Opel drive-away deals

Opel Australia has announced new drive-away pricing deals and 24-hour test drives for its entire range until February 28.

In a first for the company, all models in the Opel range get all-inclusive prices, including the Corsa light hatch (from $16,990 drive-away), Astra small car (from $22,990 drive-away) and Insignia mid-sizer (from $39,990 drive-away).

Pitched as a Volkswagen Polo rival, Opel's entry-level Corsa three-door now costs $500 more than before, but the sub-$17,000 sticker price now factors in dealer delivery, stamp duty, 12 months’ registration and compulsory third party insurance, saving up to about $3000.

Buyers of the Insignia sedan and wagon will save less thanks to a $1500 price increase, but Astra hatch and wagon customers will save the most thanks to a price cut of $1000 and the inclusion of on-road costs.

Opel Australia Managing Director Bill Mott said the temporary drive-away pricing structure - together with its newly launched 'German Exchange Program', which offers potential customers a 24-hour test drive - will give GM’s European brand a positive start to the year.

"We’ve had a solid start in Australia since our launch in September and we’re excited to be starting 2013 with a strong product focused campaign," he said.

Since introducing 24-hour test drives in early January, Opel has decided to continue the practice after positive customer feedback.

"We’ve had a lot of feedback from customers that it is hard to get a real feel for a vehicle when you take it out on such a short test drive from the dealership," said Mr Mott.

"Our German Exchange Program gives the customers the opportunity to live and experience our cars in their own environment."

Day-long test drives are not unique but they are one of the most dramatic practices car companies use to convince car buyers to sign up.

In 2007 Holden offered a month-long test drive of sorts - a 30-day money-back guarantee on its mid-size Epica sedan (http://www.motoring.com.au/news/2007/medium-passenger/holden/money-back-guarantee-for-midsize-holden-3651) to spur slow sales.

Since arriving Down Under in September 2012, Opel has totalled 541 sales in its first four months, with the Astra the clear favourite with 365 registrations, followed by the Insignia (111) and Corsa (65).

Like most car marques, Opel offers three-year capped-price servicing as an incentive to attract buyers via lower running costs.

The German car-maker will attempt to keep the ball rolling in March, when it launches three new high-performance halo models - the OPC Corsa, Astra and Insignia.

Showing off sporty body work and paired with more powerful engines and serious suspension, the OPC models will inject a much-needed dose of street cred into Opel's car range.

The 206kW Astra OPC will be the most powerful hot hatch in its class, while the hard-edged all-paw OPC Insignia is powered by a turbo V6 built by Holden, pumping out 239kW.

Opel has more new models on the horizon, with the compact Mokka SUV high on the Australian subsidiary’s agenda as sales continue to grow in most SUV segments.

Opel also has a new convertible in the works - the Cascada, which is also on the company's local radar.

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