My Pearl Flash!!!- Optra Magnum

Akkiben · 15th February 2011, 18:15

Hello my fellow Team-BHPians

Please allow me to introduce you to my new love- Optra Magnum 2.0 TCDi LS. My Pearl Flash as i call it.

Reason for this car:
Well, quite honestly there was not much to choose from. Love the Cedia and always will, but the ever so increasing fuel prices (read Petrol) made me turn towards the oil burners (read Diesel).
The only car that would not make me miss the Cedia seemed to be the Optra Magnum TCDi.

Why? well, for one i wanted A.I.S (all wheel independent suspension) i've always been having some sorta fascination for it. Low seating, sleek elegant looks, long wheelbase, great rear leg room. Last but not least- rear fog lamp fascination too

and the only car that gave me all those was the Optra!!!

Delivery:

The car reached Bangalore on 30th November 2010. We (me and Dad) took the delivery of the car of December 4th 2010.
The arrived here quite late than the "so-called" 3-4 weeks wait time.

On 4th evening (6:55p.m) of Dec we took the car out of the showroom (pics posted here)

Intial driving experience

well well well, what can i say, even before getting in the car i can't help but walk around and admire the car for sometime.

I had driven the Cruze (test drive) so kinda got to know how a Diesel turbo feels to drive.
So i get in my car and i don't see anything ahead of the windscreen (read hood) so i adjust the seat height a bit and by stooping forward a bit i was able to get a glimpse of the bonnet (i'm only 5.8"). Voila!!! After a few days in the saddle i lowered the seat all the way to low setting as now i like the Go-Kart like driving position and am quite used to sitting that way.

For one, the car is Wide- real wide. So it was overwhelming to drive in those initial first few days. As days went by i got familiar with the cars dimensions (read driving about in city traffic).

Engine
well, most of us here already know how the Optra pulls. So i won't blabber much on that, but i'll say this everytime the tacho gets past the 1800 rpm mark and nears the 2000 rpm it brings a wicked smile on my face and i call out-anybody wants to play???

Gem of an engine, smooth once on the move and always ready to blast the car like being launched from a Space shuttle.
Just love the wheel spin when changing from first gear to second- brings one the wicked smile back.

Till Date cover 3,500kms

I'll pause for now and refrain from talking about the comfort, handling etc.

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chargerman · 15th February 2011, 18:33

Great value for money. Best diesel front wheel drive I've driven in india.

e46 · 15th February 2011, 18:43

Awesome choice mate! with 120 horses, and 300+ Nm torque, this is one of the best diesel sedans, money could buy in sub 11 lacs.
I aspire to get it someday.

Could you please divulge the OR price for the Magnum? Also, do mention if they gave any discount (i checked today's TOI, and they have quoted a special price of 8.36 ex showroom bangalore for TCDI, LS version.)

Akkiben · 15th February 2011, 19:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by e46

Awesome choice mate! with 120 horses, and 300+ Nm torque, this is one of the best diesel sedans, money could buy in sub 11 lacs.
I aspire to get it someday.

Could you please divulge the OR price for the Magnum? Also, do mention if they gave any discount (i checked today's TOI, and they have quoted a special price of 8.36 ex showroom bangalore for TCDI, LS version.)

I'll give you all the details. What's the best number to reach you at?

Reinhard · 15th February 2011, 20:27

Hey Akkiben, congratulations on the ride! Wishing you unlimited safe and happy miles with her. Could you try to embed the images directly instead of the links to bmp files?

Its a car that somehow didn't get the reception it deserved in India IMO. Good choice really. Enjoy the diesel smell!!

Torquedo · 16th February 2011, 10:16

Hello Akkiben -

Congratulations for your nre ownership!!!!

Optra Magnum is a treat to own, I have been thinking hard and trying to manage my finances to buy one.

Cherish the Drive.

Many A Happy Miles !!
Happy Motoring.

Motoringlover · 16th February 2011, 10:51

Congrats mate, a great car. Any thoughts on City driving experience, especially bumper to bumper traffic. Appreciate thoughts.

Torquedo · 16th February 2011, 10:52

Hey Akkiben, I forgot to ask the OTR price, the best deal that I'm getting here in Delhi for a Haryana registration is 8.85L for the LS.

Thanks.

benzinblut · 16th February 2011, 10:59

Great choice. The current deals make it even sweeter. The torque wave is addictive. What you will definitely miss is the sharp handling of the cedia.

PS: Why did you not opt for LT with ABS and all other goodies? The price difference shouldnt be much I think

brraj · 16th February 2011, 11:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by benzinblut

What you will definitely miss is the sharp handling of the cedia.

With Bilstein suspension & slotted rotors available for magnum why worry about braking & handling?

visweshkalambur · 16th February 2011, 15:02

Congratulations on your Optra! It seems to be an amazing product at a super price, esp considering the recent price cut.

I have booked one and waiting for delivery, waiting to experience the Optra!

Can you tell me how long it took for delivery from the date of booking?

I hear that there is a lot of demand now for this car from the dealers.

Torquedo · 16th February 2011, 16:13

Hello Viswesh -

Congratulations for the booking, a couple of questions, would be thankful if you may help me with them:

1) The OTR price quoted to you in Chennai.
2) According to the dealer what is the waiting period?

A small advice, I have actually gone through Wildon's VIN related thread so here is an important input:

Check the 9th & 10th digits on the VIN number, it should be either AB or BB respectively, actually the 9th digit is indicative of the Month (A- Jan, B - Feb) and the 10th digit is the Year of manufacture (A- 2010,B-2011).

Had read this on T-BHP and confirmed it on 2011 Cruze.

Good Luck for the waiting period, I know for an Optra especially, it can be killing.

Happy Motoring.

dhanushs · 16th February 2011, 16:27

Congrats mate!.

The magnum is one of the best mile crunchers this side of 11L. And that 'turbo lag' makes sure that you never get bored, and 'kick' you when you do.

.

Well, the stock magnum has plush seats, and an extremely comfortable ride. Great to be chauffeured in. On the downside, body roll is prominent.

Well, if you can afford to lose the ride comfort, I would suggest you to upgrade the suspension set up.

- Then, you will have your cake, and can eat it too.

A torque monster, a sharp handler, and above all a diesel !!

abhinav.s · 16th February 2011, 16:30

Congrats on your Pearl Flash!

A very good car to own now with the special price promotion etc going on.

What was the OTR? Did you get any discounts on top of the special price?

nfsfreak · 16th February 2011, 16:34

@Akkiben, congrats on your buy. Really a nice choice.

If you could, PM me the OR price + discounts from dealer, pls?

15th February 2011, 18:15	#1
Akkiben BHPian Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Bangalore Posts: 139 Thanked: 5 Times	My Pearl Flash!!!- Optra Magnum Hello my fellow Team-BHPians Please allow me to introduce you to my new love- Optra Magnum 2.0 TCDi LS. My Pearl Flash as i call it. Reason for this car: Well, quite honestly there was not much to choose from. Love the Cedia and always will, but the ever so increasing fuel prices (read Petrol) made me turn towards the oil burners (read Diesel). The only car that would not make me miss the Cedia seemed to be the Optra Magnum TCDi. Why? well, for one i wanted A.I.S (all wheel independent suspension) i've always been having some sorta fascination for it. Low seating, sleek elegant looks, long wheelbase, great rear leg room. Last but not least- rear fog lamp fascination too and the only car that gave me all those was the Optra!!! Delivery: The car reached Bangalore on 30th November 2010. We (me and Dad) took the delivery of the car of December 4th 2010. The arrived here quite late than the "so-called" 3-4 weeks wait time. On 4th evening (6:55p.m) of Dec we took the car out of the showroom (pics posted here) Intial driving experience well well well, what can i say, even before getting in the car i can't help but walk around and admire the car for sometime. I had driven the Cruze (test drive) so kinda got to know how a Diesel turbo feels to drive. So i get in my car and i don't see anything ahead of the windscreen (read hood) so i adjust the seat height a bit and by stooping forward a bit i was able to get a glimpse of the bonnet (i'm only 5.8"). Voila!!! After a few days in the saddle i lowered the seat all the way to low setting as now i like the Go-Kart like driving position and am quite used to sitting that way. For one, the car is Wide- real wide. So it was overwhelming to drive in those initial first few days. As days went by i got familiar with the cars dimensions (read driving about in city traffic). Engine well, most of us here already know how the Optra pulls. So i won't blabber much on that, but i'll say this everytime the tacho gets past the 1800 rpm mark and nears the 2000 rpm it brings a wicked smile on my face and i call out-anybody wants to play??? Gem of an engine, smooth once on the move and always ready to blast the car like being launched from a Space shuttle. Just love the wheel spin when changing from first gear to second- brings one the wicked smile back. Till Date cover 3,500kms I'll pause for now and refrain from talking about the comfort, handling etc. Last edited by Technocrat : 15th February 2011 at 21:56. Reason: Only 2 smilies per post allowed, thanks
	() Thanks

15th February 2011, 18:33	#2
chargerman BHPian Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Dhaka, Bangladesh Posts: 242 Thanked: 194 Times	Re: My Pearl Flash!!!- Optra Magnum Great value for money. Best diesel front wheel drive I've driven in india.
	() Thanks

15th February 2011, 18:43	#3
e46 BHPian Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: BLR, RDP Posts: 322 Thanked: 279 Times	Re: My Pearl Flash!!!- Optra Magnum Awesome choice mate! with 120 horses, and 300+ Nm torque, this is one of the best diesel sedans, money could buy in sub 11 lacs. I aspire to get it someday. Could you please divulge the OR price for the Magnum? Also, do mention if they gave any discount (i checked today's TOI, and they have quoted a special price of 8.36 ex showroom bangalore for TCDI, LS version.) Last edited by e46 : 15th February 2011 at 18:58. Reason: added query
	() Thanks

15th February 2011, 20:27	#5
Reinhard Distinguished - BHPian Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Pune Posts: 4,855 Thanked: 17,734 Times View My Garage	Re: My Pearl Flash!!!- Optra Magnum Hey Akkiben, congratulations on the ride! Wishing you unlimited safe and happy miles with her. Could you try to embed the images directly instead of the links to bmp files? Its a car that somehow didn't get the reception it deserved in India IMO. Good choice really. Enjoy the diesel smell!!
	() Thanks

16th February 2011, 10:16	#6
Torquedo BANNED Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: . Posts: 701 Thanked: 803 Times	Re: My Pearl Flash!!!- Optra Magnum Hello Akkiben - Congratulations for your nre ownership!!!! Optra Magnum is a treat to own, I have been thinking hard and trying to manage my finances to buy one. Cherish the Drive. Many A Happy Miles !! Happy Motoring.
	() Thanks

16th February 2011, 10:51	#7
Motoringlover BHPian Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Bangalore Posts: 424 Thanked: 211 Times View My Garage	Re: My Pearl Flash!!!- Optra Magnum Congrats mate, a great car. Any thoughts on City driving experience, especially bumper to bumper traffic. Appreciate thoughts.
	() Thanks

16th February 2011, 10:52	#8
Torquedo BANNED Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: . Posts: 701 Thanked: 803 Times	Re: My Pearl Flash!!!- Optra Magnum Hey Akkiben, I forgot to ask the OTR price, the best deal that I'm getting here in Delhi for a Haryana registration is 8.85L for the LS. Thanks.
	() Thanks

16th February 2011, 10:59	#9
benzinblut BHPian Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: New Bombay Posts: 516 Thanked: 878 Times View My Garage	Re: My Pearl Flash!!!- Optra Magnum Great choice. The current deals make it even sweeter. The torque wave is addictive. What you will definitely miss is the sharp handling of the cedia. PS: Why did you not opt for LT with ABS and all other goodies? The price difference shouldnt be much I think
	() Thanks

16th February 2011, 15:02	#11
visweshkalambur BHPian Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Chennai Posts: 103 Thanked: 10 Times	Re: My Pearl Flash!!!- Optra Magnum Congratulations on your Optra! It seems to be an amazing product at a super price, esp considering the recent price cut. I have booked one and waiting for delivery, waiting to experience the Optra! Can you tell me how long it took for delivery from the date of booking? I hear that there is a lot of demand now for this car from the dealers. Last edited by visweshkalambur : 16th February 2011 at 15:03.
	() Thanks

16th February 2011, 16:13	#12
Torquedo BANNED Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: . Posts: 701 Thanked: 803 Times	Re: My Pearl Flash!!!- Optra Magnum Hello Viswesh - Congratulations for the booking, a couple of questions, would be thankful if you may help me with them: 1) The OTR price quoted to you in Chennai. 2) According to the dealer what is the waiting period? A small advice, I have actually gone through Wildon's VIN related thread so here is an important input: Check the 9th & 10th digits on the VIN number, it should be either AB or BB respectively, actually the 9th digit is indicative of the Month (A- Jan, B - Feb) and the 10th digit is the Year of manufacture (A- 2010,B-2011). Had read this on T-BHP and confirmed it on 2011 Cruze. Good Luck for the waiting period, I know for an Optra especially, it can be killing. Happy Motoring.
	() Thanks

16th February 2011, 16:27	#13
dhanushs Distinguished - BHPian Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Chennai Posts: 4,286 Thanked: 10,186 Times	Re: My Pearl Flash!!!- Optra Magnum Congrats mate!. The magnum is one of the best mile crunchers this side of 11L. And that 'turbo lag' makes sure that you never get bored, and 'kick' you when you do. . Well, the stock magnum has plush seats, and an extremely comfortable ride. Great to be chauffeured in. On the downside, body roll is prominent. Well, if you can afford to lose the ride comfort, I would suggest you to upgrade the suspension set up. - Then, you will have your cake, and can eat it too. A torque monster, a sharp handler, and above all a diesel !!
	() Thanks

16th February 2011, 16:30	#14
abhinav.s Senior - BHPian Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Bangalore Posts: 2,775 Thanked: 1,272 Times	Re: My Pearl Flash!!!- Optra Magnum Congrats on your Pearl Flash! A very good car to own now with the special price promotion etc going on. What was the OTR? Did you get any discounts on top of the special price?
	() Thanks

16th February 2011, 16:34	#15
nfsfreak BHPian Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Bangalore Posts: 330 Thanked: 139 Times	Re: My Pearl Flash!!!- Optra Magnum @Akkiben, congrats on your buy. Really a nice choice. If you could, PM me the OR price + discounts from dealer, pls?
	() Thanks