The Opel Astra is Europe’s most popular car, with new registrations in March reaching a total of 62,853.

These sales figures were set to continue throughout April, with a further 71,530 Astra vehicles having already been ordered by European drivers.

Total orders for Opel vehicles in March stood at 215,931, placing the German car maker as the second most popular car-maker in Europe.

“March was a great month for Opel and particularly for the Astra, which came out as Europe’s most popular car.

“The impressive numbers, both in terms of registrations and new orders, reflect the trust which European consumers have in the Opel brand and its reputation for safe, well-designed and fun to drive cars,” said Edmund Gatt Baldacchino, managing director of United Automobile Ltd, Opel representatives in Malta.

Opel launched its newly designed Opel Astra in 2004. The new car, which has proved to be Europe’s biggest selling vehicle, immediately obtained a five star rating in the Euro NCAP crash tests, making it the safest sedan in the family car class.

This new Opel model was followed by the new Astra Station Wagon and the three-door Astra GTC which has just been launched across Europe, including Malta, and which, like the five-door Astra, is expected to become a frequently seen car on Europe’s roads.

Those wishing to view the full range of Opel vehicles, including the Opel Astra, the Astra Station Wagon and the brand new Opel Astra GTC, and to book a test drive, can contact United Automobile Ltd at the company’s showroom in Abate Rigord Street, Ta’ Xbiex.

United Automobile Ltd can also be contacted on telephone number 2132-0560.