Forza Motorsport 5: Be a Star...in a Reasonably Priced Car!

After eight months of void, looks like everyone's wish came true as the latest Top Gear Reasonably Priced Car, the Vauxhall Astra 1.6 Tech Line, has finally arrived and with this, everyone can be a Star In A Reasonably Priced Car any time at the Top Gear Test Track on Forza Motorsport 5!




It's about time this car showed up on Forza Motorsport 5. Everyone in the world begged to have the latest reasonably priced car to be here because of Forza Motorsport's longtime partnership with BBC Top Gear. Breaking Bad's Aaron Paul's been there, even Sherlock's Benedict Cumberbatch, especially that Loki dude from Thor named Tom Hiddleston. Those celebs, new and returning alike, really know how to take on the Vauxhall Astra round the Top Gear track to find out how fast are they and now, it's our turn to be the star in this reasonably priced car and see how we stack up with the celebs' lap times.



Before that, let's have a little experiment, shall we? Just how fast is the current Reasonably Priced Car against the former? Well, let's get this thing straight first. The former Reasonably Priced Car, the Kia cee-apostrophe-d, has the same 1.6L petrol engine as the current Reasonably Priced Car, the Vauxhall Astra Tech Line, except the cee-apostrophe-d is 9HP more. Torque? Both of them have 114lb-ft. Weight? Well, the cee-apostrophe-d is 320lbs lighter.

So, even though the latest has some disadvantages than the former in terms of power and weight, has the folks from Top Gear did the right thing to replace the cee-apostrophe-d with the Astra? Let's find out...

 

First up, it's the former Reasonably Priced Car, the Kia cee-apostrophe-d. I took it round the Top Gear Track to see how fast I performed at this car...



I posted a 1:46.040 lap time on the Kia cee-apostrophe-d, meaning that I'm between Boris Becker and Andy Garcia. Good try...



...but now it's the turn of the latest Reasonably Priced Car, the Vauxhall Astra 1.6 Tech Line! Let's see how fast can I go with this machine...



The time? 1:45.600! Which means, I'm in the same spot as Jimmy Carr's. Still, I was quicker than Sherlock Holmes or Loki but slower than Breaking Bad's Jesse. He he he...

Better still, despite the power and weight disadvantage, the Vauxhall Astra did well than the Kia cee-apostrophe-d thanks to its superior handling via FlexRide suspension system. Well, I'm glad I clear that up...

Opel/Vauxhall Insignia Country Tourer

2014 Opel Insignia Country Tourer

2014 Vauxhall Insignia Country Tourer

With the Opel Insignia (Vauxhall Insignia for those living in the British isles) recently had a facelift this year, the whole crowd stir too much attention regarding this latest facelift. For this facelift, there is a new member in the Insignia range. Not only you can get the normal 4-door saloon, 5-door liftback that looks pretty much the same as the saloon version, Sport Tourer, and the hot VXR/OPC version, but now, a crossover wagon is offered under the Country Tourer pseudonym.

Wait a minute, this is just another one of the...

Yes, yes, I know. This is just another one of the crossovers that the carmakers are cashing on and the new Insignia Country Tourer is one of them. Although it looks like an SUV, you won't forget that this is just the Insignia Sport Tourer that had its ground clearance raised and gave it some tough looks. Don't be fooled, this is still a station wagon that is similar to its rival, the Subaru Legacy Outback.

How does it compare to the Outback?

Interesting question though. Although the Outback may have a 2.5L or the soon-to-be-defunct 3.6L boxer-6 engine on it, it still can't match against its clever sophistication that the Country Tourer has to offer. With the 36,990 Euro pricing, it's more affordable than the Outback as well. What you get for what you pay for is a sport utility wagon made by the Germans and offered with a 2.0 SIDI Turbo generating 250PS of power and a 0-100kph time of 7.9 seconds, a 2.0L CDTi diesel engine generating 163PS of power, and a 2.0L BiTurbo CDTi diesel engine mated with a 6-speed automatic producing 195PS of power.

So...

If you scale that up, the one with the 2.0L petrol engine is producing 10PS less than the Subaru Outback's 3.6L flat-6 engine but because it's turbocharged, the Country Tourer would blow a raspberry to the Outback in the straights. Because of its NEDC-calculated combined fuel economy of 12.3km/L, it's a lot more fuel efficient as well.

What about the handling?

Handling-wise, the Country Tourer still behaves like any other sport tourers in this category. The standard Flexride system allows you to change which driving mode suits best like Tour if you're not in the rush or feel comfortable while driving or when you set it to Sport, you're going to mess up someone's coffee drink while facing a tight corner. Gets worse, you'll be feeling like the old man from the Arthro commercial. Ahhh!!!

2014 Opel Insignia Country Tourer

2014 Vauxhall Insignia Country Tourer

What's it like on the inside?

On the inside, it's still carries the updated look of the Insignia. You can even have a touch-screen on the more expensive models instead of buttons so if you have squeaky-clean hands, taking control is a no-brainer but let's hope you're not wearing any ski gloves or else, you feel like you're touching the wrong mode.

One thing you might aware is the boot space because unlike the Sport Tourer, the Country Tourer's boot space has a capacity of 540-litres, making it more shallower than the Sport Tourer and less practical as well. Ouch. Who would rather want to put a mountain bike on this? Unless the rear seats are folded flat, of course.

So, what's the verdict?

Although the Country Tourer is topped to be better than the Subaru Outback, it's still a bit lacking because of its luggage capacity, and some chinks behind it. It may have lots of equipment and the 4x4 system works well in any conditions but as a holiday car, I wouldn't care to have one. I would rather chose the Mazda CX-5 instead because it's more efficient and more enjoyable to drive than this.

THIS TIME FOR REAL: 2014 Opel/Vauxhall Insignia minor change

2014 Opel Insignia

2014 Vauxhall Insignia

Now, when Buick previewed the 2014 Regal to the New York Auto Show, most of the European keen observers wondering what would their 2014 Opel/Vauxhall Insignia would look like. You know that the Buick Regal is a rebadged Opel/Vauxhall Insignia, how come the US Buick Regal showed up ahead from the original counterparts?

Anyway, with so much demanding what would the Opel/Vauxhall Insignia 2014 facelift would look like, finally, some fresh batch of official pics of the 2014 Opel/Vauxhall Insignia facelift showed up and it will making a premiere at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show this fall. With a revised exterior, new interior and a new batch of engine choices like the two new-generation Turbo gasoline units and the 99 g Turbo diesel, the new 2014 Opel/Vauxhall Insignia facelift is just one step ahead of time.

It's available in either a 4-door saloon, a 5-door liftback which looks the same as the 4-door model, and a Sport Tourer.

Details: http://www.netcarshow.com/opel/2014-insignia/02.htm

2014 Opel/Vauxhall Insignia facelift previewed via 2014 Buick Regal

2014 Buick Regal GS

If this hints what the 2014 Opel/Vauxhall Insignia facelift would look like, yes. The 2014 Buick Regal range, set for debut at the 2013 New York Auto Show, DOES preview the Opel/Vauxhall Insignia facelift. You can expect new front noses, new rear lamps, and a new interior.

There is a drawback regarding the updated version. On the GS model, the 2.0L Turbo engnie had suffered a power drop from 270HP to 259HP, which is bad but this 2.0L Turbo engine that now churns 259HP of power can be offered on the normal Regal Turbo version, which is good. The Regal eAssist with the 2.4L engine and eAssist light electrification technology that makes 182 hp and 172 lb-ft of torque still retains as well.

For added good news though that both the Regal Turbo and the Regal GS with automatic trannies will come with a new AWD system that incorporates electronic limited-slip differential to help optimize traction in all driving conditions.

Like the 2014 LaCrosse big brother, the 2014 Regal comes with new safety features such as Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Change Alert, Side Blind Zone Alert, Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Alert and Collision Mitigation Braking.

Look for the 2014 Regal range this fall 2013.

Story: http://www.carscoops.com/2013/03/buick-shows-facelifted-2014-regal-gs.html

Opel/Vauhxall Cascada

2013 Opel Cascada

2013 Vauxhall Cascada

Now let's talk about the Opel Cascada (or Vauxhall Cascada if you live in Blighty). This is a brand new convertible which is based on the current generation Opel/Vauxhall Astra J and the strange fact that this German-born machine was built by Polish. Uh-huh, it was made in Poland, which I think it's a country which is near the German border. Check the world atlas and you'll see...

So what's in the name? Well, originally this would be the additional lineup of the Astra range but Opel or Vauxhall managed to consider it a spin-off to the Astra J (which now consists of the GTC, a high-performance model, a 5-door hatch, a station wagon, and a sedan not available in right-hand drive markets) and they called it Cascada. Don't know why but it rhymes like cicada to me...

Anyway, it's like a normal Astra J hatchback but with the roof that can be opened or closed at the push of a button. You can still expect a host of engine choices such as a 1.4L Turbo Ecotec I4 petrol, a 1.6L Turbo Ecotec SIDI I4 petrol, or a 2.0L Turbo Ecotec CDTI I4 diesel engine. The 1.4 Turbo engine, equipped with a 6-speed manual, offers a combined fuel economy of 6.5L/100km, meaning this is the fuel efficient of the petrol range while the 2.0 CDTi engine with the 6-speed manual will have a combined fuel economy of 5.2L/100km, meaning this is the frugal of the diesel lineup as of now. Yes, most of the engine types come with a 6-speed manual but some models do come with a 6-speed automatic if you want something for a bit of easy-driving on the outdoors.

As for the pricing, the Cascada starts at around 29,545 Euros, which is about thousands cheaper than its main rival, the Volkswagen Eos. That makes it great value for money, meaning that if you can't afford a Volkswagen Eos should consider this. It's also much more good-looking than the Eos as well.

2013 Opel Cascada interior

2013 Vauxhall Cascada interior

In terms of being an everyday driver's car, the Cascada seems to be friendly to the driver. It's like being as posh as a large cup of caramel macchiato or when you're stressed, you might as well eat some chocolates to calm you down. On the open road, well when you set it on Sport Mode, the moment when you finished eating your chocolates at midnight is over and then your sugar rush kicks in and with the roof open, this would be an enjoyable feast.

2013 Opel Cascada

2013 Vauxhall Cascada

I know, it's an enjoyable open-top cruiser for a reasonable price but despite being a new model, I think the Cascada is not quite enough to change the image of Opel or Vauxhall because they still have a mountain to climb. The Cascada works well as a weekend car but sometimes, the Cascada might sometimes had a few chances to slip through the wrong path. If you are the kind of lover boy who use this on a date with a special someone, that's fine because the Cascada has the gentleman's manner but if you're a Sir Chief and then you park this car at the casino in Monte Carlo, I'm afraid that you're going to make an embarrassment out of yourself. Not quite as posh as other posh convertibles but the Cascada really shows how glamorous would be if some metro boys in pink shirts had one. Hmmm...

Photo: Opel/Vauxhall

Buick Encore

The Buick Enclave has been the only crossover utility vehicle offered by Buick as of now but despite having around for a few years, it's still one of the most hospitable crossovers made by Buick. I wonder what if someone wants a Buick crossover but can't afford the Enclave? Well, it looks like Buick came up with a cheaper model that slots behind the Enclave and positioned to be a desperate rival to the likes of the BMW X1, Audi Q5, and the Acura RDX. It's called the Encore and with the starting price of just 24,200 US Dollars, it seems that this is much cheaper than those luxury import crossovers from Europe and Japan. Apart from its pricing, the Encore does score with some European flair because the design is purely European and hey...did I just talk about that a few months ago?

2013 Buick Encore

Now if I can remember correctly, the Buick Encore was sold in the European market as the Opel Mokka. That's right, it's just another of the Opels turned Buick since the Opel Insignia, which became the Buick Regal in the North America and Chinese market but there's some issues here and because of my stress, I'll shorten the situation okay? Here... Encore first launched, Mokka later. Then, Mokka went sale now, Encore later. In translation, the Encore was premiered at the 2012 NAIAS in Detroit while the Opel Mokka showed up at last year's Geneva Auto Show. However, the Opel Mokka went on sale on the European market, just few months before this moment where the Encore is available for the North American and Chinese market. Hey, since it's the year 2013, it's the Encore's time to shine like some kind of pirate living at Encino, California, if you know what I mean?

I once checked it out in last year's Seattle Auto Show and it seems because someone's so generous, they even let us getting inside the Encore's interior to see how lovely is the interior of the Encore's. Need to remind you that the Encore I saw on last year's show was just a pre-production mule, not the finished product because it's not yet available until early 2013. But now it's early 2013 so the Encore is now available for the general public. However, before you jump into conclusions, here are a couple of drawbacks...

First of all, the Encore's cargo volume is too small for a small SUVs of this magnitude. With the cargo volume of just 18.8 cubic feet, the Encore is not quite a fitting compared to others. Also, the 1.4 ECOTEC engine with Variable Valve Timing has a power to weight ratio of 23lb/hp, making it too much for a small SUV of this attitude. Lastly, the front legroom of the Encore is 40.8 inches, meaning that sometimes, there's not enough room to stretch my legs at the front.

Despite the downturn, there are some ups for the Buick Encore. Despite having a not-so-good power-to-weight ratio, the Encore has a best-in-class fuel economy of 33MPG highway and this is covered by a basic 48months/50,000 mile warranty. Not bad for the Encore though...

2013 Buick Encore interior

The things that made the Encore right such as its striking European design, best in class fuel economy and the comprehensive warranty were balanced out by the things that made the Encore wrong such as bad power-to-weight ratio, bad legroom at the front, tiny cargo boot, and the fact that it was made in Bupyeong, which I think its in South Korea. The Encore may or may not be a good Buick crossover but I will say this. I want to have one more than I can handle my breath away and thanks to its status of being a world-class crossover, the Encore sure knows how to sort out against its rivals.

Available Colors: Quicksilver Metallic, Deep Espresso Bronze Metallic, Ruby Red Metallic, Glacier Blue Metallic, Brilliant Blue Metallic, Cocoa Silver Metallic, White Pearl Tricoat. Satin Steel Gray Metallic, and Carbon Black Metallic.

Photo: General Motors

Opel/Vauxhall ADAM

ADAM&YOU. Ein Auto. Tausend Möglichkeiten.

When anyone think about the name "Adam Opel", it is sure know that he's one of the legendary faces in the automobile history because he's the man responsible for founding the Opel carmaker in Russelsheim, Germany. For this car though...ADAM...Opel ADAM...this is kinda like the name that when Ferrari called their car after the founder, Enzo Ferrari, a couple of years ago. But not as Enzo as its sounds you know...And by the looks of it, it's a bit misleading for a car to give a manly name.

2013 Opel ADAM

2013 Opel ADAM interior

2013 Vauxhall ADAM

2013 Vauxhall ADAM interior

I mean look at it...not as manly as it looks. It kinda looks like a modern Fiat 500, which served as its target for the new ADAM. Anyway, perhaps this car should have called EVE. Get it? Because this car's made for girls who love to spend their shopping mall money buying blouses, Prada bags, cowboy boots, or anything that makes them fashionable. This is the kind of city car targeted for those who want to be fashionistas and if girls are taking this cute city car for a spin, my oh my, guess how much trouble will be doing when this premium stylish city car is handed to shopping mall-loving girls in their 20's....Posh? I don't think so, perhaps this would be quite a thrill when they got chased by bad boys in hundred-thousand euro exotic in shopping centers and I don't mean that spitefully.

Because it's so little and the wide is much more than the modern Fiat 500, the only thing you can fit through is when you see a gap between the plant and the walls of the mall, something that a supercar can't fit through. Move over, Fat Albert! Am I making it sensible or is it just me? Sorry about that but anyway, let's make it serious about this Opel ADAM but to do that, I have to be in the mind of a normal 20-ish girl who has the keys to this car...

First, I have the key, then I get inside, slide the key, turn it on, shift the gear to first, gently step the accelerator pedal, turn left away from home and then I'm off. This is where ADAM and I are going somewhere...

Suppose that I wanna listen something to some FM radio like for instance Tambayan 101.9 or Home Radio or Crossover FM, I turned on ADAM's radio, well that is a standard feature but if I was in a more expensive model, I have a feature that is somewhat similar to General Motors' MyLink but this is what they called IntelliLink. It's the first for this Opel and it brings content from the smartphone (either iOS or Android alike) onto the seven-inch, high resolution, full color touch-screen display. Looks convenient though and you can connect it via USB or Bluetooth. I like Bluetooth better because wireless connectivity brings the future through us. He he he he.... Personal experience, though....

2013 Vauxhall ADAM

2013 Opel ADAM

After hours of fiddling with the audio system or with the navigation, it was time for me to park this car and then I'll start shopping at my favorite mall. Time to do my favorite thing in my favorite place but parking is the least favorite for me but not to worry about it because it's the first to come with Advanced Park Assist II. At the push of the button, the dashboard tells them when they reach a parking space large enough to accommodate the car. This system does the steering, you'll do with the brakes, clutch, and the transmission. Wait a minute...this isn't convenient though, not as convenient as the Ford Focus' parking style, well you know, the thing that parks itself...

Hours later after my shopping gig, it was time for me to head home. Let me tell you something about how it performs because for the ADAM, available engine choices were either a 1.2 ecoFLEX (A12XEL) engine that produces a modest 70PS of power, 1.4L ecoFLEX (A14XEL) engine that produces 87PS of power, and the 1.4L ecoFLEX (A14XER) engine that produces 100PS of power, all mated with a standard 5-speed manual transmission, which is the only transmission offered in this city car. While most of these engines are Euro 5 Compliant, the most fuel efficient was the one with the A12XEL engine on it because the fuel economy will get me up to 20kmpl combined. That seems fine but there's a general rule about fuel economy figures. Remember the EPA fuel economy fiasco by the Hyundai-Kia group? Yep, that was a totally different story but one word of caution though is this...DRIVING STYLES AFFECT FUEL ECONOMY FIGURES. That's a top tip you should remember though. Your driving style differs fuel economy. I felt disappointed to the guy who owns a Kia Morning complaining to the Kia booth at last year's Auto Focus Motorshow & Auto Expo at the Mall of Asia concert grounds. Oh well, long story short...

Moments later, home sweet home. And it's 5:00 PM sharp, it's almost dark here and here's a quick sum up on the ADAM. It maybe just a car made for those who have an urban lifestyle, especially girls who want to spend so much hours at malls but in terms of handling, it's not too shabby but it's a bit half-baked. Just like the souffle though, this car was too beautiful to live. Thing is though, this car has some personalization for first-time buyers. You can either JAM, GLAM, or SLAM it depending on your personal preferences but that's just a fashionista's car for the serious fashionistas from malls. You can't just take it on the nightclub or to the five-star restaurant because if you do, people will notice that you'll be the other John. Did you hear about our John? Our John's a gay man now. Ha ha ha ha....Even years goes by, this 'Our John's a gay man' joke still got it but you'll never gonna getaway with anything while driving this car...End of discussion. Babu!!! I'm getting late for my parlor game...at the beauty parlor...

PRICE LIST:

Ope ADAM price list

Opel Mokka

Now, let's talk about mocha and something that sounds like mocha. Mocha is a small, round coffee beans of the Coffea Arabica variety. Mocha Girls are the the hottest girl group whose member got to show herself topless at some adult magazine as a protest against a new law that most internet netizens are feared of because of well, you know, the L-word. Moka Akashiya is the heroine from Rosario + Vampire. Now, though, there's another thing that sounds like mocha...

2013 Opel Mokka

On the front, it looks a bit more like next year's Buick Encore. On the back, it does a bit more like next year's Buick Encore. Underneath, it uses the same platform as the Corsa compact. And as for the engine choices, it offers three different engine types (1.6, 1.4 Turbo, and 1.7 CDTi). Some people say that this is a new kind of Opel compact crossover that works well on the urban roads and for the great outdoors. Some people say that this is just another car made for the soccer mom in mind but oh no. This new crossover is as unique as a cheese-top burger and as stylish as a historical sculpture. Say hello to the all new Opel Mokka.

2013 Opel Mokka

Yes, the Mokka really is based on the Opel Corsa but I'm not really sure how the heck the boffins from Opel gave the Opel Corsa some outdoorsman credentials. Do you think Opel made a worthy contender to other crossovers of this magnitude such as the Mitsubishi RVR, Nissan Juke, Mazda CX-5, and the Subaru XV? Not necessarily though, this compact crossover may not talk about the competition because what this Mokka focused at is being a stand-out as a city cruiser or a perfect adventure vehicle for those who want to go out BMX-ing or camping or fishing or mountain climbing or whatever these outdoorsy people want to do. 

Sure, the Opel Mokka does have a typical Opel interior and it can accommodate up to five people but surprisingly, this B-segment compact crossover that really is a Corsa underneath has some of the finest Opel technologies offered from models such as the Astra or the Insignia. Oh wait, there's even the feature last seen on the Meriva or Zafira Tourer as well! It was this...new generation rear bicycle carrier Flex-Fix that allows me to store up to three BMX's and it's very convenient. This unique bicycle carrier acts like a drawer because you can slide it in or out. Amazing...

2013 Opel Mokka interior

It really is a very sensible Opel. It maybe more civilized as a city car but as a sports utility compact, it really is want to let it all out and turn the whole city into a jungle and if I mean jungle, I do mean gonna end up like a video game where animals rule the world and fighting for survival. Actually, this Mokka isn't that kind of thing but it feels like humanity has declined because of today's ever changing times.

The optional all-wheel drive system on the Mokka though, that is somewhat simply clever because unlike other 4WD-fitted cars, this one weighs about 65kg to keep its fuel efficiency a bit as fine as a good haircut at a very nice barber shop. Also, there is a feature where you can have the power being distributed in either front or all wheels. In FF mode, it becomes very effective in high grip driving conditions such as asphalt but when switched to AWD mode, traction's enhanced, handling's enhanced and it becomes a Frankfurt jungle.

Is it an urban cruiser? Is it an offroader? You really can't even tell until you discover's the Mokka's true potential.

Available Colors: Royalblau, Schneeweiß, Boracayblau, Diamantgrau, Graphitschwarz, Seidengrau, Argonsilber, Orientrot, Espressobraun.

PRICE LIST:

Photo: ADAM OPEL AG

Opel Astra J Sedan

Back in 2009, Opel launched the sixth generation Astra which comes with many interesting features such as the FlexRide electronic chassis control system, Opel Eye that detects incoming road signs, AFL+, and so much more. With the hatchback and the Sports Tourer available, what Opel really needs is a sedan version and guess what? They have one!

2013 Opel Astra

Here it is and not only the sedan makes its first appearance all three Astra models get themselves a minor change to keep them fresh during the Astra J's three-year tenure. And since we're not going to cover up the hatchback and the Sports Tourer because this would be somewhat a spacey-wasey, why don't we'll cover up the new kid instead?

2013 Opel Astra Sedan

So, this is the sedan version of the latest Opel Astra J but this is somewhat a familiar face to me because last year, I've checked out it's American cousin, the Buick Verano (which is sold in the People's Republic of China as the Excelle GT) and what General Motors told that this car can kick the likes of the Lexus IS350 in every intangible way. With the arrival of the newcomer, the Acura ILX I've examined a couple of months ago, it seems that Buick tries to state that the Verano is better than the new ILX and I mean hey, they're right.

How about this? The all new Astra Sedan from Opel? Oh wait, before explaining this, I think that Opel's British cousin, Vauxhall, had no plans to introduce the Astra sedan yet but if they do, this would be a proper bet against the MG6 Magnette sedan. It's like the Astra but only this time, it has a boot to store your golf bags or something else. When you try to compare this one to the Volkswagen Jetta, you'll know that this is getting a bit more interesting. For me, the new Astra Sedan is better looking that the Volkswagen Jetta inside and out. Also, it's taller than the Jetta (1500mm height vs. Jetta's 1450mm), longer than the Jetta (4658mm length vs. Jetta's 4640mm), even more wheelbase than the Jetta (2685mm of wheelbase vs. Jetta's 2650mm), and wider than the Jetta (1814mm of width vs. Jetta's 1780mm). Guess we're getting somewhere...

Like most Astras, the new sedan version comes with a 1.4L, 1.6L, 1.4L Turbo, 1.6L Turbo. 1.3L CDTi, and 1.7 CDTi engines. Depending on engine types, there's a ecoFLEX variant with a start stop that automatically shuts off the engine when you stopped and the start it on again when you set off. This will solve the whole air malarkey thing but I'm afraid that with all the engine choices, why don't we settle from least to great? For fuel efficiency, best to pick the Astra Sedan ecoFLEX with the 1.7 CDTi engine that has a CO2 emission of 99g/km, which sounds very impressive for an eco-car. For affordability, best to pick the Astra Sedan with the 1.4L engine but in Selection trim which cost you 18,270 Euros. For power, why not recommend the top of the line Astra Sedan 1.6L Turbo which in Edition trim and a 6-speed MT costs you 23,285 Euros. This is a consumer advice for you if you want the all new Astra Sedan, got it?

What I think about the new Astra Sedan is simple, this is a decent midsize sedan that some say that this would be perfect for emerging markets. I mean look at Russia, they have a very high demand for such sedans and this would be a perfect fit.In Germany, this new Astra sedan makes it an elegant and cheaper alternative to sedans from the upper segment but in some countries like those form Eastern and Central Europe, basically Russia and Turkey, notchback sedans have a very high demand. So, do you think this new Astra Sedan is a worthy contender? You'l find that out soon enough.

Available Colors: Schneeweiß, Azurblau, Graphitschwarz, Argonsilber, Champagner, Fresh Mint, Silbersee, Silbergrau, Mahagonibraun, and Powerrot.

PRICE LIST:

Source: http://www.opel.de/content/dam/Opel/Europe/germany/nscwebsite/de/01_Vehicles/01_PassengerCars/preislisten/astra_preisliste_20120615_6.0.pdf

Photo: Adam Opel AG

Vauxhall Astra J VXR

2013 Vauxhall Astra VXR

2013 Vauxhall Astra VXR

*The Opel Astra J OPC is sold in Great Britain as the Vauxhall Astra J VXR

When you compare the all new Vauxhall Astra VXR against the Renault Megane RS 265 and the Volkswagen Golf VI GTi, it really is like Ms. Iceland vs. Ms. Munich Beer Festival vs. Ms. I had all the pies. Both these cars have 2.0L engines and turbocharged but the all new  Vauxhall Astra VXR  is far from equal because it produces 280PS of power. That's 15 more than the Renaultsport Megane 265 and that's 70 more than the Golf VI GTi. Which means, this hot chick's not only obliterate against these two, it demolishes them in the straights.

Not only the new  Vauxhall Astra VXR  is faster, it's also good looking, it's agile, and it makes the best noise as well. And unlike any other hot hatchbacks in the market today, it's not that desperately impractical. First of all, the pricing of the new VXR starts at 34,250 Euros, pricier than the Golf GTi and the Megane RS 265. Also, because of the low roof line, I'm afraid that there's no way we can't fit our garden essentials or a tall angel statues at the back. So then, not quite good to use it as an everyday car but then there was the chaos theory/.

It maybe a compact but it's still a hardcore continental crusher. Putting all that power to its front wheels is all biggie but it sure knows how to dougie. Come on car, teach me how to dougie. Come on! Speaking of which, can it do torque steering? I don't know but best to find out by yourself. If this new Astra VXR's gone as insane as that boss character from that Crash Bandicoot video game, you're out for some serious trouble and this new VXR's no car. It's mad. There are tons of optional features available for the all new  Vauxhall Astra VXR  but I'm afraid that they're not options....they're traps. A traptastic hot hatch indeed....

Opel Astra J OPC

2013 Opel Astra GTC

When you compare the all new Opel Astra OPC against the Renault Megane RS 265 and the Volkswagen Golf VI GTi, it really is like Ms. Iceland vs. Ms. Munich Beer Festival vs. Ms. I had all the pies. Both these cars have 2.0L engines and turbocharged but the all new Opel Astra J OPC is far from equal because it produces 280PS of power. That's 15 more than the Renaultsport Megane 265 and that's 70 more than the Golf VI GTi. Which means, this hot chick's not only obliterate against these two, it demolishes them in the straights.

2013 Opel Astra OPC interior

Not only the new Astra OPC is faster, it's also good looking, it's agile, and it makes the best noise as well. And unlike any other hot hatchbacks in the market today, it's not that desperately impractical. First of all, the pricing of the new OPC starts at 34,250 Euros, pricier than the Golf GTi and the Megane RS 265. Also, because of the low roof line, I'm afraid that there's no way we can't fit our garden essentials or a tall angel statues at the back. So then, not quite good to use it as an everyday car but then there was the chaos theory/.

It maybe a compact but it's still a hardcore continental crusher. Putting all that power to its front wheels is all biggie but it sure knows how to dougie. Come on car, teach me how to dougie. Come on! Speaking of which, can it do torque steering? I don't know but best to find out by yourself. If this new Astra OPC's gone as insane as that boss character from that Crash Bandicoot video game, you're out for some serious trouble and this new OPC's no car. It's mad. There are tons of optional features available for the all new Opel Astra OPC but I'm afraid that they're not options....they're traps. A traptastic hot hatch indeed....

A is for ADAM!

This is their answer to the Fiat 500 and the Mini. This is the 2013 Opel/Vauxhall ADAM. Manly about the name but not so manly about the sizing.

2013 Opel Adam

2013 Vauxhall Adam

2013 Vauxhall Adam interior

Scoop: http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2012/07/new-opel-adam-officially-unveiled-ready.html 

2013MY Opel/Vauxhall Astra range!

2013 Opel Astra family

Opel/Vauxhall Astra J series gets its first minor change for the 2013 model year and for this year's minor change will see the introduction of the new sedan variant as well as the new 192HP twin-turbo diesel engine. What you expect for the 2013 Opel/Vauxhall Astra family is a new front grille with the wing-like chrome bar and Opel logo now positioned in the center, plus a redesigned front bumper with a more pronounced lower grille and the availability of LED daytime running lights.

It will also come with a host of available assistance systems that were first introduced on the Zafira minivan and Insignia such as a second generation Opel Eye front camera with enhanced traffic sign assistant (TSA II), lane departure warning (LDW), following distance indication (FDI) and forward collision alert (FCA), plus rear view camera, advanced park assist and side blind spot alert.

The 2013 Opel/Vauxhall Astra GTC spin-off car may receive bespoke 18-inch alloy wheels, Electronic Climate Control, 6mm lower ride-height, a new body-kit and ‘Track’ interior trim, with a flat-bottomed leather steering wheel.

Scoop: http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2012/06/opel-and-vauxhall-reveal-facelifted.html

Welcome Back: 2007 Saturn Sky Red Line

Saturn Sky in Hockenheimring

Saturn Sky in Hockenheimring

This is one of the deceased Saturns, the Saturn Sky. Despite its death along with its Pontiac cousin, the Pontiac Solstice, which is famous for being Jazz from the first Transformers movies, those Kappa-platform sportscars are far too memorable and far too valuable for their own rights. When it came out in early 2006 as a 2007 model, this is the only roadster from the Saturn lineup and then later, it was exported in Europe (except in the UK) as the Opel GT and in South Korea as the GM Daewoo G2X. G2X stands for Go 2 Extreme, making it a perfect fit for this car that turned out to be almost nothing than a "commercial flop".

Despite that the Kappa cars are dead, they still have a long way to go in the hearts of the car enthusiasts and here in Forza Motorsport 4, it's all about passion best served with a hint of love. That Saturn Sky is all about just a stress reliever for me. It has a 2.0L LNF l4 engine that produces 260HP of power and 353Nm of torque. It was mated with a 5-speed Aisin AR-5 manual transmission.  It comes with a standard torque-sensing limited-slip differential, standard StabiliTrak stability control, and an enhanced sport suspension.

Why would General Motors killed the car that is somewhat a good-looking roaster that you can drive it with pride on the city streets of Los Angeles and New York? I don't need reasons why but anyway, this is one of the best looking Saturns of all times, even when I want to call it an Opel GT or a Daewoo G2X. It's definitely that kind of sportscar General Motors' been capable of before their Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the summer of 2009.

Opel Ampera

2012 Opel Ampera

2012 Opel Ampera interior

Some say this is the Chevrolet Volt but it isn't. It's the Chevrolet Volt's European cousin, the Opel Ampera, Europe's first electric car with a range extender that can run on both gasoline and electricity. This car demonstrates GM's commitment in the electrification of the vehicle and the Voltec electric propulsion system is the game-changing technology in the motoring industry in today's standards.

Like its Chevrolet Volt cousin, the Opel Ampera comes with an electric drive unit and a 1.4L petrol engine combined, which makes it essential on your long journeys. If the Chevrolet Volt knows that "gasoline when you need it, electric when you want it", the Opel Ampera does the same thing. If the electric drive unit's battery is out of charge, the 1.4L petrol engine serves as a backup. The electric drive unit equipped on the Ampera generates 111kW of power and 370Nm of torque. Once you're driving on the Ampera's EV mode, it's really quiet and it doesn't shout, bellow, or roar. It just sort of humming like happy monks. Hmmmmmmmm....... Anyway, it can go 0-100kph in 9 seconds and top speed limited to 161 km/h. The EV range is accumulated to 60km in the MVEG cycle and the total range will cover over 500km, thanks to the lithium-ion battery, which is a first for a European car.

The Opel Ampera's available colors are Schneeweiß, Nachtschwarz, Cybergrau, Argonsilber, Powerblau, and Impulsrot.

My comment:
The Chevrolet Volt's European cousin changes the future of the European motoring industry thanks to the combination of an electric drive unit that generates 111kW if power and a 1.4L petrol engine that produces less power than the electric drive unit but it's served for emergency purposes. I wouldn't believe that the pricing of the Opel Ampera is about four times as expensive as the most affordable Opel Europeans can by, which is the Opel Agila but doesn't matter. Despite the heavy pricing, this is the only car you would rely on because it runs on both electricity and petrol.

Photo: Adam Opel AG

Opel Zafira Tourer

2012 Opel Zafira Tourer

Like the Nissan Lafesta Highway Star, the Opel Zafira Tourer does not replace the 2nd generation Opel Zafira (although renamed as Zafira Family). This is somewhat a spin-off to the brand's mainstream minivan but still it looks more like an enlarged Meriva minus the suicide doors. This minivan stays true to the 2011 Zafira Tourer Concept car as seen at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show and this design really shake it up to this category. The Zafira Tourer has much more better design than its rival, the Volkswagen Touran and it seems that Opel's design language really pushed it even further for the love of cars.

2012 Opel Zafira Tourer interior

Aside from its attractive design, the new Zafira Tourer offers first-class interior comfort fit enough for the whole family and it comes with various seating arrangements under the Flex7 seating concept. The second row seats are now changed and it can slide longitudinally by 210 mm (100 mm forwards, 110 mm backwards) independently of each other and can be folded flat. That's a nice touch for that. Also, it features the new Lounge Seating System that transforms from three seats at the 2nd row into two seats with extended legroom for first class comfort. What completes the feel is the panoramic sunroof that gives you a clear full view of the sky and the stars.

At the start, the new Zafira Tourer comes in four available petrol engines such as the 1.4 Turbo 120PS engine, 1.4 Turbo ecoFLEX 120PS engine, 1.4 Turbo 140PS engine, and the 1.4 Turbo ecoFLEX 140PS engine. Other engines such as the 1.8L and the 1.6 CNG turbo ecoFLEX engine may follow later. For now, the 1.4L Turbo ecoFLEX variant comes with an idling stop function that allows the engine to shut off automatically when stopped at the red light, reducing carbon emissions and providing combined fuel economy of 15.9km/L (6,3 L/100 km). On the diesel side, 2.0 CDTI 110PS, 2.0 CDTI 130PS, 2.0 CDTI 165PS, and 2.0 CDTI ecoFLEX 165PS are offered while the 2.0 CDTI ecoFLEX 130PS may follow later. Depending on the variant, the Zafira Tourer is equipped with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic. The FlexRide suspension equipped on the Zafira Tourer allows excellent riding comfort while maintaining excellent vehicle stability on any condition.

The Opel Zafira Tourer is available in 10 colors such as Schneeweiß, Royalblau, Powerrot, Graphitschwarz, Argonsilber, Karbongrau, Fresh Mint, Silbersee, Ozeanblau, and Mahagonibraun.

My comment:

The Opel Zafira Tourer is like the Nissan Lafesta Highway Star, it doesn't replace the outgoing model and it was served as the spin-off model. The overall design is just perfect enough for a minivan like this and there is a feature that you can carry up to four bikes at the back, which makes it a perfect outdoorsman for the job. The Volkswagen Touran would become upset against this!

2012 Opel Astra GTC tuning by Steinmetz

Steinmetz Astra GTC

Despite the Astra GTC not yet out of the market before January 14, that doesn't stop a tuner company, Steinmetz, from modifying the Astra GTC into something hotter. The Steinmetz Astra GTC features a lowered suspension, front grille, black grille, sports exhaust for added performance, 19-inch rims, embroidered carpets, stainless steel sill plates, and a digital gear indicator.

Scoop: http://www.worldcarfans.com/111120538773/opel-astra-gtc-by-steinmetz