Due to the nature of our job, the question that most people regularly ask us is - which is your most memorable car driven to date? 

Cars today lack the 'soul' of cars before, and are so predictably similar in terms of features. The gadgetry and refinement arms race has lead to them being somewhat clinical that few truly stand out as memorable.

There are, of course, the brutal ones such as the A 45 AMG and smile-inducing joy machines such as the Mazda MX-5, which we'd never forget. But in terms of ordinary 'day-to-day' makes, the new Opel Astra 1.0 Easytronic is memorable, simply because it's an acquired taste.


Up close and Personal

Most manufacturers set model trims apart by using contrasting bumper or rim designs, on top of interior specifications and features - think Golf 1.2 and 1.4 for example. Opel, however, hasn't shortchanged the Astra 1.0 in that respect.

Like its 1.4-litre sib, the 1.0 sports the same sporty and energetic exterior design. From sizeable arches and clean-cut lines to the multi-spoke 17-inch rims and a mature-looking face, the 1.0 Easytronic gets the whole shebang.

It's the same prescription on the inside. There's plenty of head room and the cabin is spacious by the standards of the segment. 

The 1.0 Easytronic may be $15,000 cheaper (as of 21^st July 2016) compared to the 1.4 Turbo but receives the same 'upmarket to the touch' finish, inclusive of the 7.0-inch CarPlay-furnished infotainment system and segment-leading safety features.

Also read our comparison article on:
Ford Focus Hatchback 1.0 Titanium vs Opel Astra 1.0 Easytronic