SEDANS may increasingly be deemed old-fashioned in mature markets such as Japan and Europe, but Singapore car buyers still long for models with a rump.

Almost indiscriminately, they gravitate towards the sedan form, ignoring the fact that the hatchback equivalent is often aesthetically and dynamically more appealing.

Take the case of the Nissan Latio sedan, which outsells the hatch version four to one.

Hence, the arrival of a mid-range four-door should change the fortunes of the long-ignored Opel somewhat. Especially when the car in question, the Astra sedan, is quite likely one of the most surprisingly competent drives to come our way.

While it appears ordinary enough, it offers a level of ride comfort, quietness and smoothness that exceeds all expectations.

OPEL ASTRA SEDAN

Price: $86,888 with COE Engine: 1,796cc 16-valve inline-4 Transmission: Four-speed automatic Power: 140bhp at 6,300rpm Torque: 175Nm at 3,800rpm 0-100kmh: 11.6 seconds Top speed: 191kmh Fuel consumption: 10.7 litres/100km (city) Agent: Auto Eurokars

In fact, it stands tall next to a segment leader such as the Honda Civic, and it outshines a premium contender such as the Volkswagen Jetta in terms of refinement.

It is also surprisingly spacious. Leg room is especially generous, and taller individuals will sit in the second row for long periods without fear of deep vein thrombosis.

There are good reasons for the Astra sedan turning out as well as it has.

First of all, it is in the genes. Unlike many sedan models, which are based on the hatch product (often with a boot grafted on hastily), this car is based on the Astra wagon.

Hence it is endowed with the proportions of the larger vehicle. At 2,703mm, its wheelbase is actually the longest in the segment, although the car is average-sized when it comes to width.

The long wheelbase contributes to the car's ride comfort. In this area, the Astra compares well with larger, costlier cars.

Undercarriage insulation is quite adequate. Hence you neither hear nor feel imperfections on the tarmac.

This trait complements the car's quiet drivetrain and rev-thrifty engine. The transmission - a regular four-speed autobox with no quick shifting option - changes up and down smoothly. A prime example of sound fundamentals trouncing fancy frills.

The Astra packs sufficient torque for a reasonable degree of responsiveness in city traffic, but it could do with more juice for jobs that require urgency.

On the flipside, its Ecotec engine has double continuous variable cam phasing, which improves efficiency.

This is not exactly what you'd call a driver's car, but it acquits itself pretty well around corners, betraying very little or no body roll. Proof yet again that a car need not have a rocky ride to handle well.

The car's cabin is as clinical as before, but the beige nappa leather upholstery fitted here lightens up the ambience. It is pretty comfortable too.

It has a decent array of amenities, including a factory-fitted centre console housing the hi-fi and climate control as well as steering-mounted switches. You will, however, find nowhere practical to place even your mobile phone. There is a centre armrest in front, but it gets in the way of the handbrake.

What most people will approve of when they first see the car is how well formed it is. It is not a stunner, but it has pleasant proportions and the congruity of a product that has been designed from the ground up. However, it could do with snazzier tail-lamps, such as those on the hatchback.

This article was first published in The Straits Times on Mar 29, 2008.