New Opel Astra Consistently Tuned for Low Cost of Ownership

Press Release

Buying a new car: Low operating costs gain importance as purchasing argument

• Favorable insurance classification helps customers save money
• Repair-friendly design decreases downtimes and costs
• Highly efficient engines reduce fuel consumption and save taxes
• Flexible service interval indicator reflects individual driving style
• Eurotax Schwacke predicts top resale value position
• Two-year new car manufacturer's warranty reinforces safety and confidence

Reliability and safety - according to current surveys these are the most important criteria for customers in Germany when buying a car. Right behind these in third and fourth position are fuel consumption and operating costs. Particularly in tough economic times, these purchasing criteria become even more important. Opel's customer-orientation has once again led to an attractive offer with the new Astra. The Astra impresses not only with its dynamic design and the fact that it's really fun to drive, it also helps buyers save money with its fair price and low operating costs. These are kept down thanks to insurance classifications up to four classes less expensive than its predecessor, a consistently repair-friendly design and long and flexible service intervals. The low-consumption engines comply with Euro 4 emission standards and are tax-exempt until the end of 2005. Customers also profit from the 12-year anti-perforation warranty and a two-year manufacturer's new car warranty. More good news for owners of the new Opel Astra is the Eurotax Schwacke experts' prediction of a top resale value. "We are making our customers an excellent offer with the new Astra. Besides a notably low purchase price, our new compact model provides customers real financial benefits in all cost factor areas. We are also the only German manufacturer to offer a genuine new car warranty for all models," says Dr. Uhland Burkart, Executive Director Sales and Service at Adam Opel AG.

Purchase price only one factor in calculation of total costs

As well as the purchase price, crucial factors for the overall cost of a new car include insurance classification, service and repair costs, and of course the expected resale value. Ultimately these factors make up the cost of ownership for customers. This is why Opel paid maximum attention to highest possible quality and an intelligent design right from the very start when developing the new Astra.

Favorable insurance classification helps save money

The repair-friendly design of the new Opel Astra helps owners save money thanks to low servicing costs, short downtimes and, compared with the previous model, even more favorable insurance classification. The new Astra is classified up to four full coverage classes lower than the previous gasoline-fueled model. Buyers of diesel models also save money thanks to a full coverage classification which is up to two classes lower. With a full coverage classification of 13 the Astra 1.4 TWINPORT (66 kW/90 hp) and the Astra 1.6 TWINPORT (77 kW/105 hp) have the most favorable insurance entry level. With the diesel models the classification begins at full coverage class 17 for the Astra 1.7 CDTI (59 kW/80 hp) and full coverage class 18 for the 74 kW/100 hp 1.7 CDTI model.

Repair-friendly design for low servicing costs and short downtimes

The intelligent design of the new Astra pays off even for just slight damage, as can occur when parking. The bumpers have protection guards which are available separately and can be replaced quickly thanks to their clip fittings. Opel service experts ensure that as many components as possible are available individually so that larger assemblies need not be replaced in the event of damage. The headlamps are one example - broken clamps can be replaced by screw-on repair parts. After a head-on collision, the otherwise often intact lamp unit need not be completely replaced unnecessarily. The entire electrical system is just as easy to replace and customer-friendly - individual sections of the wiring harness, plug housings and sensors can be replaced separately. Provision has also been made for fast, low-cost accident repairs in the event of larger collisions. Bolted rather than welded joints in many places permit repairs at moderate cost, for instance to the three-part front panels and easily-accessible, bolted-on hinges of the hood. The hinges themselves are easily replaced and at the same time simplify replacement of the hood. Expensive components in the engine compartment are always located away from the immediate impact damage zone. A special attachment allows longitudinal movement of the radiator in the event of a frontal collision, for example, so that the radiator generally remains undamaged in minor accidents. There is a faster, more cost-effective and more reliable new replacement process for the windshield and rear window which is used for all Opel models. When removing the windshield the service centers no longer use a knife, considerably reducing the danger of damage to paintwork. Instead the mechanics use a seamless wire as a loop to cut through the adhesive so as not to damage the sealing lips. This makes it possible to reinstall an undamaged rear window, for instance, when the tailgate has to be replaced. When windows are installed, the customer also benefits from a rapid hardening adhesive which sets within two hours.

Highly efficient gasoline and common rail diesel engines reduce fuel consumption

Fuel consumption has a direct effect on customers' wallets. Due to increasing gas prices the trip to the filling station is becoming more and more of a financial burden. Modern ECOTEC engines in the new Astra ensure reduced consumption and thereby low fuel costs. The innovative TWINPORT technology of the 1.4 and 1.6 gasoline models creates a consumption advantage in everyday use of up to ten percent compared with the previous conventional models. The Astra 1.4 TWINPORT (66 kW/90 hp) only needs 6.3 liters per 100 kilometers. The highly efficient latest-generation CDTI diesel engines with common rail direct injection are also very economical with fuel. The Astra 1.7 CDTI (59 kW/80 hp) only requires 4.9 liters of diesel for 100 kilometers. All Astra engines comply with the Euro 4 emission standards and are therefore tax-exempt until the end of 2005. Service intervals and the expected scope of maintenance work are further cost factors. These do not depend solely on the car - they also depend on how the vehicle is driven, which is why Opel has equipped the new Astra with a flexible service interval indicator. This shows the exact time for the next maintenance service, which is also determined by individual driving style.

Resale value highest in compact class segment

Expected resale value plays an important role when buying a car. After all, only a few buyers keep their new car for its entire life cycle. The Astra's high value stability is ensured by extensive galvanization of the body and a series of other precautionary measures. The 12-year anti-perforation warranty contributed to Eurotax Schwacke's prediction of outstanding value retention for the compact class sedan. After 36 months and a distance of 60,000 kilometers traveled, the specialists expect a retained value of 51 percent. This puts the Astra at the top of its segment.

Two-year new car warranty instead of just legal warranty for defects

While many other brands refer solely to dealers' warranty for defects, Opel is the only German car manufacturer to offer its customers a two-year new car manufacturer's warranty in addition to this legally-required guarantee. This guarantee obliges the seller to answer only for defects the vehicle had right from the start. The customer must prove after six months that the vehicle already had the faults when purchased. The voluntary new car warranty from Opel, however, allows claims for free-of-charge repairs of any defects falling in the manufacturer's area of responsibility - regardless of when the problem occurs within the two-year warranty period.