Vauxhall Astra, 2009 - 2015
354Rating3.220% worse than average rating of competitors (4.0)Review number: 4 RecommendsYes 0% No 100%
The new generation Astra is built on the Delta II platform and is very similar to its bigger already recognized brother, the Opel Insignia. The Opel Astra has taken over from the Insignia not only some of the looks, but also the unusual comfort and safety features of its class. These include a completely new mechatronic chassis that combines mechanical and electronic functions, an advanced lighting system, a road sign recognition camera and ultra-ergonomic seats. The design of the car is really very flamboyant: the sleek lines are beautifully matched, the perfection is felt everywhere. However, the car looks very ordinary, lacks exceptional styling features and can be confused with many other members of this class, unlike, say, a VW Golf, which will not be confused with any other. What do we find inside the car? Perfectly matched dashboard and car body design, bold lines dominate everywhere, fun interior lighting, and many buttons stand out in the center console. In general, the design solutions are already seen in the Cadillac models, and the Astra may not have as clear a device layout as the Golf model, but it does feel the really great work of designers and the quality that characterizes higher-end cars. The rear seats have ample space and the 370-liter boot is more spacious than the Golf, but slightly smaller than the Ford Focus. It is unfortunate that the rear seats cannot be folded to obtain a smooth surface. However, the designers paid a lot of attention to the driver's position - thanks to the flexible steering wheel and seat adjustment, it is really easy to find a comfortable position. Comfort is the strong point of the Opel Astra - the car drives really quietly, smoothly, the suspension is very elastic. In this area, Astra again does not fit into the framework of its class. However, the car is inferior to its main competitors with its sharpness and driving sensations - the Astra does not like to be over-pressurized. According to the manufacturers, the range of petrol engines will consist of four 1.4-liter and 1.6-liter engines with power ranging from 100 hp to 180 hp. Interesting is the 1.4-liter turbocharged engine, which replaces the 1.8-liter unit and reaches 140 hp, and has excellent fuel economy. On the road, however, this engine doesn’t look more dynamic than the analog VW Golf 1.4-liter 120bhp engine with turbine. The range of turbodiesel CDTI engines will also consist of four engines - from a 1.3-liter 95 hp to a 2.0-liter 160 hp unit. A special version of ecoFLEX with extremely low fuel consumption and carbon emissions is also promised. The new Opel Astra with a five-door body will hit European car showrooms in mid-2010, and the GTC coupe and station wagon are expected in 2011.