If you’re in the market for a new car our Tried And Tested column should help you decide.
With so many brands and types to choose from, it can often be quite hard to know which car is the right car for you.
From testing them out on the motorways to driving around the back roads of Ireland, we give you the highs and lows of many of the market’s leading brands.
So sit back, relax and get ready to go cruising…
This week, we’re off to Westport in Co. Mayo for the hen weekend of the century!
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Cluck, cluck, cluck!
There’s nothing nicer then heading off for a girlie weekend away and last weekend, Westport in Co. Mayo was our port of call for the divilment of a hen weekend.
On that basis, it was the perfect road to test out the new Opel Astra SRi LE which is truly a car that makes you want to roll down the window, blare out your favourite tunes and sing along like a lunatic – perfect for a party full of hens!
Aesthetics
Not to be too much of a girl about this, but the first thing you’ll probably notice about this car is that it looks absolutely amazing.
If we were getting it, the hot red colour would definitely be the way to go. The sleek lines of the car will literally have you singing the title song in your head… yes, you are rollin’ and yes, they are hatin’.
Gadget heaven
There’s so many things this car does that we don’t know where to start… Safe to say we spent a lot of time playing with all the controls on the dash, oohing and ahhing over every little thing.
Junk in the trunk
This Astra has a good-sized boot perfect for fitting everything you need for that girls weekend away. We managed to squeeze in four suitcases, two gear bags, six shopping bags and about 25 pairs of shoes. Mission accomplished – with some room left over.
Sit back and relax
The seats of this Astra are comfort at its finest. The drive from Dublin to Westport – with a quick pit stop in Mullingar to pick up some hens – disappeared in a flash. Thanks to the comfy seats, you truly wouldn’t even notice that you were on a long drive and this car practically glides along the road.
Roaring down the motorway
The power of this car is undeniable. A 1.6 diesel engine will have you getting from A to B in style and with smooth transitions, easy manoeuvring, hill start assist and collision alert – driving couldn’t get much easier.
Let me entertain you
From the handy USB plug in and play to the bluetooth technology – which is of decent quality for phone calls – this car will have you and the girls bopping as you go.
It’s all about the money
It may be a long way to Tipperary but it certainly is also a long way from Dublin to Westport and the Astra goes very easy on your pocket. A full tank leaving Dublin, the car returned to the capital with just under half a tank left – which included the drive and stop-offs in Mullingar to various houses.
Now that makes cents (see what we did there?).
Our star rating?
A fantastic 4/5.
Why?
As much as we loved the car and hate to say it, there is a but…
It’s only a small one, but the cup holder in the car will not suit you if you are drinking a sports bottle of water (to go with your sports car) as it just won’t fit…
Also, the SAT NAT is a little bit fiddly, however, if those are our only gripes, we think it’s done the job!
And on that note… (we couldn’t resist!)
Video via YouTube/ChamillionaireVEVO
