Opel Ireland has launched a commercial variant of its successful Astra five door hatchback the Opel Astra Van. The first major fleet of the new Opel Astra five door Van has been supplied to eircom, Ireland's largest telecommunications provider.

The fleet of 100 vehicles has been assigned to eircom's engineering front line managers across the country.  This will bring eircom's fleet of Opel vehicles to almost 650.

The Opel Astra Van combines many of the same features as the passenger version including; German design and engineering, sporty styling, ergonomic cabin and a reliable economical diesel engine.

Fergal Marron, National Fleet Sales Manager at Opel Ireland said: "The Astra has always been popular with fleet customers and the addition of the five door Van is a competitive, cost effective and reliable alternative for our fleet customers who require more economy and style from a light commercial vehicle. The Astra Van is ideal for companies such as eircom as it combines German engineering at an affordable price point".

Michael Lynch, Head of Transport and Logistics, eircom, added: "The Astra Van is a perfect fit for us as it combines a practical work environment and low running costs with a professional image. We are confident that our engineering front line managers will have many years of safe and comfortable motoring in these Astra Vans."

Recommended retail prices start at €16,538 excluding VAT and are available in two options; the S and SC trims. The Astra Van features a 1.3CDTi (95hp) or a 1.7CDTi engine that boasts 125hp returning 4.5l/100km combined fuel consumption, with CO2 emissions of 119g/km. To ensure the maximum standards in safety and reliability, Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) has been included as standard.