Opel Astra 2.0 Turbo

Dutch SG

Hi all, anyone here own or driven this hatch. I did go down to their UBI showroom, alas test drive is not allowed.

I really don't understand the rationale behind it. It costs only $105k, not like $250k. Even $250k's lexus SC430, you can request for a test drive.

It is a cheap alternative to

Golf GTI, Cooper S, Clio RS and Civic type S.

What's your opinion.

Kuali Baba SG

Maybe not enough examples have arrived? Good things come to those who are patient. Smile

melvinch SG

Maybe u should get the Skoda Superb 1.8T. Bigger and more classy. Now about $96k if not wrong. Use the remainder $9K to mod it up to 200bhp. Engine is same one used in Audi A4 & Volkwagen Passat so reliability is assured.

[email protected] SG

its a warm hatch, not a hot hatch. let me find an article in top gear magazine where they did a group test with it, the GTi, Cooper S n Civic Type R

criterion SG

In terms of looks, I think Astra scores better than the rest mentioned. Somehow, I find that the previous Golf's looks have more "character" than the new one.

I have driven Cooper, find that it is not fun to drive leh... a bit heavy without power steering. Anyway, thats just my opinion... No offence to Mini's fans! Wink

TwinTurbo_Supra SG

got meh? the old one looks dull n ugly compared to the new 1 which is sporty and fierce... Twisted Evil

if i were choosing between astra turbo n th GTi... i'd take the GTi...

megatron SG

and the Golf GTI can mod until...heh heh heh...many sleepers GTIs in SG with at least stage 1 /2 240BHP!! like de Superb 1.8T..same engine...it's not the power, it's de fun in modding!
drive safe!

megatron SG

9K to mod 200BHP??!! with 9K, u can do wonders man..FMIC,ATF cooler DV,or BOV , Sk04 turbine, STOPTECH, exhausts, braided hoses,injectors..downpipes, CAI, CDA,and of coz..jus a chip alone ..will bring it up to 193BHP! (for less than 2K!)
but i think the 96k has a COE catch lar..
all in all. Skoda represent good value for money/performance ride.
Drive safe!

houndy SG

the golf GTI is powerful enough as stock already....

lctk SG

This is my recent experience with the Opel distributor.

I went to their Leng Kee showroom on Saturday (26Feb) morning expecting to view and test the Astra Turbo. I was told by the salesman that the car was only available for viewing and testing at their Ubi centre. Moreover a $5,000 deposit was also required prior to the test drive.

Well, I went to Ubi on Sunday (27Feb) around lunch time. I spoke to the sales lady (as recommended by the salesman at Leng Kee). She told me the test drive car was sold. All she offered was an exterior view of the car. What a disappointment! Can't believe the company has only 1 Astra Turbo test unit. Even harder to believe they sold off their test unit.

One observation I made while at both showrooms is the sales staff were not particularly enthusiastic. Seems they are not hungry for sales at all. If this is the attitude of the sales force (the prime revenue unit of the company), I dread to think what their technical/mechanical team is like. Would you entrust your precious car to a "boh chap" lot?

TwinTurbo_Supra SG

$338k 645Ci also can... $450k porsche carrera also can...

jeje008 SG

I spoke to one very nice girl by the name of Geraldine at the Leng Kee showroom. Can look for her if you wish.

And, she's got very nice .. ahem ahem.. *hee go see for yourself* ;-)

[email protected] SG

so sorry. apparently i didn't follow up on this. basically don't expect too much from it. it's engine lacks character, and the handing n ride, while generally quite compliant, is actually a touch dull. but overall it makes a good family car with a bit more poke to it.

tailslide SG

u go there coz wanted to c car or becoz u spotted geraldine's *ahems* inside the showroom? Mr. Green

ecay88 SG

Info from the net :

OPEL's 240-horse Astra OPC will be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show. The two-litre turbo is among the most powerful front-wheel-driven cars around, and is expected to clock a sub-seven 0-100kmh sprint and to top 240kmh. It is equipped with a six-speed manual box, 18-inch alloys and new instrumentation.

The car was co-developed by the Opel Performance Centre (Opel's answer to BMW's M division). Between 2001 and the end of last year, over 15,000 OPC models based on the Astra, Astra station wagon and Zafira were delivered.

Theatre Of Dreams SG

what is this "ahem"???

Laughing