All-New Opel Astra Crowned Irish Compact Car of the Year 2023

Opel celebrated a major win at this year's Irish Car and Van of the Year awards in association with Continental Tyres, held at the Westin Hotel, in Dublin on Friday 11th November. The much-acclaimed, all-new Opel Astra was crowned Irish Compact Car of the Year 2023, seeing off stiff competition in a hotly contested category and adding yet another trophy to its ever-growing list of international accolades. The latest win follows hot on the heels of a Golden Steering Wheel award and the German Compact Car of the Year 2023 title, bestowed at the German Car Awards.

All-New Opel Astra: Irish Compact Car of the Year 2023

Members of the Motoring Media Association of Ireland (MMAI) hosted the event, which was attended by Ireland's leading car brands, importers and distributors. Motoring journalists from print, online and broadcasting assessed each new car model launched in Ireland this year and voting took place to choose the ultimate segment winners.

James Brooks, Managing Director at Leeson Motors, Opel Importer in Ireland, said: "Team Opel Ireland is delighted with this prestigious award. Winner of a growing list of international awards, it now adds Irish Compact Car of the Year 2023 to its trophy cabinet. Available in petrol, diesel and plug-in electric hybrid, an all-electric version will follow in 2023. Sporting Opel's striking new Vizor front face on the outside and handsome Pure Panel cockpit on the inside, it is as eye-catching as it is a true performer."

Pictured from left to right are: Tom Dennigan, Continental Tyres; James Brooks, Managing Director at Opel Ireland; Joe Rayfus, Chairman of the MMAI; Caroline Kidd, motoring journalist and juror for Irish Car of the Year

Tom Dennigan from awards sponsor, Continental Tyres, said: "After the Covid disruption that impacted on the Irish Car of Year awards over the past couple of years, we are delighted to be back with these awards for 2023. The MMAI jurors provide a great service to Irish motorists in providing a really helpful insight into the broad range of increasingly sophisticated car models that are launched here each year."

Armed with the latest award, Opel now looks ahead to a busy 2023 which will see the launch of the new Astra and Grandland GSe range, the all-electric Opel Astra and the Astra Sports Tourer.