More compact, sporty and “ribbed” in the forms. This is how the new Opel Astra , we drove on the roads between Vienna and Bratislava. Photos do not do at all, but “live” the compact of the German gains in style, now more tense, and proportions: it is shorter by nearly five centimeters, with minimal overhangs and a short wheelbase. Italian will arrive in dealerships in late October, with prices starting at 17,600 Euros for the 1.4 engine 100 hp. For the first customers, until the end of year, there will be 2,500 Euros of benefits, and there is a further contribution of € 1,000 for the purchase of options.
A nice” three “. The dashboard is classic, with two main tools (not too big) and a generous display. If desired, you can adjust to very low driving position, with legs bent and the beautiful wheel, similar to that of the Corsa, a bit ’tilted. The seats are quite profiles, but do not shake too much and are suitable for most sizes; backrest adjustment, as is appropriate, is to wheel (or electric). The Astra test is equipped with the three-cylinder 1.0-liter Ecotec turbo gasoline direct injection, 105 hp: in this case, the clichés on small engine are instantly dispelled. Not only it is silent and did not shake the controls, but it is well rounded, very smooth and pleasant at low and medium revs. In short, it is moving the Astra, which is not small, with ease and a good spirit, even better than expected (although there are more powerful rivals). It feels a bit ‘more his typical “voice” only when it is exploited at very high speeds, where, however, the drive does not end soon.
tourer reassuring. We walk mainly fast roads and highways: well, the Astra is doing very well, and you have to change down – a five-speed grafts unguided, but the maneuverability – only when you need all the push now, after an immediate restart. In normal traffic recovers well after the 130. Traveling you can count on a cockpit rather quiet: you feel some minimum wind noise, like rolling the generous tires (225/45 on 17 “wheels) of certain funds but the overall comfort is appreciated. When you see a few corners, or even in the city, it appreciates the steering load properly (no more adjustable) and the agility of the Astra, more compact and quick to respond to the previous one, but always easy to understand. It is the result of painstaking work of Opel engineers, who stole pounds – up to 200, depending on the engine – weight a bit ‘everywhere, from the chassis to the gearbox, from the seats to the electronics and the drain.
Light selective. We also had the opportunity to test the new lights IntelliLux matrix LEDs – one of the major technological innovations of the model, at 1,300 euro – even on roads completely dark. Well , putting into place the Auto light switch left, the system does it all and is already “alerted”, with warning light on the dashboard, before becoming active: selectively illuminates the darkest parts, even side by sharpening objects well before the usual , without disturbing the driving of the other vehicles, which are in the right direction or in the opposite one. When you are traveling alone, also it provides white illumination, almost “day”, also on the road signs, which will be appreciated especially by those who toil night driving. Obviously, in fog or heavy rain, the system is turned off.
from Bratislava, Andrea Stassano
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