General Motors (GM) might be short of cash, but Opels are worth a look. A recent takeover bid by Canadian car parts maker Magna International looks set to secure the future of GM's European wing and Fiat last Friday said it was still interested in the German marque. But then Opel makes fine cars such as the Astra, and this three-door Corsa could be all you need for quick flits around Hong Kong.
Distinctively designed with strong lines, subtle contours and a coup?-like roofline, the fourth-generation Corsa seems as sporty as the larger Astra, and as fun, with three interior colour choices, sporty handling and a 'grinning' front grille. The Hong Kong-spec Corsa is generously optioned, too. The marque's standard 'enjoy' package combines some smart interior touches - a two-tone vinyl dash with body coloured door, a matt-chromed central console and translucent switchgear - with top-spec toys such as a one-touch panoramic sunroof and an integrated seven-speaker MP3 audio system with iPod input.
More gadgetry comes as standard with Opel's 'electric comfort' package, which includes power door mirrors, a height-adjustable driver's seat, a tilt-and-telescopic adjustable steering wheel with remote audio and a foldable ignition key with remote locking.
Other practical features in the new three-door include dual side and curtain airbags, 15-inch steel wheels, a 60/40 splitting rear bench with two-tier load space in the boot and additional storage space under the front passenger's seat, doors and centre console.
A HK$10,000 'sports' package gives you front and rear spoilers, side skirts, a leather steering wheel, front fog lamps and 16-inch alloys. Another option is a great carrier for two bikes (HK$8,000) that stows away under the rear bumper.
The Corsa offers a firm-yet-pliant ride and handles sharply, largely because the 'enjoy' model shares its chassis with the Corsa OPC - the top-of-the-range sports version of the compact.
