I’m in the new Opel Astra for a full test and this car, quite rightly, has the new VW Golf rattled. Astra’s overall quality, fit and finish is now class leading. It’s a safe yoke, too, that, like the Golf, has scored a maximum of five stars in Euro NCAP crash tests.
On the go the car is sporty, comfortable and well sorted, and while the other new kids on the block have a party trick or two (Mazda 3’s very nimble handling/the Golf’s weighty feel) the new Astra delivers the best of both worlds. Only the upcoming new Ford Focus, due later this year, will challenge it on the road.
Opel brings a host of technical innovations to the class, the most interesting being ‘Adaptive’ suspension with continuous damping control. The trick system is called ‘IDS plus’ and gives the driver a choice of a sporty dynamic ride or a more comfy one at the push of a button.
Having driven a hot Astra with this set-up on a test track I can say it is a huge leap forward in terms of driving safety. The stability offered in emergency situations was superb, and apart from that it was simply great craic to drive.
The Astra looks classy and offers up nice design touches from all angles. There is a real feeling of quality when you touch any point of contact, plus doors that clunk reassuringly. The exterior has flare without being too flash or vulgar. The interior works well and is the best offering from Opel in some time. Opel dashboards can be a little soulless and dull but the new Astra’s work well. The cabin is very well put together and edges the Golf in terms of materials used. The boot is usable, too.
On the road, the new Astra shines as it feels tight and responsive. It’s standard suspension set-up works well. While some cars feel as if they are going to fall apart when tackling the scourge of the ‘speed bumps’, the Astra fared better than most (always a good sign).
My test car was spanking new but there wasn’t a squeak to be heard. All controls are light and easy to use. The five-speed gearbox feels tighter and improved over the outgoing car. The only downside to the cabin is the lack of oddment storage space. There are no cup holders to be seen and nowhere to put a mobile phone in view (not that I would suggest people drink or use the phone whilst driving).
Prices start at €19,595 for the five-door 1.4 litre; my test car is the next in line; a 1.4 litre ‘Club’ at €21,395. It’s not cheap but it seems like good value for money when you consider there’s air conditioning, steering wheel controls for the CD stereo, six airbags and alloy wheels above the entry levels standard kit.
‘Life’, despite being the entry-level trim, has a lot going for it. The kit you can actually see includes a reach and rake adjustable steering wheel, CD stereo, multi-function display, remote dead locking, tinted glass, driver’s seat height adjuster, rear-seat centre armrest and four airbags.
Standard things you won’t see but experience include electric power steering (no drain on engine power), while on the handling side of things ABS and EBA (emergency brake assist) will stop the new Opel in a hurry.
The petrol engine range goes from 1.4, 1.6, and 1.8 up to the fire breathing 170bhp 2-litre ‘Turbo’ (€34,840). Diesels include a 1.7-litre TDi with 80 or 100bhp (see options), a 1.9 TDi exists but is not available here at the moment. I found the 1.7 TDi (100bhp/56.5mpg) to be a real gem and very well suited to the new Astra. I first drove the unit in the Meriva and loved its power delivery.
The hotter Astras are nice but the entry level ‘Twinport’ 1.4-litre features new technology and is pretty good. It delivers enough poke (90bhp) to keep most happy. The ‘old stager’ in the engine range is the 1.8-litre and while it remains a little rough round the edges it is eager to press on but is thirsty.
The 105bhp ‘Twinport’ 1.6 is hot on its tail and more economical (42.8 mpg vs 36.2mpg). Opel offers a couple of interesting available options like the engine upgrade from 1.4-litre up to 1.8 for €2,250 or my favourite option the 1.7 TDi diesel €600 power upgrade that ups the bhp from 80 to 100bhp. The automatic gearbox (€1,400) looks great on paper but isn’t on the road so avoid it.
The new solid, elegant and innovative Astra is now the best in its class.
-Michael Sheridan
RTÉ Guide
