Opel Astra has fewest defects: DEKRA Report 2012

The Opel Astra has the fewest defects according to findings of the DEKRA Used Car Report 2012.

This success gives Opel its third victory in three successive years. In the previous two years, Opel won with the Corsa and the Insignia.

This time the Insignia (pictured right) was narrowly beaten by the Astra and comes second in the 'best individual car' ranking. However, the Insignia had the best result in the mid-size segment.

DEKRA generates its annual used car report by conducting precise assessments in eight vehicle classes and three kilometer reading ranges.

The report is based on data from 15 million inspections made on 230 different models. They only consider typical faults associated with used cars like corrosion of the exhaust system play in the suspension so that an accurate judgement about the longevity and durability of the cars can be made. Defects mainly associated with servicing such as the usual wear and tear on tyres or windscreen wiper blades, are not taken into account.

DEKRA is one of the world's leading organisations when it comes to expertise in the areas of safety, quality and the environment, and operates in more than 50 countries.