Opel doubles efforts with saloon Astra
In the quest to stretch their euros, consumers are voting with their feet and undoing traditional shopping norms.
Brand loyalty has been discarded as we rummage through the bargain bins for that recession-busting fix.
We’ve switched our banks and utility providers, ditched our house and health insurance, ushered discount supermarkets onto the main streets of our towns and cities, and we now bid and barter online on Black Fridays and Manic Mondays.
The new age of frugality has not spared big-ticket items, either. How we buy, and what we expect from a new car, has changed dramatically.
We no longer buy cars out of habit, tradition or loyalty. Switching allegiances has become the norm, as we seek the best deal.
With the message that their cars are cleaner, greener and leaner, manufacturers are going toe-to-toe to lure the new generation of floating consumers.
New models, updated designs, lower emissions levels and an endless array of offers — low-interest loans, unbeatable savings, personal contract plans, free tax and insurance, seven-year warranties, attractive trade-ins, additional extras and mind-blowing technical wizzardry as standard — mean the gloves are off.
Opel has staked its future on changing public perception — even rolling out well-heeled supermodel, Claudia Schiffer, as their top gun in the battle for hearts and minds.
Smart, beautiful and immensely successful, with a career spanning 25 years, she is the perfect personification of what the facelifted brand wants to be all about — sleek, sexy and totally dependable. They are, after all, both German.
And the momentum is building.
Opel’s massive investment in development will bring 27 new models and 17 new engines to market by 2018, targeting a market share of 8% in Europe by 2022.
Opel Ireland recorded a 33% year-on-year increase in sales last year. The Insignia was Opel’s best-performing model, accounting for 30% (1,925 units) of sales, followed by the Astra (1,726 units) and Corsa (1,293 units).
That momentum will gather pace this year with 85,000 orders for the new Corsa, which is due for delivery later this month.
The new entry-level model, the KARL, will follow in the summer and the compact model, the Astra, will arrive at the end of the year.
The Astra hatchback has always been popular with Irish motorists and the introduction of the saloon version gives Opel two bites of the cherry, and makes perfect sense, given our love affair with big boots.
Prices for the Astra saloon start at €19,995, for the 1.4-litre petrol version, rising to €22,295, for the diesel.
The SE, Macadamia 1.6CDTi 110bhp version costs €25,199, including options.
The six-speed transmission was crisp, with the 1.6CDTi surprisingly lively: it boasts a maximum speed of 189 km/h and can reach 100km/h just shy of 12 seconds.
It’s also frugal around town, and, via the Start/Stop system, it delivers CO2 emissions of 97g/km — putting it in the €180 tax band.
Inside, the clean lines, large windows and stylish design add to the overall sense of space — with plenty of leg room in front and back. The trim in the SE includes 17-inch, 10-spoke alloy wheels, heated door mirrors, graphic info display, multi-function steering wheel, cruise control and speed limiter, air-conditioning and auto rain-sensing wipers. The day-time running lights (€354) and IntelliLink navigation system (€1,250) are extra.
The ride is smooth (thanks to a stiffer body) and noticeably quieter, and the visibility is good, with a fully adjustable steering wheel.
The only annoying aspect was the proximity of the hand-brake to the gear-stick surround, which meant I trapped my fingers everytime I released the brake — but that’s only a small matter.
Overall there’s a lot to like about the Astra.
It’s a fine-size family car, well-priced, well-equipped and well-placed to take on its biggest-selling rivals, the Ford Focus and Toyota Corolla.
THE ESSENTIALS
Model driven: Opel Astra Saloon SE Macadamia
Price: €25,199 including options as tested. From €19,995
Engine: 1.6CDTi 110bhp
Transmission: Six-speed manual, front-wheel drive
Body style: four-door saloon
CO2 emissions: 97g/km (Tax €180 per annum)
Fuel consumption: litres/100km Urban 3.9 Litre/100km Urban 3.9
Top speed: 189 km/h
0-100km/h: 11.9 seconds
Torque: 300Nm @ 2000rpm
Power: 110PS (81kW) @ 4000rpm
