Opel Ireland's 2015 Astra range

Astra OPC

Opel is offering a guaranteed minimum scrappage allowance on your old car with €3,500 towards a new Astra, 0% APR finance and a 5-Year warranty as standard across the passenger vehicle range, writes Trish Whelan.

This offer ends on 28 February 2015 and is also offered on the Insignia (€4,500), Mokka and new Corsa (€3,000).

Opel has also just introduced a new trim Astra Excite, a hatchback model that starts from €20,995. This model includes standard features such as air conditioning, 17-inch alloy wheels, Bluetooth connection, LED daytime running lights, remote control central locking, cruise control and steering wheel mounted controls, and leather covered steering wheel, as well as other advanced safety features.

Another new trim is the Astra SRI Limited Edition, with 18-inch alloy wheels, unique OPC sports-line front bumper and grille, side sill extensions and rear lower skirt, sat nav system with seven-inch colour monitor, sports-style front seats, six premium speakers, LED daytime running lights, lowered and an uprated sports suspension.

A new 1.6 CDTi engine is new to the Astra with an output of 110hp and 136hp.

The Astra OPC produces more power and torque than any car in its class and can achieve a sub 6-second 0-100km/h time. Price starts at €39,999, available on request from Opel dealerships.

Astra OPC rear