The test of the new Opel Astra Station Wagon – Quattroruote

Features. Now the Astra sports a much more sporty look and planted on its wheels, almost five-door coupe. With a little originality: the split rear pillar. However, in the front that focuses the novelty queen of this series: we speak of the headlights IntelliLux Matrix Led, an optional useful as sophisticated. To emphasize, among other innovations, the multimedia system and network connectivity and customer care services (Opel OnStar) and security, that make “technological” this car. Moving on to the mechanics, the overall downsizing of the engine starts, with the already appreciated 1.6 turbo diesel, which in the most powerful version of the test has 136 horses. It extends to the alloy wheels: this exhibition Innovation, to tip, we find the 17˝ size series, with the only option to upgrade to 18˝. the dashboard, made of soft material at the top, is deep, and very developed in width and the console leaves the look too rich and full of commands: now clean and essential reign supreme. the controls are arranged on three levels below the touch monitor 8˝ and so the functions are easily identifiable. just a shame that the hazard has moved to the passenger and, below, the battery of buttons appears next to the gear lever. Very nice, however, the sporty three spoke steering wheel leather, of 37 cm diameter, with (many) integrated controls. As already mentioned, the vehicle under test is equipped richer bodywork and therefore the passenger compartment presents at best. Besides they are included as optional leather interior, smooth and perforated type, with exposed seams. In the package (1,800 €), including lumbar support, are included as well the rear seats and heated steering wheel. Perhaps the most important element is the driver’s seat Agr (500 euro), with a full 18-way power adjustment, of memories and massage function (in addition to the ventilation of the front seats).

Confort. Overall, four traveling comfortable. Not only for the good soundproofing, at highway speeds, but because the cabin is more spacious. Do not be fooled by the sporty shape and by decreasing dimensions: before you can sit with a good margin even very tall people. And behind, despite the shorter wheelbase, there are several extra inches to the knees, with the air above his head remained unchanged. Well as the width of the passenger recognizes the new Astra and maybe also why the central place looks a bit ‘less uncomfortable than others. It is confirmed only fair, however, the luggage capacity: 320 liters, including the background. And with a modular normal.

How are you. The car body “slim” only offers advantages when you are behind the wheel. The new

Astra is more agile and quick than her predecessor, both in tight spaces both in rhythmic tracks. The progress from the point of dynamic views are confirmed in its entirety by the excellent result obtained lap on our track of Vairano, where the Opel stopped the clock at 1’27 “5, just one tenth of a second from the time obtained from the Volkswagen Golf, equipped, however, , with the 2.0 TDI 150 hp. agility is favored by very ready and precise steering, which is not a sensitivity model, thanks a load rather limited. also record a little ‘more freedom of movement of the rear axle, which explains the greater ease of cornering, with no negative impact on safety: in our test at Vairano, in fact, the behavior has proved reliable, for about ESP attentive and alert. as for the engine, l ‘ 1.6 CDTi is vigorous and power seems even greater than that declared. Result: ensures an uncommon brilliance, for which a more relaxed gear. It is felt, however, in the cold roughness level and at low rpm, and then push hard from 1,500 rpm onwards, up to 4,500, with a romboso tone. Not disturbing, however, to highway pace, where they do not even mention obvious wind noise, or a significant rolling. The structure is full bodied and, with 225/45 tires, ensures a good compromise between performance and comfort: some reaction, however, is felt on passing driest obstacles or over very rough roads.

exchange and consumption. Successful pairing between the engine and the manual six-speed gearbox, compared well, which helps to provide a particularly rapid and robust recovery. Alternatively, for those who do not like the heavy clutches such as this, there is automatic, always six-speed (1,500 euro). Finally, the lively behavior does not involve sacrifices in terms of consumption: the 136 hp Astra 1.6 is still fairly frugal, both in the city – which runs 16.7 km / l – both on the highway, where nearly 18. And although now the tank is smaller (increased from 56 to 48 liters), you can rest easy: on average, with a full, will cover more than 850 kilometers.

Andrea Stassano
(test drive taken from Quattroruote December 2015)