Opels have long been favourites for tuning in South Africa.

In the old days, hot Astras and Kadetts proudly roamed the streets and instilled fear into the hearts of the BMW and Volkswagen brigade.

Not so these days. It would seem Opel owners have grown old, recoiling in submission to the bland shapes and timid engines the company has been churning out in the last decade or so.

But perhaps you are a hardened Opel fan in possession of a current Astra and want to vanquish the car's generic, egg-on-wheels shape.

Enter German tuners Senner which has come to the rescue by detailing the current Astra in a way that should bring back the lost chest hairs.

The basis of the mod is a body kit specifically designed for the range. Up front is a unique front lip spoiler in matte black by Steinmetz, which is complemented by a special mesh grille also tinged with black.

This move sorts out the front and tones down the cuteness specified by GM on the standard car. Two-tone side skirts - seen here in red and black - help with a lowering effect, while a rear apron that polarises the rear bumper by being fashionably rectangular and housing dual, stainless steel bazooka ports, is fitted.

Senner also applies an extended roof spoiler, which is shy in comparison, and also integrates a rear brake light.

You can't argue with this look, which is finished off heroically by Alutec 8x19-inch multi-spoke rims that accommodate 235/35/R19 rubber.

This tuning programme can cease at this point if the customer so choses. If matched to the company's new and powerful 1.4-litre turbo motor perhaps with the electronic suspension stiffening programme as standard, you could be set for a complete package.

However, Senner also goes beyond this and offers the Astra with even more power.

Wisely opting for the same 1.4-litre turbo unit that produces 103kW and 200Nm when fresh out of GM, Senner Tuning dials output of up to 121kW and 250Nm.

This added zing should come in handy and with a sensible extra helping of power, it will be sweeter without much risk to mechanical integrity.

For those who hanker after even better road grip levels for their Astra, Senner offers a suspension tuning package which allows for adjustability to the damper feel and ride height.