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Telegraph
11 hours ago
- Automotive
- Telegraph
UK's rarest cars: 1980 Vauxhall Cavalier Sports Hatch, one of only five left
The Sports Hatch was both Vauxhall's rival to the Ford Capri Mk3 and a car with a subtly different image. If the Ford was ideal for pretending to be Lewis Collins in The Professionals, including the smirk in the rear-view mirror, the Cavalier belonged outside a provincial bistro. Today, despite the difficulty of establishing precise numbers, this 1980 example is one of only a handful remaining on the road. Vauxhall launched the Cavalier, based on the German Opel Ascona B, in 1975 with the two-door Coupé as the original 'sporting' version. At that time Opel regarded cars with three doors as utility vehicles, while Vauxhall was keen on a fastback-bodied Cavalier from the outset. The British firm's designs impressed senior management at the parent company General Motors and the Sports Hatch debuted in September 1978. The timing of the Sports Hatch's launch could not have been better planned, with Ford introducing the Capri Mk3 six months earlier. The Vauxhall's engine choices were 1.6- and 2.0-litre units, the latter capable of 112mph and 0-60 in 10.2sec. Opel simultaneously announced its new Manta Berlinetta Hatchback, which used body panels shipped from Luton to Germany. The first of the Sports Hatch were available only in top-of-the-range GLS form. Owners could boast about the 'four-spoke sports steering wheel', 'wood veneer door inserts' and 'driver's map pocket'. Those of us of a certain age will recall that in the late Seventies expectations of automotive comfort could be limited. Vauxhall preferred the phrase 'luxury without a trace of ostentation'. The Sports Hatch was mechanically identical to the Cavalier saloon, but Vauxhall promised 'swashbuckling performance' in a car 'not to cross swords with'. It advised its dealers that 'undoubtedly the Sports Hatch will add to Vauxhall's 'get up and go' image' and 'attract more and more younger buyers to the marque'. Taking delivery, one hoped, might make the proud owner feel like the Roger Moore of outer Southampton. The 2000 GLS cost £4,384, compared with £4,192 for the Capri Mk3 2.0 S. When Car magazine evaluated the pair, its testers concluded that the Cavalier was 'just as much fun, slightly better mannered and agreeably more refined' – and could teach the Ford 'a thing or two in all the right places'. They added that the 2000 GLS 'fully justifies its 'Sports' title, unlike some others', and that 'the taut springing and transmission will delight the keen driver'. Dealers could point out that, aside from the Capri, the Sports Hatch had no real rival with a British connection. Chrysler UK did not build a comparable three-door coupé, while the venerable MGB GT was a 2+2 at best. For buyers considering a foreign marque, the Volkswagen Scirocco GLS and Renault 17 TS cost £4,720 and £4,682 respectively – but both were front-wheel-drive, when many British drivers still preferred the supposed benefits of rear-wheel-drive. The £5,999 Alfa Romeo 2000 GTV and £5,710 Lancia Beta 2000 HPE were aimed at more affluent motorists. The Toyota Celica 2000ST Liftback offered strong value at £4,223, but its persona was less overtly sporting than the Vauxhall's. Ironically, the Sports Hatch's closest rival was sister company Opel's Manta Berlinetta – just £32 more than the 2000 GLS. The Cavalier Mk2 replaced the Mk1 in September 1981, after 238,980 units – and there was to be no three-door version. The Sports Hatch may have been short-lived, but its appearance at the 1978 London Motor Show alongside the new Carlton and Royales emphasised Vauxhall's radical image change. The era of the quasi-American, tail-finned Crestas now seemed very remote. And the Sports Hatch appeared to make the Capri Mk3 look faintly dated by comparison. If the Ford still seemed to belong to a realm of flared trousers and Mungo Jerry sideburns, the Vauxhall anticipated a brave new world of grey loafers and owning a home video recorder. In 1980, Autocar referred to the Sports Hatch as 'just plain nice' – a quality many owners valued. Or, to quote one dealer, it was so handsome, 'they go out of the door as soon as they come in'.
The Citizen
13-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Wait over: Opel finally puts price on limited run Corsa Irmscher
Irmscher name returns for the first time since 2004, but will be restricted to 40 units without any added power or torque. Having made two public appearances, the most recent being at the Simola Hillclimb in April, Opel has finally divulged complete details of the limited edition Corsa Irmscher. Extensively made reference to on the Blitz's website since its surprise showing at the Kyalami Festival of Motoring last year, the Irmscher largely rates as an appearance package based on the flagship Corsa GS Line without any additional power or torque. Named after the tuning house long associated with the Rüsselsheim's marque, the Irmscher comes as a first for the Corsa and for South Africa since the limited edition Astra Irmscher sold between 2003 and 2004. The fourth Irmscher model to be marketed locally after the Astra and before that, the Rekord and Kadett, the model's aesthetics extra over the GS Line comprises gloss black 18-inch alloy wheels, a front lip spoiler, Irmscher side sills, an imitation rear diffuser, bootlid spoiler and Irmscher badges. Sitting 30 mm closer to the ground than the GS Line, the Irmscher does, however, loose the fluorescent yellow decals of the unit raced at Simola, though it does retain the gloss black lower air intake and standard LED headlights. Available in three colours, of which no details bar the contrasting of a black roof was revealed, the Irmscher's interior additions are more minor by being inclusive of Jet Black cloth and imitation leather-trimmed seats and Irmscher branded floor mats. Based on the GS Line means the Irmscher carries over the same specification items, namely 10-inch infotainment system and seven-inch digital instrument cluster, the six-speaker sound system, folding electric mirrors, LED headlights, automatic air-conditioning, leather-wrapped steering wheel, rain sense wipers and cruise control. Taking care of safety is a 180-degree reverse camera, front and rear parking sensors, Lane Keep Assist, Collision Mitigation Braking, Hill Start Assist, Traffic Sign Recognition, Blind Spot Monitoring, Driver Attention Alert, Electronic Stability Control and six airbags. Underneath, and as with the forebearers, the 1.2-litre PureTech turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine develops an unchanged 96kW/230Nm channelled to the front wheels through a six-speed automatic gearbox. The claimed top speed is 208 km/h, with 0-100 km/h taking 8.7 seconds. Fuel consumption is rated at 6.3 L/100 km. Price Now available, but restricted to 40 units, the Corsa Irmscher's price tag includes a five-year/100 000 km warranty plus a three-year/45 000 km service plan. Corsa 1.2T Lite – R379 500 Corsa 1.2T Edition AT – R398 500 Corsa 1.2T GS Line AT – R469 500 Corsa Irmscher – R534 900 ALSO READ: It is coming: Irmscher treated Opel Corsa becoming reality soon
Straits Times
13-06-2025
- Automotive
- Straits Times
New Alfa Romeo, Jeep and Opel dealers appointed for Singapore
The new brand experience centre for Alfa Romeo and Jeep at 43 Malan Road will open in July 2025. PHOTO: RED ROCK & ROSSO MOTOR SINGAPORE – Global automotive group Stellantis has appointed two new Singapore distributors for three of its brands – Alfa Romeo, Jeep and Opel. Italian marque Alfa Romeo and American brand Jeep will be distributed by Red Rock & Rosso Motor. This is a new motor dealership set up by businessman Goh Kian Sin, who is a shareholder of Didi Lifestyle, a motorcycle dealership with brands like Triumph and Vespa in Singapore. Red Rock replaces Capella Auto, a subsidiary of Komoco Motors, which announced in January that it was quitting the two brands by June. The distributorship of German brand Opel has been awarded to Motorviva, which also sells trucks from Japanese brand Fuso and Inveco from Italy. Motorviva is part of Goldbell Group, an established player in commercial vehicle leasing and distribution, and owner of electric car-sharing service BlueSG. Although Goldbell has distributorship rights for all types of Opel vehicles in Singapore, it is going to distribute only commercial vehicles. It has no plans to do so for Opel's passenger cars. Auto Germany, which has been Opel's distributor since 2012, had said that it would stop selling Opel vehicles by the end of 2025 or when its existing stock is sold. These are the latest dealership changes for Stellantis-owned brands in Singapore, after French brand Peugeot was taken over by Cycle & Carriage in February from Vantage Automotive in February. Other brands under the global automotive group operating in Singapore include Citroen and Maserati. From July 1, after sales service and repairs of Alfa Romeo and Jeep cars will be handled by EuroAutomobiles, the motor dealer that represent Alfa Romeo before Capella Auto took over in 2023. The workshop will also fulfil any remaining servicing packages under sales contracts after the owners register with it. In Capella Auto's letter sent to 152 Alfa Romeo and Jeep owners on June 6, it said that the company was discontinuing the distributorship of the two brands from June 30 and Red Rock will be the new distributor from July 1. For the relaunch of Alfa Romeo under the new distributorship, Red Rock will be offering three models: the Giulia, Stevio and the compact crossover Tonale. A more mass-market model is expected to be ready for Singapore in the later months. The dealer also ordered a few units of the Giulia Quadrifoglio, a 500hp, four-door sports car. Jeep's reintroduction will kick off with the Grand Cherokee, which is a large sport utility vehicle. This will be followed by the Wrangler, which is a rugged off-roader, and other models that the dealer has ordered. Speaking to The Straits Times on June 12, Red Rock's Mr Goh said that the dealership will have its own sales team. Backend operations including vehicle importation will be handled by Didi Lifestyle. He is targeting for the car brands to have a combined monthly sales of around 20 units. In 2024, there were five Alfa Romeo and 24 Jeep registrations here. In contrast, the two official dealers of German premium brand BMW put 5,042 cars on the road. Mr Goh wants to take a more 'lifestyle approach' to build up the two car brands, working with tenants at Didi Lifestyle's The Southern Depot, where car owners can gather at a new 'brand experience centre' to enjoy the cars after it is ready sometime in July. Nestled among the art galleries and restaurants within Gillman Barracks, near Alexandra Road, The Southern Depot is an event and lifestyle space that was opened in 2023. Among the tenants in the colonial era warehouse today is a gym, a bar and restaurant and a grill academy which hosts cooking classes. Other car brands have taken to this lifestyle concept of selling cars in recent years, including Porsche and Audi, which have showrooms in office and retail buildings in town, instead of the traditional 'motor belt' of Leng Kee Road near Queenstown. These town showrooms also have in-house cafes. Mr Goh is also the managing director of Oriental Castle Group, which has automotive subsidiaries in Malaysia that sells brands including Lexus, Proton and Volkswagen. He is also the managing director of Didi Group in Malaysia, which represents a host of motorcycle brands. For Opel, Goldbell Group chief executive Arthur Chua confirmed that the company will be distributing the German brand's commercial vehicles as the company is confident that demand for electric commercial vehicles will grow. Instead of showrooms, the vehicles will be available through Goldbell's sales network and its leasing arm, bringing the vehicles to the customers' doorsteps. This is a common practice for commercial vehicles. In 2024, Opel commercial vehicle sales consisted mainly of electric vans, where the brand was the third-biggest seller with 156 units, after Citroen (197 units) and BYD (158). Lee Nian Tjoe is senior transport correspondent at The Straits Times, where he also oversees the Motoring section. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
The Citizen
13-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Opel unleashes its most powerful production model ever made
With 239kW/509Nm on tap, the Grandland Electric AWD will get from 0-100 km/h in a smidgen above six seconds. Grandland Electric AWD comes with unique styling to set it apart from the normal Electric variant. Image: Opel Previously only offered with front-wheel-drive, regardless of whether its powertrain is hybrid or electric, Opel has detailed its most powerful production SUV ever, the Grandland Electric AWD. Extensively shocked Going on-sale in Europe later this year, and as a Vauxhall in the United Kingdom, the Blitz's first-ever EV with all-wheel-drive sees the existing front mounted 157 kW electric motor being supplemented with an 82 kW module on the rear axle. Powered by the smallest battery pack available, the 73-kWh module, the total system output comes to 239kW/509Nm, which also makes the Grandland Electric AWD the most powerful production Opel model ever. ALSO READ: Early debut: Electrically assisted all-new Opel Grandland revealed Able to get from 0-100 km/h in 6.1 seconds, the Grandland Electric AWD has a claimed all-electric range of 501 km – the most of any EV Grandland – and comes with four driving modes: Eco : restricts power to 157kW/343Nm while also dumbing down the air-conditioning and throttle response; : restricts power to 157kW/343Nm while also dumbing down the air-conditioning and throttle response; Normal : most of the driving comes via the front motor that makes 230kW/450Nm; : most of the driving comes via the front motor that makes 230kW/450Nm; 4WD : both motors operate to provide an even spread of power and grip between the two axles; : both motors operate to provide an even spread of power and grip between the two axles; Sport: sharpens the steering and throttle mapping while providing the full 239kW/509Nm in a 60/40 front/rear split. Changes underneath and inside Aside from the mentioned modes, Opel has made additional alterations to the STLA Medium platform, namely improved frequency selective dampers, revised springs and anti-roll bars, retuned electric power steering and recalibration of the Electronic Stability Control system. Bespoke to the Electric AWD are 20-inch aero alloy wheels. Image: Opel Not stopping there, the Grandland Electric AWD's exterior has also been restyled to include an illuminated Blitz logo, redesigned front and rear bumpers, 20-inch aero alloy wheels designed specifically for it, and carbon instead of chrome detailing on the front bumper. It is a no for South Africa Still to be priced, the Grandland Electric AWD is an unlikely entrant for South Africa, where sales of the newcomer are officially set to commence next month. NOW READ: Approved: All-new Opel Grandland on its way to South Africa
The Citizen
12-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Approved: All-new Opel Grandland on its way to South Africa
Local range is yet to be finalised and unlike Europe, will either be a combustion engine-only affair, or have the option of at least a plug-in hybrid. Stellantis South Africa has given the greenlight for the Opel Grandland to be sold locally. Image: Opel An uncertainty until now, Stellantis South Africa has announced that the second generation Opel Grandland will become a market reality in July this year. A first for South Africa Unveiled last year in Europe by the Blitz and then later by UK sister brand Vauxhall, the Grandland will become the conglomerate's first model to have the STLA platform on local soil, in this case, the STLA Medium. ALSO READ: Early debut: Electrically assisted all-new Opel Grandland revealed Measuring 4 650 mm long, 1 905 mm wide and 1 660 mm, the platform translates to a wheelbase length of 2 784 mm, with the knock-off being 1 641-litres of boot space with the rear seats folded flat. EV or hybrid Still providing seating for the five, the Grandland shares its powertrains and platform with the Peugeot 5008, although it present, it remains unknown as to whether any will become available in South Africa. In Europe, the stalwart three-cylinder 1.2-litre PureTech turbo-petrol remains the base engine option, but with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system included, and connected to a new six-speed dual-clutch transmission. Producing 100kW/230Nm, the electric setup develops 28kW/55Nm on its own and, as with the previous Grandland, goes to the front wheels only. Grandland has a choice of combustion, hybrid and electric powertrains in Europe, however, options for South Africa are still under wraps. Image: Opel The only other petrol variant comes in the from of the plug-in hybrid, which combines the equally long serving four-cylinder 1.6-litre PureTech turbo with a 17.9-kWh battery pack. Paired to an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, the system develops a combined 195kW/350Nm Opel says will lead to a top speed of 220 km/h. The claimed all-electric range is 87 km and, with the combustion engine included, a claimed 897 km. On the electric side, the Grandland has two sized battery packs; a 73-kWh and an 83-kWh, both developing 157kW/343Nm. Respective ranges are 365 km and 410 km. Notable spec In terms of specification, the Grandland receives Opel's latest Pure Panel consisting of a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10-inch or 16-inch infotainment system, Head-Up Display, a wireless smartphone charger hidden behind an illuminated translucid glass panel called the Pixel Box, massaging front seats and the latest Matrix IntelliLux LED headlights. Styled to resemble the Astra, the interior's centrepiece is the latest Pure Panel pair of displays. Image: Opel Taking care of safety is Adaptive Cruise Control, Traffic Sign Recognition, Automatic Emergency Braking, Park Assist and a 360-degree surround-view camera system. What South Africa should expect Priced from €36 100 (R746 104) in Germany where two trim levels are offered, Edition and sporty GS, the Grandland's South African line-up remains unknown, though it its likely that the mentioned grades will be offered as they do on the Mokka. While not expected to offer any of the electric variants, unconfirmed speculation suggests Opel could opt for a non-electrified version of the 1.2-litre PureTech, or perhaps introduce the plug-in hybrid as its first ever electrified vehicle in South Africa. As mentioned though, this is purely speculative and as such, more information will only become available within the coming weeks. ALSO READ: Next Opel Grandland debuting in 2025 minus combustion power
