Opel has historically been a benchmark brand in the C segment. First it was with the Kadett and, for many years, with the Astra, which is currently in its sixth generation and is one of the most attractive alternatives of its size.
The Astra has a bold exterior design and a strong personality. In this sense, it is not one more. On the front, the so-called Opel Vizor stands out and its image is based on sharp surfaces, sporty style. From any angle, it is a car that arouses admiration and leaves no one indifferent.
The interior, which has materials and settings of remarkable quality, enjoys good levels of habitability and is also committed to daring, thanks to the so-called Pure Panel, an instrument panel made up of a large digital module and two integrated 10-inch screens.
The driver enjoys the necessary resources to achieve the best driving position and the physical controls and commands have been reduced to a minimum. The front seats offer a comfortable spring and have a wide range of optional adjustments, from power recline to lumbar support. They can be heated and even incorporate a ventilation and massage function for the driver.
The boot, with a useful volume of 422 litres, is a space that is easily accessible thanks to its generous tailgate. This is a very correct figure for a vehicle of its size and the capacity can be increased by folding down the rear seats, up to a maximum of 1,339 liters. Another chapter satisfactorily resolved is the availability of slide holes.
In the chapter of information and entertainment, the Opel Astra equips the latest generation of multimedia systems with connected services, operated by voice control and also touch. Connected wireless Apple CarPlay and Andriod Auto and wireless charging for compatible smartphones are offered.
The unit tested by Moveo equipped a 130 hp 1.2 turbocharged gasoline block, associated with an eight-speed AT8 automatic transmission. It is a fairly quiet engine in its operation, which is only noticeable when accessing the upper part of the rev counter.
Without being a high-performance version, the acceleration capacity of the Opel Astra 1.2 Turbo is correct (0-100 km/h in 9.2 seconds). In addition, it is possible to manage the change manually through paddles located behind the steering wheel, a possibility that allows better use of the response of the engine.
This variant of the Opel Astra allows long journeys with a high pace of march and quite low fuel consumption. During the test, the actual consumption averages were between 5.5 and 6.5 liters per 100 km, values that guarantee low running costs.
Driving benefits from a chassis that is excellently tuned and always exhibits an excellent compromise between comfort and dynamic agility. The suspension work is excellent and when the road is twisty this Astra is a fun car. It also more than meets the braking capacity, always above the performance of the vehicle.
Driver assistance systems guarantee outstanding levels of safety. The Opel Astra 1.2 Turbo has a multifunction camera on the windshield, four cameras, five radar sensors and front and rear ultrasonic sensors.
For its part, the Intelli-Drive 1.0 system brings together elements such as forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane positioning, traffic sign recognition, driver fatigue alert, adaptive cruise control, detection blind spot alert and rear cross traffic alert.
Safety technologies are rounded out with a Head-up display, rear sensors that warn of approaching traffic or pedestrians when reverse gear is engaged, and a 360-degree Intelli-Vision camera and radar parking system. Its operation allows maneuvering and driving with a greater margin of safety.
This version of the Opel Astra does not have the performance and technology of the plug-in hybrid version, but the price difference between the two is very large, about 10,000 euros, which can tip the balance in favor of the 1.2 Turbo.
