Opel Astra review (03/04/2013)

I HAVE to say it saddens me more than a little I have not had a lot of good to say in recent years about Opel. That is not because I have taken a sudden turn against the brand, but rather because the company itself has not being doing a whole lot lately to inspire its loyal customer base — or me, for that matter.

The company’s travails have been well documented in these columns over a long period, but now that its future appears to be considerably more solid than it might have been if its American paymasters had not taken such a positive attitude towards the Opel brand and its potential contribution to General Motors’ coffers.

With such as the Insignia and the new mini SUV, the Mokka, Opel had been giving us signs there was life left in the oul’ dog yet and it is hoping that with newer products such as the latest Astra range and the new Adam city car, it will convince people it has not stagnated.