodies in the Laura are great to have too.

IronWolf · 16th August 2007, 01:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by reignofchaos

LOL whats snobbish about a cheap czech car maker

. Go for the magnum.

ROC in US et all Skoda is not even heard of, however here Skoda is seen as snob value in namma India. The Octavias build / quality / BMW like looks / and most of all its FE has made the Skoda a snob brand in India.

Anant, In my opinion the only thing the magnum has is little more space and a little more power. What it cannot give you is a tank like build. Also the Laura has features which can only be compared with the Civic (I wont go there as I feel you are only looking for Diesel - If you do consider petrol, just walk into your nearest Honda showroom and book that lil thing called the Civic). Magnum like you said is a chevy with a daewoo underneath?. <ouch!> I think that should be considered as the nail in the Magnum choice.

I would suggest taking the Laura as its in your budget. Put a Petes kit and you will have a smile on your face for a much longer time to come, than you would with the magnum.

IronWolf · 16th August 2007, 01:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by deepakvrao

The DSG gearbox has to be driven to be believed. The goodies in the Laura are great to have too.

Can I take you up on that offer? Cause I really need to believe.

@anant - dont those bells and whistles on the Laura fascinate you? From what I saw the Magnum has got just basic stuff which a normal mid size sedan would have.

iraghava · 16th August 2007, 01:41

Anant - I would say go for the Magnum, it is a much more VFM car. I cannot understand why one would want to pay 16L for a Laura, it's simply ridiculously over priced.

aadix · 16th August 2007, 01:57

hey why not the sonata embera crdi?

Mugen_Power · 16th August 2007, 02:10

I didnt understand Why are you comparing Magnum with laura ?
If you compare magnum with octavia than its fine.

Link

skandyhere · 16th August 2007, 03:22

the magnum. it's a steal. the power's addictive. the laura is hard on the pocket, with not much of real value add. skoda makes good money, and they make good cars too - except, they make better money than cars.

not too impressed with either the appearance of the laura (the old octy exudes a boulder-like solidity that the laura lacks in my eyes) nor the needless creature-comforts that serve only to jack up repair costs to exorbidant levels in bad times.

deepakvrao · 16th August 2007, 07:22

Quote:

Can I take you up on that offer? Cause I really need to believe.

Sure. PM me and I'll give you my number. You can also take a test drive with Tafe Bangalore.

deepakvrao · 16th August 2007, 08:06

Here is a list of goodies with the Laura that are not advertised so many [like me at least] don't know of.

Seat/mirror memories for different drivers and different keys
Xenon headlights which automatically adjust to load and slope
Auto dimming int/ext mirrors
Auto light control - lights come on automatically when required
Rain sensors and auto wipers
Mirror which automatically tilts down in reverse to see the kerb while parking
Stereo volume adjusts automatically with speed
Wipers give a courtesy wipe after 5 seconds of final wipe
Wipers adjust with speed of the car
Coming home and leaving home lights - duration of which is adjustable and will not come on in daylight
Slope assist where the brake stays on for a while even after the foot is removed to prevent roll back
Heated windshield washer nozzles and rear mirrors - may be of use in the north?
Heated seats - again for the north?
Tyre pressure monitoring
Parking sensors come on automatically in R and goes off when more than 15kmph in drive
Opening/closing of windows with the remote
2 trip meters with complete details incl dist, time, consumption, avg speed, fuel remaining etc
Traction control, Electronic Differential Lock, Electronic Stability Control, Brake Assist, ABS
Under RVM light to light the area under your door at time of entry/exit
Removable rear seats to increase carry space hugely
Cooled glove/center storage boxes
On steering remotes for audio
When the car is put into reverse gear, the climate control goes into recirculation mode to prevent fumes from getting into the cabin.
Headlamp washers
Of course cruise control which is advertised

Now its not that I am plumping so much for the Laura but these were some of the features that I had no idea about - so it may benefit others to know too. Besides me being a Gizmo freak - I loved these little things.

Also in view of all these I wonder if the car is as over priced as is often made out to be. Yes maybe a bit but AFAIK no other car in this range gives you features like these. Please correct me if I'm wrong.

shuvd · 16th August 2007, 09:47

My 2 cents
The Laura is overpriced for what you get. Had it come with the 2.0 diesel...
Take the Magnum for now and wait for the Laura vRS 2.0 PD rated at 170bhp! At least, thats what I'm doing.

rangaraj · 16th August 2007, 10:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by shuvd

My 2 cents
The Laura is overpriced for what you get. Had it come with the 2.0 diesel...
Take the Magnum for now and wait for the Laura vRS 2.0 PD rated at 170bhp! At least, thats what I'm doing.

Guess the arrangement must be that the Audi and the Passat have a few months/one year exclusive use of newer engines, before the skoda's can introduce them.. The 2L engine that you talked about will eventually be common across these three platforms..

Strider · 16th August 2007, 11:08

The two cars stand for different things, the Optra Magnum is a VFM car, and Chevrolet is being used by GM as a VFM brand, while the Laura (the international Octavia replacement) is positioned as a premium car, with premium charged for its high levels of quality.

So, the decision to be made is 'What do you really want?'. Do you want more bang for your buck? Or do you want a premium (unfortunately Skoda is premium in India) vehicle of top notch quality?

My advice - the Magnum, 'coz I'm a big miser! [

]

15th August 2007, 14:51	#1
anant.arora Newbie Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: N delhi Posts: 16 Thanked: 0 Times	Optra Magnum diesel LT or Laura Elegance ?need help Hey guys, i am a newbie to this forum and need your help in choosing the right car ... I am currently having two cars in my family , the Hyundai elantra diesel and the Octavia rider 1.9 tdi. I am driving a Skoda Octavia rider and will be replacing it shortly ... My budget is upto Rs. 16 lacs and i 'll keeping the car for the next 2-3 years and i 've shortlisted the Magnum diesel LT(Rs. 11 lacs OTR) and the Laura elegance(Rs. 15.45 lacs OTR after dealer discounts) . I test drove the Laura on saturday and felt quite nice and had my mind set on the laura (i thought it would be a brilliant upgrade) but yesterday my friend called me up to join him for the test drive of the magnum diesel(he is planning to buy the magnum) ohhh!what a drive it was ..... I was surprised by the adrenaline rush of the 2.0 litre engine, the comfort , the ride ,the interior space and almost everything impressed me about this car except the Brand 'Chevy' and the rear end looks . Now i am totally confused as to what car i should go for ... here are some pros and cons that i felt ... Optra : 1) Brilliant performer 2) Excellent ride comfort 3) Fantastic rear seats(better than the Laura) 4) More Spacious 5) cheaper by Rs. 4.5 lacs (OTR) 6) cheap A.S.S/spares 7) poor brand image 8) A daewoo underneath 9) poor resale(i guess) 10)not a very good looker The Laura : 1) More snob value/wow factor 2) Looks better 3) Better built 4) Better equipped 5) Excellent features 6) expensive by Rs. 4.5 lacs 7) expensive spares/A.S.S 8) stiff ride 9) excellent FE(i was told its 14 in city conditions) The thing thats keeping me away from buying a Chevy is the Snob value, the resale factor and the Image ... Should i spend those extra 4.5 lacs and buy a Laura or save the moolah and buy Chevy and forget about the Brand Image, resale value etc . ?? My heart says Laura, my mind says Magnum .... I really dont remember the Last time i was so confused in my entire life Please help me choose the right car ? need your suggestions very badly ... Thanks .
	() Thanks

16th August 2007, 00:28	#2
rubin2006 BHPian Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: delhi/calgary Posts: 286 Thanked: Once	I think optra Magnum is fantastic car and the price of skoda Laura is expensive outrightly and Frankly speaking if you re so concerned about Snob value then look for something else like something in petrol . Teana or Camry in petrol or may be look at VW Passat if the pricing is somewhere close to 20s which is not yet clear ( that will offer you much more snob-stuff then the ever common skoda batch for years to come ) I think Your mind is giving you better thought go for magnum it is lot more Bang for your buck, and if you still think you want to be in lap of luxury with ultimate Badge this side of BEEMER and MERC stretch your self a Little bit and GO for that Passat ,and you will not want anything more
	() Thanks

16th August 2007, 00:41	#3
reignofchaos Senior - BHPian Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Bangalore Posts: 2,542 Thanked: 2,450 Times View My Garage	LOL whats snobbish about a cheap czech car maker . Go for the magnum.
	() Thanks

16th August 2007, 00:56	#4
deepakvrao BANNED Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Bangalore Posts: 300 Thanked: 2 Times	Not driven the Magnum but it sounds great. OTOH I just got myself a 1 year old Laura AT and it if fabulous. Try the AT before deciding and you might just want to either up your budget or look for a second hand ar which should be within your budget. The DSG gearbox has to be driven to be believed. The goodies in the Laura are great to have too.
	() Thanks

16th August 2007, 01:41	#7
iraghava Senior - BHPian Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Bhaiyyaland Posts: 8,033 Thanked: 265 Times View My Garage	Anant - I would say go for the Magnum, it is a much more VFM car. I cannot understand why one would want to pay 16L for a Laura, it's simply ridiculously over priced.
	() Thanks

16th August 2007, 01:57	#8
aadix Senior - BHPian Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: hyderabad Posts: 1,597 Thanked: 14 Times	hey why not the sonata embera crdi?
	() Thanks

16th August 2007, 02:10	#9
Mugen_Power Senior - BHPian Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Gujarat 03 Posts: 1,302 Thanked: 18 Times	I didnt understand Why are you comparing Magnum with laura ? If you compare magnum with octavia than its fine. Link
	() Thanks

16th August 2007, 03:22	#10
skandyhere BHPian Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Charlotte/Blore Posts: 347 Thanked: 92 Times	the magnum. it's a steal. the power's addictive. the laura is hard on the pocket, with not much of real value add. skoda makes good money, and they make good cars too - except, they make better money than cars. not too impressed with either the appearance of the laura (the old octy exudes a boulder-like solidity that the laura lacks in my eyes) nor the needless creature-comforts that serve only to jack up repair costs to exorbidant levels in bad times.
	() Thanks

16th August 2007, 08:06	#12
deepakvrao BANNED Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Bangalore Posts: 300 Thanked: 2 Times	Here is a list of goodies with the Laura that are not advertised so many [like me at least] don't know of. Seat/mirror memories for different drivers and different keys Xenon headlights which automatically adjust to load and slope Auto dimming int/ext mirrors Auto light control - lights come on automatically when required Rain sensors and auto wipers Mirror which automatically tilts down in reverse to see the kerb while parking Stereo volume adjusts automatically with speed Wipers give a courtesy wipe after 5 seconds of final wipe Wipers adjust with speed of the car Coming home and leaving home lights - duration of which is adjustable and will not come on in daylight Slope assist where the brake stays on for a while even after the foot is removed to prevent roll back Heated windshield washer nozzles and rear mirrors - may be of use in the north? Heated seats - again for the north? Tyre pressure monitoring Parking sensors come on automatically in R and goes off when more than 15kmph in drive Opening/closing of windows with the remote 2 trip meters with complete details incl dist, time, consumption, avg speed, fuel remaining etc Traction control, Electronic Differential Lock, Electronic Stability Control, Brake Assist, ABS Under RVM light to light the area under your door at time of entry/exit Removable rear seats to increase carry space hugely Cooled glove/center storage boxes On steering remotes for audio When the car is put into reverse gear, the climate control goes into recirculation mode to prevent fumes from getting into the cabin. Headlamp washers Of course cruise control which is advertised Now its not that I am plumping so much for the Laura but these were some of the features that I had no idea about - so it may benefit others to know too. Besides me being a Gizmo freak - I loved these little things. Also in view of all these I wonder if the car is as over priced as is often made out to be. Yes maybe a bit but AFAIK no other car in this range gives you features like these. Please correct me if I'm wrong.
	() Thanks

16th August 2007, 09:47	#13
shuvd Senior - BHPian Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Calcutta Posts: 1,081 Thanked: 7 Times View My Garage	My 2 cents The Laura is overpriced for what you get. Had it come with the 2.0 diesel... Take the Magnum for now and wait for the Laura vRS 2.0 PD rated at 170bhp! At least, thats what I'm doing.
	() Thanks

16th August 2007, 11:08	#15
Strider BHPian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Hyderabad Posts: 60 Thanked: 0 Times	The two cars stand for different things, the Optra Magnum is a VFM car, and Chevrolet is being used by GM as a VFM brand, while the Laura (the international Octavia replacement) is positioned as a premium car, with premium charged for its high levels of quality. So, the decision to be made is 'What do you really want?'. Do you want more bang for your buck? Or do you want a premium (unfortunately Skoda is premium in India) vehicle of top notch quality? My advice - the Magnum, 'coz I'm a big miser! []
	() Thanks