Opel's award-winning eleventh generation five-door Astra hatchback is here

First seen at the Frankfurt Motor Show last year, Opel Astra, the 2016 European Car of the Year, has finally reached our shores.

In a move to refresh the brand's lineup in Singapore, local Opel distributor Auto Germany has brought in the five-door hatchback's eleventh iteration with new 1.0-litre and 1.4-litre turbocharged engines. According to Mark Adams, Head of Design at Opel, the new Astra's main rival is the Volkswagen Golf, which happens to be one of Singapore's top selling cars. 

Having only sold 96 cars in Singapore last year, Opel is looking to attract new buyers with the new Astra. Designed from scratch, the latest Astra not only features a new range of engines, but a new styling direction and architecture principles. Besides being up to 200kg lighter than its predecessor, the new Astra is also smaller but offers 35mm more legroom than the outgoing model.

The new Astra also comes standard with improved safety features including lane departure warning with lane keep assist that electrically nudges the steering wheel when the driver unintentionally veers out of lane. This technology is currently either available as an option for some cars like the Audi A4 2.0 TFSI quattro, or standard in higher priced ones like the new Honda Legend.

There are currently three variants to choose from, including the 1.0 Easytronic that has an output of 104bhp and 170Nm of peak torque, and the 1.4A Turbo which puts out 148bhp and 245Nm of torque. Each variant emits about 99 to 127g/km of CO₂ and can go 18 to 23km/L, thanks to Opel's latest generation of lighter and more frugal petrol engines. According to the automaker during an interview, its new engines are the cleanest and most economic in its class.

With the introduction of greener engines, Auto Germany has also introduced a new incentive for potential buyers. Starting June 23^rd onwards, Auto Germany will cap the servicing costs for Opel customers at $1,000 for three years, scheduled across six appointments. There is also an option to extend another fourth and fifth year of servicing at $800 per year. 

If you're a fan of the stationwagon or want something that offers more storage capacity, there is the Astra Sports Tourer 1.0 which boasts up to 1,630 litres of luggage space with the rear seats folded down. 

You can check out both the new Astra and Astra Sports Tourer at the Opel showroom, or head down to Suntec City, Tower 3 East Atrium for the Opel roadshow happening over this weekend (June 24^th to 26^th). Aside from the Astra, Opel will also be showing its Insignia and Zafira Tourer models.

Prices as of press time (inclusive of COE)

Opel Astra Hatchback 1.0 Easytronic (A) - $104,888
Opel Astra Hatchback 1.4 (A) Turbo - $119,888
Opel Astra Sports Tourer 1.0 Easytronic (A) - $110,888