Auto Germany, the sole agent responsible for Opel cars and commercial vehicles in Singapore, has confirmed it will stop selling the German marque by the close of next year.

The main reason for the decision was the lack of fresh, competitively priced models in Opel’s global pipeline over the next three years.

“We’ve placed our last order,” said Mr Keith Pang, director of Alpine Group, which owns Auto Germany. That order came in January, and once those vehicles are sold, the curtain will fall. “We will run the business until the end of 2025, or until all stock is cleared, whichever comes first.”

Still in the pit lane

For the time being, existing customers needn’t panic. Auto Germany will continue to offer workshop services (including maintenance, repairs and warranty claims) from its Alpine Centre at 7 Ubi Close. Support will remain until a new dealer is found or, as Mr Pang rather stoically puts it, “until the last vehicle is off the road.”

Currently, Opel occupies the second and third floors of the four-storey Alpine Centre, and continues to retail three models. But how many units remain in stock? That remains under wraps.

From promise to plateau

It wasn’t always this quiet for Opel.

Back in 2012, Alpine started selling the brand with a humble 99 cars registered in its debut year. By 2017, the number had grown tenfold, peaking at 961 registrations. But the glory days proved short-lived. In 2024, only 40 Opels were registered.

And it’s not as if the brand lacked ambition. Opel was among the first European carmakers to offer electric vehicles in Singapore, outpacing even Volkswagen and Citroën to the plug. In 2022, a high-profile deal saw Opel commit to supplying up to 500 electric Corsa hatchbacks to car-sharing operator BlueSG.

But even that momentum failed to hold; only 217 electric Opel vehicles were registered between 2022 and 2024, and that figure included other models outside the BlueSG agreement.

The Stellantis shuffle

Opel’s story is just one chapter in a larger reshuffling within the Stellantis family here in Singapore.

Earlier this year, Peugeot changed hands from Vantage Automotive to Cycle & Carriage. Meanwhile, brands like Alfa Romeo and Jeep (once under Capella Auto) are in limbo, with no replacement dealers named thus far.

It’s a sign of the times, perhaps, that the once-steady dance of dealership and brand has turned into musical chairs. The industry is evolving rapidly — electrification, changing consumer habits, and razor-thin margins are reshaping the automotive landscape. Some brands keep up. Others stall.

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At the value-end of the electric vehicle (EV) market, one finds a slew of offerings such as the BYD Atto 3, Citroen e-C4 and Hyundai Kona Electric. Amongst them, one also finds the Opel Mokka-e from the Stellantis stable.

Being so spoilt for choice, does the Mokka-e have what it takes to sway buyers to this German compact crossover?

die Außenseite

One first notices how the Mokka-e sits somewhat higher off the ground. This makes ingress and egress a much easier proposition than compact sedans and hatchbacks.

The design language here is rather clean, interspersed by black plastic trim and a blacked-out front emblem and roof that play nicely against the test car’s White Banquise paintwork.

Murdered out 17-inch rims wearing 215/60 R17 Michelin Primacy 4 tyres help raise visual aggression levels a tad while contrasting nicely with the bodywork.

The clean design aesthetic carries on to the rump, where one finds a small roof spoiler, sleek tail lamps and one of my favourite features, a black ‘diffuser’ housing the bright red rear foglight below the bumper line.

das Innere

Swing open the hatch to find 350 litres of boot space, and if more is needed, the rear seatbacks can be lowered in a 60:40 split to liberate additional carrying capacity, to the tune of 1,105 litres.

I had the privilege of ferrying two pairs of female passengers in the rear, with one pair in their 20s and the other in their golden years. All rear-seat passengers complimented the good comfort and ride quality of the Mokka-e.

Naturally, longer-of-limbs and shorter-of-torso 1.82-metre tall yours truly wouldn’t be able to sit directly behind his driving position, but it wasn’t an issue for more petite individuals.

Two USB Type-A ports are available in the rear to charge mobile devices, but I found it curious that there were no overhead grab handles or dome lights in the back.

The front seats are manually adjusted, and comfortable for longer journeys. I was easily and quickly able to find my ideal driving position courtesy of the manual adjusters. See, electrical adjustments are not always the fastest.

Then it’s just a simple case of reach- and rake-adjusting the steering wheel to one’s ideal arms-length.

Ahead of the steering wheel sits a 12-inch instrument cluster screen. One can toggle the screen to display myriad information, including a trip computer, navigation and a minimalist display, through a rocker selector and button on the turn-signal stalk.

The 10-inch touchscreen infotainment is basic, but features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which is what will mostly be used. The audio system, though basic, can play clear and loud.

Climate controls are physical (hooray!) and easy to adjust on the move.

A couple of cupholders can be found behind the centre console, along with an adjustable armrest that, once slid forward, obscures one of the cupholders. You could stow a short stubby can of classic Red Bull there though.

Not a big concern, for the front door pockets, can accommodate larger water bottles.

das Fahren

The Mokka-e is easy to drive and park. Outward visibility is excellent owing to large glass panels, and even reversing without the camera is a cinch thanks to the large wing mirrors.

Those wing mirrors also house blind-spot warning indicators which glow bright orange, so they’re easy to pick up on. The lane-keeping system, however, is a bit too over-enthusiastic and is best turned off via the button in the centre console.

On the move, ride comfort is great, especially in the rear, and the Mokka-e never gets too fidgety. It can even be momentum-driven through a bend or corner, but push it and it will begrudgingly comply under protest. This is a compact crossover for cruising, not bruising.

Cruising comes courtesy of its 132hp and 260Nm electric motor which drives the front wheels.

Propulsion juice comes courtesy of a 50kW battery pack, and the Mokka-e is fitted with an 11kW onboard charger, which can take the battery from flat to 100% in just 4.5 hours at a suitable AC charger.

It can also accept faster DC charging at 50kW, and I was able to charge it from 25%-90% in about 38 minutes, which is good.

Opel claims a WLTP average efficiency of 14.5kWh/100km or 6.9km/kWh. I was able to better this at a weighted and normalised average of 14.16kWh/100km or 7.1km/kWh during my drive.

Considering the 50kW battery capacity vis-a-vis the average efficiency during my drive, around 355km is doable on a full charge. I just wish the battery was slightly larger for 400km of range in between charges.

Naturally, your mileage may vary with driving style and use case, but the key to good efficiency, as always, is to drive smoothly, not slow.

The Opel Mokka-e makes a compelling proposition for those who want a simple, straightforward and cost-effective EV-ownership proposition. It rides well, is easy to drive and park charges relatively quickly and is pleasant to look at.

Does it make the cut for you? Take a test drive and see if the Mokka-e is your flavour of coffee bean.

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Photo Credits: Sean Loo (@auto.driven)

Technical Specifications

Opel Mokka-e

Unladen Weight: 1,523kg
Battery Size: 50kW
Power: 132hp
Torque: 260Nm
Drive: Front wheels
0-100km/h: 10.1 seconds (claimed)
Range: up to 363km (claimed)
Energy Economy: 14.5kWh/100km or 6.9km/kWh (claimed)
Price: S$181,500 with COE (accurate at the time of this article)
Contact: Opel Singapore

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The Opel range in Singapore is pretty complete for the most part. For smaller families, the Mokka-e is zippy around town, and the bigger van-like Zafira-e is catered to the business executive folk.

But, what if you were someone who wanted a practical family vehicle, but needed extra room for your day-to-day business dealings? That’s where the new Opel Combo-e Life steps in.

Based on the same shared Stellantis platform with vehicles like the Citroen e-Berlingo, the Combo-e Life is pretty much identical to what we got in the Combo-e, albeit now with room for activities in the rear.

So what’s it like zipping around town in this family-focused MPV EV? 

Simple and Honest

As far as vans go, the Opel Combo-e Life is pretty good to look at. The van-esque proportions are broken up by rear passenger windows that offer copious amounts of light into the cabin, giving it an airy ambience.

Rear sliding doors are also handy when loading humans or cargo in tight spaces.

16-inch rims give the Combo-e Life some added character, as opposed to traditional vans with steelies or rim covers.  

Another thoughtful design quirk is the rear hatch, which has a two-stage opening mechanism. This is extremely handy when parked up in tight spaces, allowing you to still access the rear cargo area.

Simple and functional. That’s what the Combo-e Life truly shines in.

Van-like Practicality

Some might gawk at the thought that the Opel Combo-e Life is based on a van platform, but these claims are quickly dismissed the moment they step foot into the cabin.

Despite the van-like feel created by the upright position and expansive windows, visibility in all directions is excellent.

The Combo-e Life mirrors its Opel Combo-e counterpart, featuring an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with built-in sat-nav for added convenience.

Mounted atop the dashboard, the screen ensures that your eyes need not wander far from the road. The digital display also presents electric car-specific energy readouts clearly and understandably. The gear selector and major controls are conveniently placed, and dashboard controls are straightforward to navigate.

The Combo-e Life doesn’t skimp on creature comforts either. It offers great air conditioning, cruise control with speed limiter, keyless entry and start, parking sensors with a reversing camera for tight spots, automatic headlights, and a multi-function steering wheel, creating an appealing package of features.

While the exterior may resemble a van, the interior leans more towards a family car. The cabin emanates durability, with materials that are hard-wearing rather than overtly luxurious, fitting for its roles of cargo transport and enduring family life.

There’s an abundance of headroom both front and back. Rear legroom is generous, and both outer rear seats come with Isofix mounting points for child seats. The additional third-row seats can be folded down or removed entirely, ensuring no complaints about space, regardless of seating row.

The car’s sliding rear doors are a practical touch, particularly in confined parking spaces. They’re manually operated, similar to a van’s side door.

Stowage space is plentiful, especially in the front, and the cupholder atop the dashboard is a convenient addition that doesn’t obstruct the view of the road.

As for boot space, there’s plenty of it, with a square shape and a wide aperture that matches the width of the boot floor, along with no lip at the entrance.

The only drawback is the large tailgate, which requires ample clearance behind the car to open and can be awkward to close manually. Nevertheless, the aforementioned split hatch allows for opening the glass instead of the entire tailgate when loading smaller items.

Silent Efficiency

The Opel Combo-e Life surges ahead with 134bhp and 260Nm of torque, ready at the slightest tap of the accelerator. When unladen, this van can dash from 0 to 100km/h in a brisk 10.4 seconds.

Sharing its electric motor and battery pack with the Citroën e-C4, the Combo-e Life may not match the Citroën’s speed due to its shape and weight. However, it feels faster than its conventional powered counterparts thanks to the instantaneous power delivery.

Despite its size and shape, wind and road noise are impressively contained at higher speeds. At speeds over 100km/h, you may notice a slight electric motor whine, and at lower speeds, some suspension thudding can be heard.

Not many expect an MPV to be exhilarating to drive, and in this regard, the Combo-e Life stays true to form. Designed more for practicality than excitement, with its van-like dimensions and a range of efficiency-focused engines, it’s not meant to thrill.

There’s noticeable body lean through quick corners due to its height, despite the heavy batteries keeping the weight low. The steering, while accurate enough, has minimal feedback which feels light and disconnected. This doesn’t incite confidence when pushed to the limit.

Still, steering feels light in town, a blessing when navigating tight streets.

Drive the Combo-e Life within its comfort zone, and it rewards you with a smooth and relaxed ride, especially noticeable on long journeys and expressways. It also handles potholes and speed bumps in town with composure, coping well with sharper intrusions at higher speeds.

The brakes feel strong, and the Opel Combo-e Life offers two levels of regenerative braking; in the strongest setting, you’ll slow down more quickly after lifting off the accelerator, allowing for one-pedal driving most of the time.

For businesses, practicality often hinges on minimal downtime, making charge times crucial. The Combo-e Life’s ability to take a 100kW charge from a rapid charging station is great for real-world usability. A suitable DC charging station can provide up to 80% battery capacity in just 30 minutes, compared to a 7.4kW AC wall box charger, which takes 7.5 hours for a full charge.

Range is also decent, with official figures suggesting the Combo-e can travel up to 293km between charges. In practice, I managed around 240km, respectable given our climate, where the AC and battery cooling systems work hard to maintain optimal conditions.

Go-Anywhere, Do-everything

The Opel Combo-e Life in essence is a practical minivan that offers capacious amounts of cabin space and comfortable seating for a party of seven.

Being able to seat seven in an EV isn’t that common in the market today. If you are a prospective customer who can look past the van-based styling, then you’ll really appreciate just how well-suited the Combo-e Life is as an affordable family-friendly, do-everything MPV.

As they say, the simple designs are indeed the best.

Technical Specifications

Opel Combo-e Life Electric

Engine: Single Electric Motor
Power: 100kW (134bhp)
Torque: 260Nm
Gearbox: Single-Speed (A)
0-100km/h: 10.4 seconds (claimed)
Top Speed: 130km/h
Battery Capacity: 50 kWh
Drive Range: 293 km (claimed)
Energy Consumption: 5.2 km/kWh (claimed)

Price: S$168,500 with COE (accurate at the time of this article)
Contact: Opel Singapore 

Photo Credits: Sean Loo (@auto.driven)

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If you want to do your bit for the environment while also keeping running costs low, an electric van seems like an obvious choice. This is where vans like the Opel Combo-e come into play. It is ready to serve alongside its siblings – the Citroën e-Berlingo, Peugeot e-Partner and Toyota Proace City Electric.

Why do I say siblings? Well, all four vans were engineered together as part of a deal between Toyota and the Stellantis Group, which owns Citroën, Peugeot and Opel. That means the Combo-e shares many of its oily components with the EV vans from those brands.

So what’s it like zipping around town in this small EV van? 

Form meets function

The Opel Combo-e may be classified as small on paper, but its 2,975mm wheelbase is still decently large for our roads. It has a maximum load length of 1817mm, the width across the body is 1229mm between the wheel arches, and internal height stands at 1243mm.

This translates to up to 4,400 litres of cargo space, and there’s even a small ski hatch that can open up, enabling long and thin cargo to fit snugly.

Up front, the Combo-e doesn’t disappoint. Storage abounds in the front, a thoughtful embrace for a small van. For most businesses, making an electric van practical will come down to as little downtime as possible, which is where charge times are crucial.

In that regard, the Combo-e’s capacity to take a 100kW charge from a rapid charging station is crucial in making this a usable van in the real world. A suitable DC charging station will give up to 80% of battery capacity in just 30 minutes, compared with a 7.4kW AC wall box charger which will see the entire battery charged up in 7.5 hours.

There aren’t many places in Singapore where DC chargers can reach 100kW, but charging infrastructure is slowly catching up to the vehicles.

The range is the same too, with official figures suggesting the Combo-e can take you up to 293km between charges. In practice, I managed to garner around 240km of range, which is respectable in our hot and humid climate, meaning the AC and battery cooling systems have to work overtime in order to keep everything nice and optimal.

Thoughtful design language

As we step inside the Opel Combo-e, it’s as if comfort and technology converge in a symphony of thoughtful design. The interior mirrors its regular Opel Combo sibling, with an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system as standard, complete with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring.

Adjusting to your ideal driving position is a breeze, thanks to the six-way adjustable driver’s seat and a telescopic steering wheel that adjusts freely.

Ample creature comforts come as part of the package. The Combo-e pampers you with great air conditioning, Bluetooth DAB radio, cruise control with speed limiter, and keyless entry and start. It doesn’t stop there – parking sensors, automatic headlights, and a multi-function steering wheel come together to create an enticing ensemble of features.

The cabin itself exudes a sense of durability and elegance, with high-quality materials and a play of colours that adds a touch of vibrancy and keeps things interesting.

Brisk on the streets 

Silence isn’t just golden; it’s electric. While some electric vans struggle with wind noise due to their boxy bodies and oversized mirrors, the Combo-e reigns supreme in delivering a quiet, serene ride, thanks to sound-deadening materials and modestly sized door mirrors.

A hint of whirring from the electric motor adds to the symphony, a whisper compared to the diesel engines of its counterparts. Yet, beneath this tranquillity lies a fierce force of power. With 134bhp and a hearty 260Nm of torque available at the mere touch of the accelerator, the Combo-e proves its mettle when going off the line. With no cargo in tow, the van can rock the century sprint in 9.2 seconds. Although, you will hear that old familiar speed limit beeping noise trodding away while you do so.

But it’s not just about speed; it’s about control. Handling is a masterpiece of its own, thanks to the clever placement of the battery beneath the floor. This lowers the centre of gravity, resulting in a rather planted driving experience. The Combo-e dances with accurate steering, robust grip, and a harmonious balance that can even give some cars a run for their money.

Setting the stage

Let’s take a moment to reflect on the Opel Combo-e’s landscape of competition. In the world of electric vans, it stands rather on its own. Rivals for the Combo-e are few and far between, despite the small electric van segment being the most mature in terms of products available and market size. Aside from its siblings, the Renault Kangoo E-Tech is its only direct competitor, while slightly larger alternatives can be found in the Maxus E Deliver 3.

From practical dimensions to thoughtful design, the Combo-e is poised as a great entry figure to the world of commercial EVs.

Technical Specifications

Opel Combo-e Electric (With Sliding Door Window) 

Engine: Single Electric Motor
Power: 100kW (134bhp)
Torque: 260Nm
Gearbox: Single-Speed (A)
0-100km/h: 9.2 seconds (claimed)
Top Speed: 150km/h
Battery Capacity: 50 kWh
Drive Range: 293 km (claimed)
Energy Consumption: 5.52 km/kWh (claimed)

Price: S$50,000 without COE (accurate at the time of this article)
Contact: Opel Singapore 

Photo Credits: Sean Loo (@auto.driven)

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I realize the irony of someone named ‘Vivek’ writing an article with its title containing the word ‘Vivace’, but just… just.. just run with it for now okay? Electric vans are becoming more commonplace on our streets today, and with good reason. Take the Opel Vivaro-e for example. It’s quiet, comfortable and peppy. More on the pep later on.

The Vivaro-e’s closest competitor is the Citroën e-Dispatch, which is pretty much the same van from parent group Stellantis at around $4,000 more in price. The Mercedes-Benz eVito 112 Long is a little larger and priced at around $45,000 more but with a smaller 60kWh battery pack as compared to the Vivaro-e’s 75kWh energy storage unit. This means the Vivaro-e is the most affordable electric van of the trio.

Outside

The first items of note are the LED daytime running lights and front fog lamps embedded in the front bumper’s lower black trim, offering a more modern touch and additional illumination in inclement driving conditions respectively. The grille is also a nice touch, with the width-wise bar seeming to merge into the inner headlight surround on either side. Simple, neat yet classy.

One needs to remain cognizant of the Vivaro-e’s dimensions. At 4,959mm long, drive it akin to a long-wheelbase luxury vehicle and you’ll be fine. It will fit in multistorey HDB carparks with a minimum height limit of 1.9 metres with its 1,902mm height, and its width of 1,920mm will see it fit snugly into a parking spot.

Rearward visibility is somewhat available owing to a glass panel in the bulkhead partition inside the van, but most of the time, those large wing mirrors will be the primary way to keep track of vehicles and objects behind. They do a good job of this and the test van also had tiny blind spot mirrors stuck onto each wing mirror for better kerbside visibility – a feature I appreciated greatly when manoeuvring the Vivaro-e as close as possible to kerbs to give Mom an easier time getting in and out of the passenger seat.

16-inch steel wheels are shod with commercial-vehicle 215/65R16C Michelin Agilis 3 rubber, and this means one does not have to worry about the risk of inadvertently grinding up expensive alloy rims when parking as close as possible to a kerb either.

Inside

Now we come to the business end of the Vivaro-e – 6.1 cubic metres or 6,100 litres of cargo compartment, which is rated for a maximum of 1,000kg of goods haulage. The rear doors open outwards, through which palletised cargo can be loaded via forklift.

The side doors slide open wide allowing cargo to be manually loaded and unloaded. However, this test drive was done with the van unladen, since neither Sean nor I know (yet) how to operate a forklift.

Cargo operations completed, the next order for the van driver and assistant is to get in and leave for the next destination. This is made easy by the doors that open wide, and door pockets that can swallow large water bottles for that refreshing drink before driving off.

A shallow step makes ingress and egress relatively simple, although a grab handle at the A-pillar would have been appreciated. Not an issue for me at 1.82 metres tall because all I had to do was literally have one foot on the ground while sliding my bottom onto the driver’s seat bottom with my longer legs.

However, Mom, who’s a petite 1.52-metre tall and 79 years old had to use this step to rather easily get in and out of the passenger’s seat from the kerbside, although she did lament the lack of the aforementioned grab handle when entering and exiting at road level.

The driver’s seat features sufficient adjustment fore, aft and for backrest tilt, although with my driving position with the seat all the way back, the backrest had to be upright since it was right against the bulkhead partition. No matter though, for the seat is comfortable enough.

The steering wheel falls nicely to hand, and can also be adjusted for reach and rake. Analogue instruments with a digital display are simple and clearly laid out. Automatic headlights and wipers are standard fit, as is cruise control of the non-adaptive variety for those pesky 70km/h average speed camera zones.

The infotainment features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for smartphone connectivity, and the audio system, although basic, plays nice and loud without being tiresome. Bluetooth connectivity is also here, although using it requires a bit of a think. One needs to click the ‘phone’ button on the infotainment with one’s phone on pairing mode and click through in the subsequent screen to pair a new device. Removing the pairing required the same screen to be brought up with the phone disconnected.

Physical climate controls are a welcome relief in this day and age of touchscreen everything, and there are a couple of 12-volt sockets for powering devices and many cubbyholes for storage, including a secret compartment under the passenger’s seat.

Though simple, everything in here appears to be solidly put together to endure many years and miles of demanding commercial cargo haulage duties.

Driving

Being electric, the Vivaro-e glides along quietly and smoothly. Its suspension is well set up to deal with road imperfections and never once did I find myself grimacing at the ride quality. Furthermore, this van can handle corners and curves well, to the point of surprising some sedans when it takes them on the inside lane.

Where things get a bit more noisy is when the tarmac turns coarse, like certain stretches of highways for example. Add to that the speed warning chime that goes off at 71km/h (thankfully not lower), and the infotainment system then comes into play to drown most of the added sounds out.

Parking the van is also relatively simple thanks to those large wing mirrors, stuck-on blind spot mirrors and Rear Park Assist system that beeps audibly and shows the reverse camera’s image on the infotainment screen to warn when obstacles are close.

Power and torque from the electric motor driving the front wheels is more than adequate. During one of the test routes, I was trying to filter right whilst a rogue Toyota Hiace driver attempted to cut me off. Attempted, because a sharp prod on the accelerator caused considerable separation between the Vivaro-e and the hapless Hiace. Eat my electric dust!

Charging the van is also pretty straightforward. Drive head-in to a charge point, plug in and juice up. Opel quotes a 0-100% charge time of 1.5 hours at a 50kW DC charger. My experience at a 100kW DC charger saw the charge rate starting around 86kW with the van’s battery just below 50%, and this rate reduced to around 11kW as the batteries reached just over 90% with the whole process taking around 39 minutes.

Which then brings us on to energy consumption. The Vivaro-e is comparatively frugal because Opel quotes 23.3-29.5kWh/100km or 4.29-3.39km/kWh WLTP consumption, but I managed to better this number at 17kWh/100km or 5.9km/kWh over a test-driven 483km with the van unladen.

With a load on board, the energy consumption will invariably go up, but even then, given that your mileage may vary depending on use-case and driving style, the Vivaro-e’s frugality is impressive indeed for a vehicle its size. For those of us with range anxiety, the remaining range indicated on the dash can be trusted.

The Opel Vivaro-e may come across as simple and basic, but it appears to be built to handle the rough life of van-haulage duties. It rides well, accelerates surprisingly quickly and is easy to drive.

If you’re in the market for a van and have chargers close to your base of operations, seriously give the Vivaro-e a good look.

Photo Credits: Sean Loo (@auto.driven)

Technical Specifications

Opel Vivaro-e with Sliding Door Window
Power: 130hp
Torque: 260Nm
Battery: 75kW
Estimated Range (WLTP): 330km (claimed)
0-100km/h: 11.9 seconds (claimed)
Top Speed: 132km/h (claimed)
Energy Economy: 23.3-29.5kWh/100km or 4.29-3.39km/kWh (claimed)
Price: S$62,000 without COE (accurate at the time of this article)
Contact: Opel Singapore

Read more automotive news at AutoApp, or check out our latest videos on Ignition Labs TV!

The sixth-generation Opel Astra hatchback has just rolled into town, and it is making waves with a launch price of S$174,500 (inclusive of COE).

Now, if you’re familiar with Opel’s lineup, you’ll notice that the Astra joins its SUV siblings – the Opel Grandland and Opel Mokka – in rocking the brand’s fresh design philosophy.

Picture sporty edges and their signature seamless Opel Vizor gracing the exterior, exuding that bold and confident vibe. To add to the flair, the Opel Blitz wing-tip lights at the rear frame the ‘Astra’ nameplate, elevating the Rüsselsheim compass design philosophy.

Step inside, and you’ll find a sanctuary of comfort. The Opel Astra’s interior is thoughtfully designed to make you feel right at home. Boot space comes in at 422 litres, which expands to a generous 1,389 litres when you fold the 60/40 split rear seats. 

Now, what about the tech stuff? The Astra is no slouch when it comes to digital delights. A fully digital Opel Pure Panel on the dashboard sports a 10-inch Digital Instrument Cluster and a luscious Intellilink 10-inch HD Touchscreen Infotainment display. 

The infotainment system boasts wireless connectivity with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ensuring you stay in sync with your digital world.

Safety is always a top priority, and the Astra is loaded with the latest automated driver assistance systems. The Digital Panoramic Visual Assistance package, a windshield-mounted multifunction camera that scans the road ahead, forms part of the Forward Collision Alert suite. Parking will never be a nightmare again, thanks to the Digital Panoramic Visual Assistance providing a birds-eye view of your surroundings.

So, what’s under the hood? The Opel Astra relies on the trusty 1.2-litre turbocharged 3-cylinder engine, churning out a Category A-friendly 129hp and 230Nm. With an 8-speed automatic transmission, it’s smooth sailing all the way. The Astra boasts impressive combined fuel figures of 18.9km/l and secures a VES B rating too.

So, if you’re in the mood for a ride that’s equal parts fierce and inviting, the Astra awaits your command.

Read more automotive news at AutoApp, or check out our latest videos on Ignition Labs TV!

Opel has not been a mainstream brand on most buyers’ lists for a while now, thanks to stiff SUV competition and astronomical COE prices nuking sales for most non-premium car brands.

But, don’t count them out just yet. With parent company Stellantis’s backing, we have started to see a resurgence in their line-up. The Mokka has led the charge, but now it’s time to give the big brother of the family a glow-up. Cue the Opel Grandland.

Subtle and clean

We’ll leave you to decide whether you dig its looks, but there’s no denying that Opel has done well to disguise the fact that it’s a close relative to another Stellantis family SUV – the Peugeot 3008.

A facelift in 2021 saw the Grandland drop the ‘X’ from its name, and updates give it a sharper overall look, particularly at the front end with the addition of a new Vizor grille design, carried over from the Mokka. 

It looks more traditional than the wildly styled 3008, and has simple, well-proportioned lines that give it a sensible grown-up demeanour.

Tech upgrade

Unlike Peugeot, Opel has kept the cabin more conservative. The dashboard is logically laid out, with separate climate control buttons that are easy to operate without getting distracted while you’re driving. 

It’s worth noting that this test unit has outdated infotainment screens, with all local-bound units coming with new 10-inch screens. The touchscreen infotainment system comes with Bluetooth audio streaming as well as Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone mirroring, albeit wired. The screens have reasonably crisp graphics but need to be prodded quite firmly to get a response.

Some tasks, such as pairing your phone using Bluetooth, involve delving into the screen’s sub-menus, which can be a little frustrating to navigate if you’re not well-acquainted. The physical shortcut buttons under the screen are a welcome touch, and there are audio controls on the steering wheel for added convenience on the move.

Forward view is great in the Grandland, but the shallow rear window doesn’t offer the best rear visibility. Fortunately, Opel gives you front and rear parking sensors on all trim levels plus a 360 camera, so parking is a trivial affair.

The upper levels of the Grandland’s dash have soft-touch plastics, with gloss-black and chrome-effect trim pieces that add visual interest. 

There’s really nothing particularly bad about the interior. It’s thoughtful and practical, but, you kind of get that sense that it doesn’t have the wow factor. 

Family Oriented

The Opel Grandland has a good range of seat and steering wheel adjustments, and the pedals are well-aligned with the driver’s seat. Ergonomic sports seats with lumbar support are included, and most people will find it easy enough to get comfortable and you sit reasonably high up, giving you a commanding driving position.

Out back, there is more than enough head and leg room in the Grandland for taller adults, and the interior is wide enough to ensure that front-seat occupants won’t clash elbows. The near-flat floor does at least give the middle rear passenger a fighting chance with foot space too.

Folding rear seats are standard in the Grandland, but they split 60/40, rather than the more versatile 40/20/40 arrangement some rivals offer. 

At 514 litres, the boots is spacious enough to handle a pram, wheelchair, or a couple of large suitcases with ease. It’s a practical shape, with no awkward intrusions.

Spring in its steps

The Opel Grandland runs the same turbocharged 1.2-litre petrol engine as its Stellantis siblings, producing a respectable 129bhp and 230Nm of torque. Performance is punchy enough for most situations, delivering a healthy amount of muscle in the middle of the rev range.

The 8-speed automatic is a little laggy if you need to roll gears quickly, but its still responsive enough to rock the century sprint in 10.3 seconds, climbing all the way to a top speed of 188km/h.

However, the ride in the Grandland isn’t as forgiving over poor road surfaces especially around town, where larger abrasions can send jolts through your seat.

Another slight disadvantage is its weightless steering feel, leading to a rather dead sensation on highways. Once you turn the wheel past the first few degrees, the car starts to change direction quite quickly, and this inconsistency can take a while to get used to. It’s definitely a reliable cruiser that gets around town just fine, but don’t expect it to carve out your local B-road with ease anytime soon. 

Fuel efficiency is a strong point of the Grandland, and Opel claims 19.2km/litre. During my media test, I managed to garner an average of 15.4km/litre, and that’s with some enthusiastic pedal pressing. On a full tank, you can easily conquer about 700km of range if you’re frugal enough.

Sensible, but its a tough sell

The Grandland is priced reasonably in most trims and is well-equipped and spacious enough for most families. It’s a great all-rounder that brings Opel back to form.

However, it’s hard to ignore the stiff SUV competition out there, and rivals such as the Kia Niro and Volkswagen T-Cross really give the Grandland a run for its money. Even its fellow comrade the Citroen C5 places it in a tough spot value-wise.

There’s no right or wrong to the SUV equation, and it’s all down to trying them out and seeing which SUV suits your personal lifestyle needs the best.

Technical Specifications

Opel Grandland

Engine: 1,199cc in-line 3, turbocharged

Power: 129bhp

Torque: 230Nm

Gearbox: 8-Speed (A)

0-100km/h: 10.3 seconds (claimed)

Top Speed: 188km/h

Fuel Economy: 19.2km/L (claimed)

Price: S$194,500 with COE (accurate at the time of this article)

Contact: Opel Singapore

Photo Credits: Sean Loo (@auto.driven)

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Coffee is a sacred commodity amongst most of the adult population, and I’m sure all of us have heard countless debates on which cup of brew is arguably the best there is on our shores.

In order to edge out the competition, more joints are coming up with their own unique flavours, with ingredients sourced from faraway lands with indistinguishable places of origin. All are designed to give the consumer an elevated, premium artisanal experience. This latte debacle has also transcended into the crossover market.

The turn of the decade saw a sharp increase in the number of crossovers, each touting more benefits than the last. This has subsequently turned consumers into crossover connoisseurs, who now expect a good 3-in-1 deal: Good looks, Practicality, and Effective cost savings.

With stiff competition brewing in the compact crossover segment, does the Opel Mokka have what it takes to charm our local taste buds?

Style and substance

Visual appeal is one of the Opel Mokka’s strong suits, and its looks give it a distinct advantage over its rivals.

An angular aesthetic is dominated by sharp contours, and the designers have managed to encapsulate this without making the overall facade look offensive. 

The Mokka sticks out in just the right places, and its macho front fascia really gives it noticeable road presence. 

This test unit is finished in white, but should you want to go all out with the visual distinctions, you can opt to douse your Mokka in vibrant funky colours.

Or get it in brown, because you know. 

Ein kaffee

Opel may be German, but the Mokka is really rather French under the hood. It is built on the same Common Modular Platform (CMP) of the PSA Group, and even though the Opel Mokka only has a 1.2-litre 3-cylinder package this engine, more commonly known as PureTech, has proven its worth in other prominent brands, powering the likes of most of the Peugeot and Citröen range.

Power figures are modest at 129bhp and 230Nm of torque, but this torque is available at just 1,750rpm, which gives the car a bit of a kick off the line. Step on the gas, and the Mokka will hit the centurion mark in around 9.2 seconds, and reach a top speed of 200km/h should you want to give it the beans.

Power isn’t the car’s strongest brew, but combine a light engine with a light car, and you get a formula that is efficient on all fronts. Weighing in at only 1,220kg, the Mokka can easily manage a decent 13.4km/L of fuel economy. Mind you, that is with some enthusiastic driving thrown in as well. 

Like a small chihuahua, the Mokka can handle corners with ease. With a suspension set up more on the firm spectrum, it negates unnecessary body roll, a trait that typically inhibits SUVs from performing well when presented with a corner.

Overall, the Mokka presents itself as quite the funky package for those who wish to savour an elevated driving experience.

Lots of trinkets to-go

Even if you opt for a bold and brash colour on the outside, the Opel Mokka exudes a classy interior that tones down the excitement to a mellow blend.

Silver trim pieces are dotted around the cabin, paired with faux carbon fibre to break up an otherwise black interior.

The Pure Panel display, as dubbed by Opel, is a combination of a 12-inch instrument cluster and a 10-inch infotainment touchscreen. Driving information is clearly displayed in a simple, but effective manner.

Physical (thank you!) HVAC controls and menu buttons are a welcome sight in the Mokka. Though they may look old-fashioned, I am fully on board with systems like this as opposed to hard-to-operate touchscreen controls.

However, where the Mokka does fall a little short is in the rear. Size-wise, it is decent for its class, but adults may wish for more legroom and headroom. Plus, the narrow rear doors do prove a challenge for quick ingress and egress.

With a tapered rear end, boot capacity comes in at just 350 litres. Though it is sufficient for the weekly shop, the narrow aperture might make it a challenge to load more odd-sized cargo.

It’s a unique brew

Occupancy and cargo caveats aside, the Opel Mokka is an interesting proposition for those who value upmarket looks and a responsive drive. 

It isn’t as affordable as its main rivals, and you are paying a slight premium (prices). But, like that cup of freshly brewed coffee from an artisanal chain, the Mokka will appeal to those who dare to be different, and those who live life outside of the box.

Why conform to the same herd, when you can stand out?

Just like the Mokka.

Read up on our other AutoApp reviews here!

The collaboration will see 500 new Opel Corsa-e units being added to the existing BlueSG network. These EVs are larger and more practical than the original Bluecar and serve to provide users with more options for point-to-point travel.

This partnership was the shared vision between Opel and BlueSG, in a bid to provide more sustainable and smart transport options for the future.

With an increased demand for car-sharing services in Singapore, in part due to their huge convenience and functionality, more operators are including different vehicle sizes to cater to the varying needs of their user base.

Since the announcement has been made, approximately more than 200 BlueSG-branded Opel Corsa-e EVs are already plying the roads. The final goal is to expand this fleet to a total of 500 cars by 2023. Together with the current Bluecar fleet, this would give BlueSG a total fleet strength of about 1,300 cars in 2023, assuming fewer cars end up in dashcam-worthy accidents… 

Kelvin Tay, CEO of BlueSG, adds that “Car sharing is clearly evolving into one of the mainstream mobility modes in Singapore. Not only has demand increased, but there is also a greater need for greater flexibility in selecting different vehicle sizes to fit their lifestyle needs.”

While compact, the Opel Corsa-e touts more occupant and boot space than the existing Bolloré Bluecar. Under the hood, it has a 50kWh lithium-ion battery pack which is also found in the Opel Mokka-e, providing a car with an approximate range of 337km. Fast charging is an option, but I assume that not many BlueSG users will actually bother with this, as the current BlueSG stations are all AC-driven. 

This is certainly good news for the consumers, as BlueSG has the unique proposition of being the only Point A to Point B car-sharing service in Singapore. This added convenience will most probably see an increase in BlueSG users.

But, there have already been cases of accidents occurring with these Corsa-e cars. So, please take care of these new cars people…

Check out the latest news right here on AutoApp!