New Astra is a real eyecatcher

I had first driven the new Opel Astra at its international launch last October and had raved about the car's dynamic handling system, writes Trish Whelan.

We had tested the car over all types of road surfaces (but not potholed ones!) as well as at speed over a twisty testing circuit at GM's secret Design and Development centre testing ground set deep in a forest near Frankfurt with security people everywhere to prevent 'outsiders' getting a peek at new products being tested.

Cars we drove had the FlexRide electronic chassis control system which provides three different modes, Sport for a more responsive, exhilerating drive with sharper steering; Tour for relaxed cruising for long journeys or just plain Normal mode.

Irish drivers can now experience this FlexRide system in new Astras here.

Mind you, it is an optional extra at €640. Other extras include front and rear parking sensors at €400, Bluetooth at €600, and CD500 Sat Nav at €1,220. The Metallic Paint on the review car is €501.

This sixth generation Astra had to be a big improvement on the previous model as it competes against the new Golf.

In looks, the car is a real eye-catcher. The car now has a wider track so squats well on the road. The front has immediate impact and looks like a smaller version of the Insignia. Lovely flowing lines give it a sporty but elegant look. And Astras have one of the best rear-ends in the business.

Inside, the wraparound design gives a great sense of airiness and space. The cabin is very well finished with lots of high quality materials. All good stuff.

The cockpit is driver-orientated with the 'busy' centre stack angled at 30 degrees towards the driver. But some of the many buttons here are really quite small. Seats are great; designed to fit people of all shapes and sizes, and in comfort.

Irish customers have a choice of eight engines and five trim levels - S, SC, SRi, SE, and Elite. Engines are more powerful yet offer lower fuel consumption and emissions. They include four petrol and four diesel engines ranging from 95hp to 180hp. All have 5- or 6-speed manual transmission. There's an automatic 6-speed transmission on the 2.0 diesel and all petrol engines except the 1.4 ecoFLEX.

All models have as standard: Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), six airbags; active front headrests, pedal release sytem, front seatbelt pre-tensioners and Isofix on two rear seats.

You can have the basic S model from €20,695. For that you get as standard air conditioning, a CD player with MP3 Plug-in, daytime running lights, electric front windows, electrically adjustable heated side mirrors, remote central locking, a height-adjustable driver's seat, and reach and rake adjustable steering column.

Cruise control is standard on the higher SC trim along with steering wheel mounted audio controls.

My Irish test car was the 1.7 CDTi top-of-the-range Elite model outputting 125PS and with a six-speed manual transmission. Maximum speed is 195 km/h and the car does the 0-100 km/h sprint in 11.5 seconds. The combined fuel economy figure is 4.7 L/100 kms and the test car is in Band B with a C02 figure of 125g/km.

The 5-door version is priced from €26,105. It had the FlexRide system and I have to say I drove it in the Sport mode throughout my test drive period. And I travelled in luxury with leather upholstery, enjoying a dual-zone climate control, the ergonomic sports front seats with extra lumbar support, as well as heated front seats, an electric parking brake with Hill Start Assist, trip computer, and front fog lights.

The Elite is also offered with a 1.6-litre and 1.4 turbo 140PS petrol engines; and in 1.3- and 2.0 diesel engines. Elite prices start from €25,105.