Geneva Motor Show - The new Opel Astra, due in SA this April, has been named 'European Car of the Year 2016'.
The jury of 58 automotive journalists from 22 European countries weighed up more than 40 new cars, from sporty roadsters to premium limousines and SUVs, to select seven finalists. But in the end there can be only one, and the Astra emerged as the winner with 309 points versus 294 for the Volvo XC90 and 202 for the Mazda MX-5.
The prestigious trophy was presented to Opel CEO Dr Karl-Thomas Neumann by jury president Hakan Matson on the eve of the first press day at the Palexpo Centre.
NEW ERA FOR OPEL
“The new Astra represents the start of a new era at Opel,” Neumann said, “and winning this year's 'Car of the Year' compeition shows we're on the right track.”
The Astra is built on a completely new lightweight platform, and is powered by a range of new petrol and diesel engines. It comes with smartphone integration, ultra-modern connectivity and upmarket features such as LED matrix lighting.
It's the fifth Opel to win Car of the Year honours since the award was inaugurated in 1964, joining the Kadett E, winner in 1985, the Omega A in 1987, the Insignia in 2009 and the Ampera in 2012.