Opel Astra Hatch Road Test
Review by Tristan Tancredi - 29 May 2013
Discontinued in 2009 as the Holden Astra, the Astra makes a return to the Australian car market under the original Opel brand.
Available in three models; The entry level Astra, the Astra Select and the Astra Sport, the Astra 5-Door hatch provides plenty of luxurious extras in the latter packages including ergonomic leather seating and a 7" Information Display.
The Opel Astra is a competent on-road performer, yet it's pricing is a little dubious (Starts at $23,990). Especially when the new Golf 7 starts at $21,490.
Let's take a closer look at the Opel Astra.
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| Drive | Engine | Exterior | Interior | Safety |
Drive: 3.5/5
The Astra was one of Holdens best sellers pre-2009. Hence the reason why Opel has predicted (perhaps a little over enthuastically) strong sales over the coming years.
After spending a week putting the Astra through various on-road tests, scenarios and conditions we came to one conclusion: The handling of the Astra is sublime. Taking turns at pace both on-road and off and the Astra is as smooth as silk.
Perhaps the word "Turbo" plastered on the back of this hatch is a little misleading as it's not breath-takingly quick. Sure, it utlises a turbo engine, yet 0-100km/h times aren't award winning.
The entry hatch (auto) reaches 0-100km/h in 10.2 seconds, the Select (auto) in 9.0 seconds and the Sport (auto) also in 9.0 seconds. It must be noted that manual transmissions are available for all models and are slightly faster.
Despite the lack of an energetic and bubbly drive, the Astra is still a tamed competent performer. What it loses in zippiness it makes up for in smoothness.
Activeselect transmission, optional through the Astra range, is basically Holden/Opels term for a transmission which allows the driver to manually change the automatic transmission. Despite occassional pauses and delays between gear changes, the transmission is relatively sound.
Cruise Control and a Speed Limiter are both easy to set up and both work well. A great idea for folks with a heavy foot.
Engine: 3.5/5
The entry model Astra utilises a 1.4L VVT Turbo EcoTech Petrol paired with a 6-speed Automatic transmission with Activeselect (A 6 speed manual transmission is also available).
Despite the increase in fuel conservation and the minimisation of emissions, the EcoTech engine still provides a steady output of power for competent performance. This entry level Turbo petrol engine produces 103kW at 4900-6000rpm and 200Nm at 1850-4900rpm.
Both the Select and Sport Astras share a 1.6L VVT Turbo Petrol Engine. This engine produces 132kW at 5,500rpm and 230Nm at 2,200rpm.
The Astra produces a combined fuel consumption figure of 6.7L per 100kms (1.4L engine) and 7.3L per 100kms (1.6L engine). After a week of onroad testing through a variety of conditions, we notched up a similar respectable number (7.5L).
*A 2.0L CDTi Turbo Diesel Engine is also available.
Exterior: 4/5
The 5-Door Astra Hatch measures in at 4419mm long, 2013mm wide and 1510mm high. It has a turning circle of 11.47 metres.
There is 370L of bootspace is on offer with the backseats up. Lower the backseats and there is 795L of space available which is quite generous.
Adaptive Forward Lighting is available as an option for the Astra range (Select & Sports). AFL is a set of bi-xenon headlights that automatically adjust to different conditions and offer first-rate coverage. It is claimed by Opel that AFL improves road illumination by 90% (especially around bends).
Other notable exterior features include; Front fog lights, electric park brake, hill start assist, lowered sports chassis (sports) and rear roof spoiler (sports).,
Overall as a package, the Astra is an elegant hatch. People won't stop and stare in amazement, but they won't turn away in disgust either. A wide stance is emphasised by the front grille that ultimately delivers a strong and sporty design.
Safety: 5/5
The Opel Astra 5-Door hatch received a 5-star ANCAP safety rating with an overall score of 35.02 out of 37.
Standard safety features across the Astra range include; Dual front airbags, dual front side airbags, dual curtain airbags, electronic stability control and traction control. Parking sensors appropriately warn the driver and Traction Control can be switched on or off via a button on the dash.
The Astra Hatch is also designed in a way to best cater any unfortunate accidents. Energy absortion systems, combined with robust bumpers protect the occupant from minor collisions. The passenger cell made from high strength steel and surrounded by deformation zones also significantly protects occupants during an accident.
Interior: 3.5/5
We were lucky enough to be spoilt with an interior filled out with black leather interior complimented with white stitchings. Ergonomic bucket seats are the epitomy of comfort and as a bonus offers tremendous lumbar support.
Leather interior is only available with the Select and Sports models. Cloth fabric is the standard for the entry model.
There is loads of space within the cabin. This is also complimented with a host of storage compartments and cup holders.
We were lucky enough to have the high-end interior package with 7" Display screen and Navigation package. (Again this is unavailable with the entry model, optional with the Select and standard with the Sport).
The Display screen is operated via buttons on the central console unit. It can be a little tricky to manouvre through the settings, media and navigation on the 7" display screen thanks to the system being a little tempremental. We found it wouldn't always do what we intended it to.
Nontheless Bluetooth, USB with iPod connectivity and an AUX input can all be found and are easily accessable.
The Sound System is quite good, yet the speakers do get distorted with the volume pumping.
Overall: 3.5/5
I know that people are sick of hearing this (Even I am), but I have to mention it. The Opel Astra starts at $23,990 (Entry Level Manual) which is more expensive than the all-new base model manual VW Golf 7 ($21,490). (*Granted the release dates were months apart, both are now available).
With this in mind it is really hard to suggest that the Astra is THE must-have hatch. A finely made vehicle, the Astra ticks all the boxes; It drives efficiently, handling is smooth and it looks and feels modern and stylish. It's biggest problem however is it's against ridiculously strong competition.
Nontheless, be sure to take the Astra hatch round the block for a test run. It may blow your socks off.
* Prices are manufacturer list prices only, for the drive away price please contact your local authorised Opel dealer.
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