Here's the all new Opel Astra. It projects a more elegant and classy image than the outgoing model and has grown alot is all dimensions, being 170 mm longer, 160 mm wider and 50 mm taller. With such dimensions, it engulfs the Mark VI Golf. Not only that, I feel that the Astra managed to look more sophisticated than the Golf.

A bigger car inevitably weighs more. Opel said the new Astra carries an average 40 kg more than the equivalent old car.

On the positive side, torsional rigidity of its chassis increased by a massive 43 percent, and NVH level is improved significantly with upgraded insulation. As expected, the new Astra is much more refined than its predecessor. Its wind and road noise level is among the lowest in the C-segment.

A new series of turbocharged power-plants makes its debut on the new Astra. The 1.4L turbo churns out 140hp while the larger 1.6L unit delivers an impressive 180 hp. The Astra comes with an optional 6 speed automatic gearbox that is found on the Chevrolet Cruze. However, it's no DSG.

The Astra does come with the ingredients of a successful hatchback. It shares the same underpinnings as the recently launched Chevrolet Cruze, which has received commendable feedback from local car magazines with regards to its body control and handling characteristics. I can't wait to see it when it arrives at our local shore.