Opel Astra station wagon, the test of Fatto.it – ​​Car of the Year … – The Daily

Remember the Monza Concept ? It was the show in Frankfurt of 2013, and the strange prototype already contain the DNA of what would become the ‘ Car of the Year 2016 : Opel Astra . A title that gave impetus to the Sales of the sedan version (have 130 000 orders in Europe so far) and that could also do it with the new variant family that will come to April in the Italian dealers.

We are talking about the ‘ Astra station wagon , the tenth generation of estate car the house of Russelsheim , from which 1963 (Kadett a Caravan) today represented the hard core of an offer that goes to compete in the 21% of the European C segment represented by . To which Opel has contributed since then with 5,300,000 of machines, so some familiarity on the subject over there should have it.

The word order has always been rational , but “import” of new technologies from upper segments. Of course, the Problem left the appeal : the old Vectra , for example, except that everything was beautiful. Precisely for this reason he was given life to the New Deal aesthetic inaugurated with the ‘ Insignia in 2008, signed by a genius of the pencil as Mark Adams . From then on, Opel has changed its face: not only reliable and technological, but also attractive in the aesthetics.

It does not escape to these considerations the newcomer, who has suffered a slimming similar to that of the sedan, thanks to the production platform used less than 190 pounds than the current version. Which means more agility on the road and consumption under control. As well as a online “lean” and attractive , as opposed to the aesthetic to see the beauty sacrificed to functionality, at least on this type of car.

size external are more or less the same, with long , which stood on the 4.70 meters . But the space within decisive factor for a wagon, has increased: the trunk, with the seats folded down completely, now reaches a capacity to 1,630 liters (at most 80). It is easy to manage thanks to the ‘ automatic opening of the tailgate: just the motion of a foot on the rear left car, and the game is made.

Chapter technology and connectivity . Yeah, because the more juicy news arrive right here: a bit ‘as happened with the sedan. Worthy of note are certainly the headlights IntelliLux LED Matrix, but inside there is also the latest generation of infotainment system IntelliLink to “talk” with your smartphone through the systems Apple CarPlay and Android Auto . And then, the gem that comes directly from America: the support Personal Opel OnStar . We’d also described during the launch of the sedan version, but it is worth to come back: it is a service integrated in the vehicle which works by pressing Two keys the ceiling on the roof : one red ( emergency call) and one blue (24 h 24 dialogue on the call center in the language of the client).

engines we kept them for last. Perhaps to enjoy to the full the fact that there is a lot of Italy in the proposed range, especially in terms Diesel . Without listing them all (find them in the below), suffice it to say that the object of our test was the top of the range, or the new 1.6 biturbo 160 horses . And that, above all, was designed (A to Z) in the center GM Powertrain Turin , like all diesel units equipping cars General Motors. it ‘an engine that “pushes” fluid and determined , becoming even feel a level of sound : but the thing that strikes you is his frankly elasticity, the ease with which it takes the tours and makes available to the whims of those who are behind the wheel. Although there would be no wonder that much, because the engines Italy we always saputi them to do.

OPEL ASTRA STATION WAGON – CARD

model : is the tenth generation of the compact station wagon Opel, and will be available in dealerships from April. The competition did not miss, since the market will be waiting for Volkswagen Golf Variant, Ford Focus SW, Skoda Octavia SW, Peugeot 308 SW, ST Seat Leon, Renault Megane Grandtour, Toyota Auris Touring Sports, Hyundai i30 SW, Kia Cee ‘ d SW, Honda Civic Tourer and Audi A3 Sportback
Size : length 4.70 meters, width 1.87, height 1:51
petrol engines : 1.0 turbocharged 3-cylinder 105 hp; 1.4 100 hp 1.4 turbo with 150 hp; 1.6 200 hp turbo
Diesel engines : 1.6 CDTI with 95, 110 and 136 hp; 1.6 CDTI twin-turbo 160-hp
homologated consumption in the combined cycle : 3.6 to 6.2 liters / 100 km
CO2 emissions : from 95 to 142 g / km of C02
Prices : from 18,600 EUR
We love : the impressive flexibility of the engine 1.6 twin-turbo diesel
do not like : some wind noise at high speeds, not excellent quality in the plastic of the rear doors