FirstDrive: VW Eos and Opel Astra TwintopPeople who buy cabriolet cars tend not to remember Mark Twain's advice that climate is what we expect, but weather is what we get. And an increasing number of car buyers seem to believe Irish weather is worth the risk and opt for a soft-top that remains firmly up for most of the year, but is taken down at every opportunity during those summer months.
It is this growing market that Opel is hoping to tap into with the introduction of a smart new "twin top" version of the Astra, using price as a strong selling point.
Arguing that a car with an electronically folding roof need cost no more than a convertible with a fabric roof, the company is offering an entry-level twin top at just €30,495.
The basic model has a 1.6 litre petrol engine with the power roof, four airbags, air conditioning, CD player, anti-lock brakes, cornering brake control, brake force distribution and brake assist, electric windows and mirrors as standard.
A sport version comes with alloy wheels, audio controls on the steering wheel and remote roof operation (with the basic model you have to take the roof up and down by using internal switches.) The sport version also comes with a 1.6 engine and costs €31,495.
The Design version is available with 1.6, 1.8 and 2.0 litre turbo petrol engines and also with a 1.9 direct injection diesel engine. There are further options such as leather trim upholstery (about €1,900), Xenon headlights and a rear parking sensor.
The twin top does a lot to enhance the looks of the Astra but there is lot of weight to be carried with the rather extensive and heavy retracting frame. The diesel version feels particularly heavy. However, when the roof is retracted the car has an elegance that makes it look a good deal more expensive than its entry-level price suggests.
Opel now has a good lead on Ford in this segment, with Ford due to introduce a cabriolet version of the Focus later this year.
The petrol versions feel a deal lighter than the diesel and the car is a comfortable drive for two, but not really for four. The boot space is extremely limited with room for soft bags rather than suitcases underneath all the gadgetry.