What about an Astra sedan?

Author: John Oxley

Instead, says marketing and sales boss Malcolm Gauld, General Motors SA is to continue with the current Opel Astra Classic, but with an enhanced version specially designed to appeal to the fleet market.

Gauld told me this would not be a stripped-down version, and could well offer features not seen on current models, at very keen pricing.

"There is no sign of a 4-door in the new Astra lineup, from any market, but there's an obvious demand in South Africa, and that's why we've decided to keep the current versions alive here," he said.

"We are also aware of the implications of impending changes to income tax legislation which could see a change in car allowance packages, and we want to be able to offer customers a credible answer to that.

"My belief is that the new rules will see a swing back to company cars as employees demand compensation when car allowances are reduced."

He said the Opel Astra Classic four-door will be an ideal vehicle in this new market, especially coupled with the high quality of service backup the company is striving for, plus the transferable 5 year/100 000 km maintenance plan which includes all wear and tear items - and which can even be extended to include tyres.