Well aware that South Africans hold fond memories and loyalties towards the Opel brand, General Motors South Africa is planning on spoiling local fans by displaying two new Opel models at the upcoming Johannesburg International Motor Show (JIMS). More good news is that both these exciting new models look likely to go on sale locally within the year.
Shipped directly from its Frankfurt Motor Show debut, the new Astra GTC is set to take the fight to the Volkswagen Scirocco. Sharing only its mirror housings and door handles with the five-door Astra range, the new GTC sits 15 mm lower to the ground and boasts a longer wheelbase and wider tracks, front and rear, than its five-door sibling.
Significant revisions to the suspension, including the fitment of a HiPerStrut arrangement up front and Watts linkage at the rear aim to give the GTC a strong advantage in the handling stakes.
Five engine options, including one diesel version, are offered in European markets, although it remains unclear how many of these will make their way to power-hungry South African shores.
The second generation Meriva will also make an appearance at the show. This award-winning small MPV looks set to cause a stir on the local market with its boutique looks and clever packaging. While the first-generation Meriva introduced new levels of convenience and flexibility to the MPV segment via its simple-to-operate FlexiSpace seating system, the latest model adds further advancement with the fitment of FlexiDoors. These rear-hinged (suicide) doors offer easy access to the back seats. As with the previous model, a wide variety of storage and packing options will be available throughout the cabin.
Offered in Europe with a choice of six engine options, expect the new Meriva to be available with a smaller, more market-specific range, by the time it goes on sale here next year.
