Opel Astra

Have been driving the seden 1.8 version for a year. I enjoy driving the car so far is:

1. Good support for driver seat. I donnot feel back pain as in my previous car.

2. Heavy solid built and good handling in corning/high speed.

3. Auto-headlight, rain sensor and spacious.

4. Tall platform, easy to entry, sit comfortably

5. Petrol with 70% Highway, 30%city is 10.5/l

Need to improve:

1. Gear box- 4-Speed only

2. Service center need to be more efficient.

Test drove the Opel Astra Sedan 1.8 Executive (A) few hours ago. Actually, the car was quite stylish and features are spot on. It has 4 airbags which is more than enough. Overall this car is perfect compared to the price.

I've owned this 1.8 hatch for 3 1/2 years and I must say that even now, I sit back and still enjoy the great design. It still looks fresh and current. A true testament to this is the fact that the Mazda 3 and Nissan Latio tried to emulated their design (but with not much success). Put on a set of 18" wheels and lower the suspension and this car will look even better than it already is. No 1800cc Jap car can come close to to the build quality, road holding and handling, safety features can come close. Even after 3 1/2 years, I don't have a single ding on my car and the paint is still more shiny than any Jap car.

A well balanced German work horse, nothing much to scream about. An excellent companion on the road, ensuring you always get home the in the same condition you left home with, if not better. Discreet looking but outrun even bigger engines effortlessly. Great ride for work & play.

This car need to do up additionally, such as body kit (of course this must come as standard in order to attract more customer, I am serious) in order to make it stands out from the rest. Obviously OPEL did not understand the local market that well, if not their sales can go a two digits growth this year, it is only fear that they may not realize this as early??!!! Selling at a price so close to CAMRY, you got to be very attractive.

My opinion is: the front console has to be a bit more impressive, I see this current model a bit too plain, being a mid-range car that "brand" it to be the European corolla, frankly speaking, and it has not much thing to out-sell the corolla??? Especially to compete with the newer 2008 Altis just lunched. even compare 1.8 to 1.8 verson, it is still a 10K gap.....

Typical continental car like to come with a black interior, which I viewed the car maker did not have any breakthrough for their car concept and marketing strategy approach.....just imagine the driver and passengers actually spent more time inside the car during traveling then outside the car, see and appreciate the comfort than appearance. (WHO SEE THIS AS BREAKTHROUGH WINS THE RACE, don't quote me, I know how to feel as a driver and passenger)