The motoring scene in Singapore offers different kinds of adventures using different types of cars with styling and features that separate the industry's cream of the crop from the rest of the trades. From high-end luxurious rides and supercars to modded sedans and hot hatches, the presence of mouth-watering vehicles with luscious exhaust notes on our roads have injected a lot of fun and taste in an already competitive business.
So when Opel finally launched the Astra to muscle its way through the hatchback segment, we wondered if it was going to succeed. Available in two variants, the Opel Astra holds a turbocharger underneath its bonnet and a brand new chassis within. The lower specced 1.4-litre turbo engine replaces the naturally aspirated 1.8-litre predecessor with a similar power output and a higher torque figure while the higher-end 1.6-litre powerplant is developed for Opel's fan base focusing on dynamic driving.
With our COE's Cat B at a high $56,300 (as of 19th May 2011), the downsizing of the displacement does make sense, allowing the marque to keep up with fellow powerful German competitors such as the Volkswagen Golf and the Audi A1. And with its first-in-its-segment FlexFix, Opel's innovative bike-carrier, integrated behind the rear bumper, the once uncertain brand may have found an edge to grab the hearts of the health-conscious Singaporeans.
Exterior
The car may look like another ordinary hatch on photos but in real life, the new Opel Astra is a head turner. Although the German marque has been known for its outdated designs that keep evolving from previous generations, the Insignia was a fabulous turn of events and the Astra is no exception. The car gets a makeover upfront that really lifts its looks by a couple of notches.
So when Opel finally launched the Astra to muscle its way through the hatchback segment, we wondered if it was going to succeed. Available in two variants, the Opel Astra holds a turbocharger underneath its bonnet and a brand new chassis within. The lower specced 1.4-litre turbo engine replaces the naturally aspirated 1.8-litre predecessor with a similar power output and a higher torque figure while the higher-end 1.6-litre powerplant is developed for Opel's fan base focusing on dynamic driving.
With our COE's Cat B at a high $56,300 (as of 19th May 2011), the downsizing of the displacement does make sense, allowing the marque to keep up with fellow powerful German competitors such as the Volkswagen Golf and the Audi A1. And with its first-in-its-segment FlexFix, Opel's innovative bike-carrier, integrated behind the rear bumper, the once uncertain brand may have found an edge to grab the hearts of the health-conscious Singaporeans.
Exterior
The car may look like another ordinary hatch on photos but in real life, the new Opel Astra is a head turner. Although the German marque has been known for its outdated designs that keep evolving from previous generations, the Insignia was a fabulous turn of events and the Astra is no exception. The car gets a makeover upfront that really lifts its looks by a couple of notches.
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The exterior styling is very matured and likeable. The slightly tapered bonnet with muscular curves, angular fog lamps and the huge smiling air intake give the impression that the car has a sporty side to it. But it has to be the side profile that scores the most points. The raked roofline exudes a strong coupe-like silhouette, giving it a visual excitement while the scalloped side blades enhance the Astra's sleek and clean looks.
It is no less distinctive on the rear. The rounded butt now features bigger and wider tail lights that eat into the boot space, creating a more dynamic stance. The only thing, however, that separates this hatch from the rest of the other plain Jane hatches is the afore mentioned FlexFix. Lift a cache at the edge of the boot area and the rear number plate slides out like a drawer, enabling the driver to secure two bicycles in a fuss-free manner.
For the reason that Opel hasn't been providing cars that can blow people away since its Insignia, the Astra is a relatively big leap for the German marque. The styling is a lot fresher and bolder than its instantly recognisable German peers.
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Interior
On the inside, the car boasts ample features which may be confusing to some but a wealth of entertainment to others. But that said, we reckon these host of amenities should qualify the car to be in the premium league. The buttons and controls are straightforward and fall to hand easily. This also includes the steering wheel that houses the usual array of controls.
We especially adore the space and high comfort levels the car provided. Despite the tapered roofline, head and legroom are ample even for a maximum of three lengthy adults behind. As a matter of fact, the Astra is so comfortable and spacious that it matches the level of the bigger and more expensive Insignia.
Just as impressive is the space and layout of the boot. The generous 370 litres of space can easily allow drivers to haul a couple of bags and if that isn't enough, the boot cover can be lifted to allow for more storage places. Knock the rear seats down and the trunk space increases by a couple of notches to 795 litres.
On the inside, the car boasts ample features which may be confusing to some but a wealth of entertainment to others. But that said, we reckon these host of amenities should qualify the car to be in the premium league. The buttons and controls are straightforward and fall to hand easily. This also includes the steering wheel that houses the usual array of controls.
We especially adore the space and high comfort levels the car provided. Despite the tapered roofline, head and legroom are ample even for a maximum of three lengthy adults behind. As a matter of fact, the Astra is so comfortable and spacious that it matches the level of the bigger and more expensive Insignia.
Just as impressive is the space and layout of the boot. The generous 370 litres of space can easily allow drivers to haul a couple of bags and if that isn't enough, the boot cover can be lifted to allow for more storage places. Knock the rear seats down and the trunk space increases by a couple of notches to 795 litres.
Additionally, both supportive and cosseting are the benches. The wide range of steering wheel and seat adjustment permits drivers of all shapes and sizes to get comfortable in an effortless manner. The high seating position also gives the driver a clearer view of the roads, endowing him with the confidence to drive the Astra.
Although the interior trim of the Astra isn't as instantly recognisable and clean as Volkswagen, the cabin manages to retain its unobtrusiveness that some of its German peers do not seem to have. It is simple and uncluttered without being too dull. There is no doubt that some areas feel a tad plasticky but that's just small complains about a perfectly enjoyable cabin.
Although the interior trim of the Astra isn't as instantly recognisable and clean as Volkswagen, the cabin manages to retain its unobtrusiveness that some of its German peers do not seem to have. It is simple and uncluttered without being too dull. There is no doubt that some areas feel a tad plasticky but that's just small complains about a perfectly enjoyable cabin.
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The Drive
The Opel Astra feels very natural behind the wheel. Exert pressure on the accelerator and the car moves off with a sense of urgency that informs the driver that the turbo underneath its bonnet is at work. It's a car that allows you to love it almost instantly. But it's no pocket rocket. Despite having the same figures as the Volkswagen Golf, the Astra feels a tad too heavy and lacks a punchy bite from the word go. And that's without bicycles attached to the car.
Still, its engaging handling is enjoyment personified. All you have to do is point the car to the correct direction and it listens obediently and moves accordingly. It's relatively well-weighted too which helps a lot when driven enthusiastically. And when you force it through curves and bends, the car remains composed with little or no body roll.
No doubt it cannot match the agility and feedback of hot hatches with similar displacements such as the Fabia RS or the Polo GTI but with the 1.3 tonne remaining unruffled over rough and scarred roads, the comfort-orientated approach may just win over Opel's target audience of family drivers.
The Opel Astra feels very natural behind the wheel. Exert pressure on the accelerator and the car moves off with a sense of urgency that informs the driver that the turbo underneath its bonnet is at work. It's a car that allows you to love it almost instantly. But it's no pocket rocket. Despite having the same figures as the Volkswagen Golf, the Astra feels a tad too heavy and lacks a punchy bite from the word go. And that's without bicycles attached to the car.
Still, its engaging handling is enjoyment personified. All you have to do is point the car to the correct direction and it listens obediently and moves accordingly. It's relatively well-weighted too which helps a lot when driven enthusiastically. And when you force it through curves and bends, the car remains composed with little or no body roll.
No doubt it cannot match the agility and feedback of hot hatches with similar displacements such as the Fabia RS or the Polo GTI but with the 1.3 tonne remaining unruffled over rough and scarred roads, the comfort-orientated approach may just win over Opel's target audience of family drivers.
Supplementing its ride quality is the excellent sound insulation, with the absence of road noise when cruising. Even when travelling at illegal speeds, wind noise intrudes but it's never too distracting.
All in all, the Opel Astra serves its main purpose of improving its fuel efficiency while making the car an entertaining one to pilot. As mentioned before, it's no hot hatch and it certainly won't set a trail of fire when moving off, but it can certainly put a smile on drivers' faces.
Conclusion
With the recent change in car prices due to our COE, the Astra's asking price is even higher than the more established Golf's. Given a choice, I may still choose the Golf over the Astra. But I can't deny that where the Astra absolutely excels is its sheer lovability. It's a positive feeling that grows on you when you're behind the wheel.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
All in all, the Opel Astra serves its main purpose of improving its fuel efficiency while making the car an entertaining one to pilot. As mentioned before, it's no hot hatch and it certainly won't set a trail of fire when moving off, but it can certainly put a smile on drivers' faces.
Conclusion
With the recent change in car prices due to our COE, the Astra's asking price is even higher than the more established Golf's. Given a choice, I may still choose the Golf over the Astra. But I can't deny that where the Astra absolutely excels is its sheer lovability. It's a positive feeling that grows on you when you're behind the wheel.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
