Opel Astra Makes Us Yearn for a Tri-Shield

9 years, 3 months ago - 16 September 2015, Autoblog

Have you long hoped that General Motors would just see reason and replace the current Buick Verano with the Opel Astra? We have. And that attitude isn't set to change with the redesigned Astra, which made its big debut at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show.

It wouldn't be unheard of. Both the Buick Regal and the new Cascada convertible are essentially rebadged Opel products. But what is it about the new Astra that has us hoping it comes to our shores? Well, for one, it's a darn handsome vehicle. That refined, clean front end would look great with a waterfall grille, while pairing the handsome, Buick-quality interior with a hatchback could be a successful formula as the American brand continues its efforts to lower its average buyer age.

Speaking of that interior, it wouldn't be tough for the average Buick buyer to feel at home. Much of the switchgear is the same, while the overall layout is similar to the current Regal/Insignia.

For Europe, the handsome hatchback will offer an array of them: from a 95-horsepower turbodiesel on up to a 200-horsepower gas engine. The largest engine is a 1.6-liter four-cylinder, and there's also a 145-hp, 1.4-liter, turbocharged four that is based on the company's 1.0-liter, turbocharged triple.