Facelift Chevrolet Optra Magnum, Now On Sale!

“Chevrolet has, over the past year, expanded its model line up locally, in line with Chevrolet’s aspirations to become a global mainstream brand under General Motors.
While the expansion has seen new models being introduced, the Chevrolet Optra will continue to be a popular model in the mid-sized sedan segment.”

”We believe that with an updated contemporary look and refinement, the Optra Magnum will effectively continue to appeal to families who prize high value and a more exciting driving experience in a car,” Kittichai Jarusrojpoka, Managing Director of General Motors Overseas Distribution Corporation (GM ODC) said.

The sedan has a boot large enough to fit four golf bags, while the Estate features storage space of up to 400 litres, expandable to 1,410 litres with the rear seat folded down.

[B]New Styling[/B]

The Optra Magnum features a new design that includes revised bumpers with round fog lamps, and side fenders. The almond shaped front lamps come with a full chrome bezel, while the grille has a more prominent, and much larger Chevrolet bowtie than its predecessor.

The side wing mirrors now have integrated signal lights, and there are manicure-safe chrome door handles.

The Optra Magnum sedan and Estate claim to have plenty of visibility and head, leg, shoulder and hip room for both front and rear seat occupants.

[B]Safety[/B]

The Optra Magnum is equipped with a standard front air bag for the driver. In addition, the new car features automatic safety belt pretensioners, designed to remove belt slack and to help restrain front passengers during a collision; and load limiters to help regulate the forces on a passenger's upper torso.

Three-point lap and shoulder belts are installed in all seating positions. For added protection, the Optra Magnum features an energy-absorbing steering column. Foam and other energy-absorbing materials are used in the upper interior structure to protect the head during a crash.

[B]Engine[/B]

The 1.6-litre, 16-valve DOHC inline 4-cylinder engine appears to be much unchanged, and it delivers 107 horsepower at 5,800 rpm. The transversely mounted ULEV-rated engine runs on regular octane gasoline and is mated to a standard, smooth-shifting five-speed manual transmission or four-speed automatic.

[B]Chassis[/B]

The Magnum also retains its four-wheel independent suspension, resting on rather small 185/55R14 tyres and a power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering.

The front end gets MacPherson struts with offset coil springs and a stabilizer bar. A MacPherson strut dual link suspension with coil springs and a stabilizer bar is used in the rear.

Four-wheel disc brakes are standard, with the front being 256mm wide ventilated discs up and 258mm solid discs in the rear, complete with four-channel, four-sensor ABS.

The cars are available in six colours: Black Sapphire, Sparkling Tan, Alpine White, Royal Grey, Sterling Silver and Light Quartz Grey.

The Chevrolet Optra Magnum is on sale in Singapore, from 15 August 2007. The Optra Magnum sedan is priced at $57,800 onwards while the Estate is available at $59,800 onwards (both inclusive of COE). Customers who book all Optra Magnum sedan and Estate units from now till 5 September 2007 will get to enjoy a 3 plus 2 years extended warranty.

Credits: nikolaiski