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Opel launches new Astra in Singapore

SINGAPORE – What do you do if you’re looking to buy a five-door German hatchback that offers good performance and fuel economy, solid build quality and is a less ubiquitous offering than say, a Volkswagen Golf?

Opel's new Astra, which was launched here today, is a viable contender for any sensible buyer's shortlist of non-Golf-mobiles.

Drivers here have two engine options, both of which are turbocharged: A 1-litre engine producing 104bhp and 170Nm of torque, and a 1.4-litre powerplant producing 148bhp and 245Nm of torque. The 1-litre variant is paired with a five-speed Easytronic automated manual transmission while its bigger-engined sibling has a six-speed fully automatic gearbox. Both variants are available in hatchback and sports tourer (stationwagon) body styles.  

In the pursuit of increased efficiency, Opel has added lightness to the Astra. The new car, which started life as a clean-sheet design, has shed serious flab over the outgoing model. Opel says that chassis-related weight-saving measures, for instance, have helped the car shed 50kg. Overall, the car is up to 200kg lighter than the outgoing car, depending on model and trim level.

The car has already bagged serious bragging rights abroad, thanks to it winning the 2016 European Car of the Year. Having taken a backseat to segment rivals here in recent years, the new Astra represents the start of the brand’s fightback. Local distributor Auto Germany plans to introduce the Opel Adam later this year, followed by the Mokka X compact sport utility vehicle.

Auto Germany also announced the Opel Service Exclusive programme, which combines a five-year warranty with roadside assistance and scheduled maintenance. Servicing costs will be capped at S$1,000 for three years, and covers six scheduled servicing appointments. Customers have the option of extending this to their fourth and fifth year of servicing for S$800 each year. 

Launch price of the Astra 1.0 Easytronic hatchback is S$99,888 while its Sports Tourer sibling costs S$105,888. The Astra 1.4A Turbo hatchback is S$114,888. All prices include COE.

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