GMSA revealed its most recent additions over the weekend, with the fun Opel Astra GTC capturing the imagination, while the more sedate new-generation Zafira MPV and the 1,4-litre Astra competed for attention.
GMSA revealed its most recent additions over the weekend, with the fun Opel Astra GTC capturing the imagination, while the more sedate new-generation Zafira MPV and the 1,4-litre Astra competed for attention.
by Hailey Philander
The biggest news from Opel is of course the introduction of the stunning new GTC (Gran Tourismo Compact) to replace the five-door Astra GSI as the flagship model in the Opel range. Let’s hope Opel gets it right with the stunning GTC. The equally good-looking five-door failed to live up to expectations, with chief rival Volkswagen Golf gaining the edge in this very important market segment.
Also, the much-anticipated Astra GSI/Golf GTI grudgematch failed to materialise, which probably explains the ominous absence of the GSI nomenclature from its sports model. Opel brand manager Herman Schutte explained that since GSI is not recognised as a global Opel label, OPC has instead emerged as the performance model. GMSA is bound by its parent company to offer OPC versions of all the models it introduces. Does that mean an OPC version of the funky new Corsa is not too far off?
Meanwhile the five-door Astra range is also experiencing some changes. Apart from the dropping of the GSI label, the new addition to the range is a 1,4-litre Ecotec engine using Twinport technology to produce 66 kW at 5 600 r/min and 125 N.m at 4 000 r/min. We were allowed to drive the car (blindfolded!) on a 200m specially constructed course, so all I can really say is that the car crawls well in first gear.
Limited exposure aside, the Astra 1,4 is pitched as a direct challenge to Toyota’s 1,4-litre RunXs. The Astra’s engine may not be as powerful – the Toyota dispatches 71 kW and 127 N.m – but its features list is sure to win it some fans.
Firstly, there’s ABS with brake assist, EBD and corner brake control, speed sensitive central locking, and driver and passenger front, side and thorax airbags. In addition, it has power steering, front power windows, an air-conditioner with a pollen filter, a seven-speaker audio system with an MP3 compatible radio/CD player, and an information system.
The pricing is not yet official, but expect to part with about R145 000 if you are interested.
From July, the Astra 1,9 CDTI Enjoy will be included in the range. Its 1,9-litre turbodiesel motor produces 88 kW at 4 000 r/min and 280 N.m at 2 000 r/min and is mated with a six-speed manual gearbox. Traction control and ESP are some of the model’s standard features.
The Astra 2,0 Sport replaces the GSI at the top of the five-door line-up. Powered by a 147-kW turbocharged two-litre powerplant (shared with the GTC), this model includes a Sport Pack with sports suspension, sport mode switch, leather steering wheel and gear knob, sports front seats and alloy pedals.
A five-year/100 000 km maintenance plan is included in the purchase price of all Astra derivatives except the base model 1,4 Essentia, which has a service plan only.
Prices
Astra 1,4 Essentia R141 995
Astra 1,6 Essentia R160 340
Astra 1,6 Enjoy R180 330
Astra 1,8 Enjoy A/T R195 470
Astra 1,9 CDTI Enjoy R199 995
Astra 1,8 Sport (103 kW) R192 995
Click here for more about the new Opel Astra GTC and Zafira.