VW Golf challenged by new Opel Astra, Renault Megane in Europe's compact segment

The new-generation Opel/Vauxhall Astra will move ahead of the Ford Focus into second place in Europe’s volume compact class next year and take a significant chunk from sales of the segment-leading Volkswagen Golf, analysts believe. Renault is also expected to rise several places in the segment because of the arrival of the new Megane, IHS Automotive forecasts.

Both the Megane and Astra were launched at this year’s Frankfurt auto show, where Renault and Opel highlighted their new models’ technology upgrades. Renault showcased the Megane’s large, portrait-sized touchscreen for the infotainment system and the four-wheel steering available on the top-of-the-line GT-badged variant.

Opel touted that the Astra will offer the first European version of parent General Motors’ OnStar in-car communication system complete with a 4G (LTE) WiFi hotspot and a smartphone link that brings either Apple CarPlay or Android Auto onto the car’s touchscreen.

Source: http://autoweek.com/

11.12.2015