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<b>NOW IN SA: </b>Topless Astra

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Opel Astra TwinTop
Opel Astra TwinTop
The Opel stable just keeps growing and the latest addition to the family is the new drop-top Astra. The TwinTop combines the convenience of a closed-top coupe while enjoying open top driving at the touch of a button.

GMSA introduced the model to a group of women in the motor industry. Now don't get us wrong, the new TwinTop has great torque and there's nothing 'girly' about it, but it's simply because a woman looks so much better behind its wheel than a man.

The Astra TwinTop is a car that combines the safety and comfort of a closed car while also providing the thrill of open-air driving.

The Astra 5-door range has a whopping total of seven models. Four engine options are available with a choice of either petrol or diesel fuel. You can choose between a 1.4 litre and 1.6 litre ECOTEC 16-valve unit, a 1.8 litre ECOTEC and a 1.9 CDTi diesel model. The GTC range adds a further three models to complete the entire range.

Under the bonnet

The 1.8 Enjoy model has a naturally aspirated 4-cylinder 16-valve ECOTEC engine producing 103 kW of power at 6 300 r/min and 175 Nm of torque at 3 800 r/min. It is driven by a 5-speed manual transmission, and goes from 0-100 km/ in 11.4 seconds with a claimed top speed of 207 km/h.

The 2.0 litre turbo 4-cylinder 16-valve ECOTEC engine kicks out an enjoyable 147 kW of power at 5 400 r/min and 262 Nm of torque at 4 200 r/min. It has a 6-speed manual transmission and will take you to 237 km/h and from 0-100 km/h in just 8.9 seconds.

Styling

The 3-door body and the flowing coupe-like lines contribute to the sporty image of the TwinTop. The surface is firm and the sharp lines blend with expressive graphic elements to create an exciting look.

It has its own unique character and broadens the overall Astra experience with its capability to transform from a sleek coupe to an open-top cabrio in just 30 seconds at the touch of a button. It is also loaded with sensitive sensors to aid the ease of opening and closing the roof. A warning alert will sound off in the event of any objects weighing down or injuring the roof or disabling it to move.

Inside the cabin

Did we mention that it's rather spacious? Due to the long wheelbase and smart packaging, the design of the three-part retractable steel roof is a key factor which makes the TwinTop a true four-seater. There is plenty of head-room when the top is closed.

Materials are of a good quality while the turbo model has leather trim. The charcoal colour suits the rest of the trim quite nicely while there is an option of brown leather. However, it is only fair to comment that the charcoal trim suits the car much better.

Wind noise plays a significant role in any cabriolet package and the TwinTop is claimed to be the most aerodynamic member of the Astra fmaily. Many hours in the wind tunnel and loads of comprehensive computer simulations, have resulted in a clean aero shape and also a great aero-acoustic characteristic. With the tin-top roof closed, passengers have the sense that they are travelling in a true sedan due to the low noise levels.

Features

The 1.8 model comes standard with a twin spoke style 17 X 7.5 alloy rims fitted with 225/45 R17 tyres. It also includes ABS braking with EBD and Brake assist, an Electronic Stability Programme, Cornering Brake Control, as well as a sport mode switch.

The 2-litre turbo has an 11 spoke 18 X 7.5 alloy rims wrapped in 225/40 R18 rubber. Other standard features also include a tyre deflation monitor, park assist for the rear, hill start assist, sporty front seats, a pop-up roll over bar, a remote control for the folding top and an on-board computer with graphic info display.

Both models are featured with an extensive list of standard equipment. It includes: air conditioning with pollen filter, cruise control, CD radio, height and reach-adjustable leather steering wheel, fog lamps, reading lamps in front, a lockable glove compartment, tinted heat-absorbing glass and colour-keyed heated power exterior. The front and rear power windows feature one-touch function and an anti-trap protection.

The Astra TwinTop is available in 1.8 Enjoy and 2.0 Turbo Cosmo variants and is covered by a 3-year/100 000km warranty with 3 year anti corrosion cover. A 5-year/100 000km maintenance plan is included in the recommended retail selling price.

Prices:

  • 1.8 Enjoy R256 760
  • 2.0 Turbo Cosmo R299 995
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