Astra crowned SA Car of the Year
The Opel Astra is crowned as the 2017 Wesbank South African Guild of Motoring Journalists’ Car of the Year.
POLOKWANE – In November last year, the former Sapa Yopa Motorcycle Club President, Sarel Nong, joined BONUS to test drive the new Astra, courtesy of Westvaal Polokwane.
“The opel Astra left a lasting impression, especially its handling, features, and build quality. During last year’s test drive I predicted the Astra will be announced as the 2017 South African Car of the Year winner and I am glad to have been right as it is definitely worthy of the title,” Nong said.
Westvaal Polokwane Dealer Prrincipal, Dave Stotter, said from a dealership perspective, this accolade is a definite asset to have in their showroom.
“This achievement adds even more benefits to our product line up and we are really proud on what the Opel Astra has achieved. It is a fantastic car with great features and its quality speaks volumes. For us as an Opel dealership we are proud on this achievement,” Stotter said.
This title makes South Africa the 13th country where the Opel Astra has been recognised as Car of the Year since its global introduction in 2015.
The latest accolade, which was announced at an industry banquet at Kyalami in Johannesburg on 15 March, comes on the back of a multitude of awards both here and abroad for the 11th-generation Astra.
The most significant of these is the European Car of the Year for 2016, widely considered the most prestigious and important prize in the world of motoring.
It also picked up the 2015 SAFETYBEST Award and the 2015 Golden Steering Wheel Award.
Two of its key strengths are exceptional efficiency in terms of packaging, aerodynamics, weight-reduction and drivetrains, but also the way it has democratised technology. It is packed with segment leading safety, infotainment and driver aids usually reserved for luxury vehicles.
The last time Opel won a South African Car of the Year Award was in the 1990’s when it won three awards with the Opel Monza 160 GSi (1991), Opel Kadett 140 (1994) and the Opel Astra 160iS (1995).
More than 20 years later, the Opel brand is on the up. In the last three years, Opel sales in South Africa increased by 9,5% in a market that has declined by 15,5%. Opel nameplates such as the Adam and Corsa have also had their share of the limelight, with car of the year finalist status and independent awards.
Stotter encourages car buyers to come and see what its South African Car of the Year winner has on offer at Westvaal Polokwane, situated in 86 Landdros Maré Street. Or call one of their friendly sales executives at (015) 297 1149 for more information or to book a test drive.
