IT'S NOT easy being Opel in Hong Kong, where the most popular German brands have always been Mercedes-Benz and BMW. Telling people you drive either of the latter will raise some eyebrows - and your social status. Audi and VW also possess this magic power. But if you mention Opel to a potential date, then 'What?' will be the most likely response. I'm not suggesting Opel is a turn-off, but the sad truth in Hong Kong is it's just not a hip brand.
This is a fact known all too well by its sole agent, Forefront Motors (tel: 2988 8080). And for this reason, Opel does not compete head-to-head with its German counterparts here. Its marketing and pricing strategies are aimed at Japanese competition.
I arrive at Opel's showroom in Tsim Sha Tsui East to try out its Vectra GTS sports saloon, a car that is not going to change things around overnight, but will probably increase a person's chance in the mating game. The GTS is the top-of-the-line model (over the standard 147 brake horsepower, four-cylinder Vectra) and is equipped with a 211bhp V6 engine, sports suspension, 20mm lower ride height, aluminium interior trims instead of wood accent and so on. While similarly powered German saloons, such as the Audi A4 3.0, BMW 330i and Mercedes C320 cost half a million, the GTS can be had for just $348,000, slightly more expensive than the 3.0 V6 versions of the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry.
I take my time examining the display model while my test car is being prepared. There's something robotic about the Vectra's appearance. With distinctive angular lines, square headlights and powerful Audi TT-like fenders, the Vectra looks as if it could transform into a giant standing automaton.
Could this machine have escaped from the nearby Science Museum? I can't say if the Vectra is beautiful or not, but it is different from the must-have flowing lines that scream 'I'm so smooth'. Inside, it's all business-like. The most prominent feature is the horizontal aluminium strip that runs around the cabin's waistline, and a flat-surface centre console that has the no-nonsense look of some up-market German kitchenware, while the angular controls and buttons are laid out in grid-like format. Although the materials are not as rich as some, the interior is tidy, elegant, and very German. This is the best Opel I have seen - the design is beautiful, the finish up there with the best, and the leather smells nice too. The salesman, who accompanies me on the test drive, gives me the ready signal; and I make up for lost time.
Just three blocks away, Mr Salesman asks for my comments. Too soon for an impression? Not really. The Vectra immediately demonstrates a level of refinement not seen in other Opels. The steering is light and communicative, the pedals positive and the engine eager to respond even at a snail's pace in built-up traffic. Torque is adequate from just 2,000rpm. Its structure is tight, the chassis - comprising front McPherson struts and four-link at the back - is shared with the Saab 9-3. However, the sports suspension chosen by Opel could be too firm for casual commuting. Forefront suggests that since the Vectra is meant to steal customers away from Japanese models, a distinctive Teutonic feel could win their hearts. However, the refinement champs of the group, say the Beamer, the Merc and even the new Accord, blend in ride quality and handling nicely without the suspension tuned to the verge of being radical. The Vectra's suspension could be over-the-top compared with them.