A single, massively ironic photo.

[tonedepear]

Sorry guys but I *heart* our Mk4 astra estate. Its bloody lovely and I will fight to the death defending its honour, so there.

 

I had a mk4 Astra as a courtesy car from a place I sent my Explorer once. I was astounded at how good it was. Admittedly steppping out of a massive Yank Jack Bauer mobile probably coloured my view slightly, but it felt so rapid (it was a 1.8 iirc) and sprightly, and even reasonably well screwed together. It was a shitter and had stellar miles on it, and it was still ace.

[Cavcraft]

Sorry guys but I *heart* our Mk4 astra estate. Its bloody lovely and I will fight to the death defending its honour, so there.

 

So its true it was built but pretend scousers? is there a chance an actual scouser may have sat in it?

 

Hey, there's people working there from all over the North West and Wales.

[stuboy]

they been doing mutli make grills for years...

[CIH]

Sorry guys but I *heart* our Mk4 astra estate. Its bloody lovely and I will fight to the death defending its honour, so there.

 

I had a mk4 Astra as a courtesy car from a place I sent my Explorer once. I was astounded at how good it was. Admittedly steppping out of a massive Yank Jack Bauer mobile probably coloured my view slightly, but it felt so rapid (it was a 1.8 iirc) and sprightly, and even reasonably well screwed together. It was a shitter and had stellar miles on it, and it was still ace.

 

I ocassionally have to use work's 1.6 mk4 Astra hack. As a forgettable transport chodder I can't find fault with it.

[ashmicro]

Were the Saturn Astras built in EP too?

 

http://www.saturn.com/astra/

[Cavcraft]

I expect so, or the bodyshells at least. I think it's predecessor (the Astra G) was also made in Germany, though why they did is a little strange as E.P were knocking them out for Europe as mentioned previously. Incidentally the top spec Opel badged LHD ones were miles posher than the best UK spec'd models.

[Negative Creep]

Can anyone understand why GM are keeping the Vauxhall brand? Wouldn't it be cheaper to just spend a few million on an one-off marketing campaign as opposed to having to produce an array of different bits and pieces?

 

I do wonder sometimes if Opel would be a better name. But Vauxhalls are still built in Scouseville, and the current Astra and Insignia are bloody good cars - wouldn't surprise me in the least if they start to give Ford a good kicking. Going on what they're making now, Vauxhall might not need an Opel rebranding.

I could only see it working if they launched something flash - the VX220 should never have been a Vauxhall, but an Opel. That would have been an ideal springboard to launch an Opel Insignia as a credible Audi rival. In reality, the Insignia is every bit as good as an A4 but you know how Folk like nice nametags on stuff.

 

 

On second thoughts, fuck 'em. Vauxhall it is.

 

Ive always thought Opel seems to have a bit more cache behind it, just look at the amount of Barryboys who fit Opel badges to their Corsas. Or even Holden badges (incidentally the thought of which is hillarious to people living down under)

[The Reverend Bluejeans]

I don't think the Opel name means that much. It certainly doesn't mean much in Germany where the Vectra (1995-2002) has as bad a name as it does here.

 

There was a case for rebranding Vauxhall maybe five years ago but judging on the five million Insignias and new Astras I saw today, I don't think Vauxhall is in any danger. Judging by the pig ugly Peugeot and Renault shit and the bland Fords, they may well increase their market share still further. Never been a big Vauxhall fan, but what they make now is pretty good.

 

I was in Canada over Xmas and saw loads of Astra Mark 5 Shaturns - they are Belgian built Opels rebadged with some trim changes. Last I heard, Saturn was being wound up and closed.

They've launched the Insignia in the US last year as the Buick Regal where it's doing pretty well.

[Negative Creep]

I can't comment on how many current shape Astras I've seen around. Reason being that they are so mind bendingly bland it's rather difficult to notice them. It just screams "Avis special"

[Cavcraft]

*Just waiting for the word 'Focus' to appear.

[Guest]

your just seeing vx'sin with bother,we see everything,they all have problems!

 

Yeah, but Vauxhalls.

[fiatdaft]

What ?

[Guest Len H]

I think the UK is GM Europe's strongest market, dropping the Vauxhall branding would just confuse the thickies who buy them.

 

I'm surprised you haven't noticed the lightning flash on "Vauxhall" grilles before Earl, I see quite a few driving about with badges missing.

[RoadworkUK]

I think the UK is GM Europe's strongest market, dropping the Vauxhall branding would just confuse the thickies who buy them.

 

I'm surprised you haven't noticed the lightning flash on "Vauxhall" grilles before Earl, I see quite a few driving about with badges missing.

 

I would have thought so to, going from the way everybody's already seen it! Shows you how much attention I pay Vauxhalls!

 

I actually regretted starting this thread about thirty seconds after I launched it.