Test drive Opel Astra sedan since 2007 sedan

Intellectuals

Both Opel Astra and Renault Megane have been in demand in our market for a long time. But if Megane is no longer uncommon in the sedan version, then Astra acquired such a body recently. Compare these two cars.
Opel Astra Price: $ 20 300 on sale: 2007
Renault Megane Price: $ 19 380 on sale: 2005

Today, Renault Megane is one of the best -selling cars in Europe. It is also well -versed with us. And what, in fact, is surprised! Non -trivial appearance, spacious salon, adequate price all this has done its Frenchman on Russian land. And when the sedan also appeared, then those who wanted to possess such practical and, to some extent, became even more prestigious. But then Astra-Sedan appeared on the market. Astra, the one that has long been associated exclusively with the weak half of humanity, now also claims to be a solid sedan for an intelligent person.
The fact that Astra and Megane are quite stylish cars, no one needs to convince anyone. Of course, you can speculate about who is more pretty and more pleasant, but in this case we are more interesting than the inner world, not a shell. The appearance of appearance, but most of the time we spend in the car, and not near it. In general, we tear off the package and move on to the content.
Let's start with Astra. It is clear that nothing new in comparison with Astra in the back of the hatchback appeared here. The Germans can be accused for a long time of conservativeness, of unwillingness to monitor the latest trends in world automotive fashion, but it will not be possible to blame them for the absence of quality. Natural pedantry makes them even the smallest detail to trash until it becomes a masterpiece of production culture. In this regard, even an ordinary bicycle from the Second World War will be better than what is released today, but not in Germany. What can we say about cars! That is why the Astra salon looks much richer than Megane. The latter also does not suffer from a lack of production culture, but the materials in Opel are selected with greater care.
But Megane is more understandable from the point of view of ergonomics. There is no need to think about the click in order to switch the tuner from one radio station to another or correctly organize air flows in the cabin. Everything is extremely simple and understandable. Astra in this regard is much more sophisticated and complex. Plus, the German salon is not as spacious as it could be. This is understandable, because OPEL is even more than Renault, in connection with which in the Megane the feeling of the elbow is not as aggravated as in Astra. But this is ahead, but what's behind? The second row of both cars is quite spacious. A large forest base, which in one, in the other, allowed to easily place rear passengers with an acceptable level of comfort. But in the volume of the trunk Megane is preferable to Astra. It has not only a larger opening, but also a larger volume. Not much, of course, and yet 520 liters are more than 490. Yes, it is more convenient to control the cover of Megane, since there is an opening handle. It is not on Astra, so you have to open the lid either with an appropriate button from the cabin or from the key. But the disadvantages of both machines can be safely attributed to the fact that the pens on the inside for closing the cover has neither the first nor the second.
Astra and Megane were aggregated by automatic transmission boxes. Both had four steps, but the Renault box allowed to intervene in its work and switch the gears in sequential mode, but Opel does not. But Astra on the central console had a certain magical button with sport that stimulates to action. As soon as it was activated, the box instantly switched to the program, in which the engine speed at such a speed was close to the maximum torque. The engine roar in the cabin at such moments is serious, but the car is ready to shoot at any time.
Nevertheless, traveling on our roads is more pleasant on Megane. Suspension, suspension and suspension again. For Megane, potholes and pardon does not seem to exist. The car literally soars over all this outrage. Astra is also comfortable in this regard, but it is better to slow down in front of obstacles on it. Of course, she will also swallow the hole or easily fly over the tram tracks, but you will learn about it. However, a tougher suspension endows Astra with a slightly better handling and stability. This is especially felt in protracted turns. Megane in such modes is prone to demolish the rear axle, and you need to be prepared for this.
Opel Astra
It seems that with the advent of the Opel Astra sedan, the ranks of fans of this model will become even denser, because the car with such a body almost immediately moved from the category of female cars to the camp of family sedans. Astra will delight its owner with a high level of performance, rich in completion and non -casual design.
Driving
With an appropriate engine, the machine is able to satisfy the sled characteristics of even a sophisticated driver.
Salon
Okay is hidden, masterfully sewn, quite spacious, but for four. The volumetric trunk is quite comparable
with other cars of this class.
Comfort
Good sound insulation, worthy acoustics, comfortable seats, all at the level.
Security
The basic equipment consists of two airbags.
Price
Acceptable.
Renault Megane
The avant -garde design of the Magan Xetchbek was adopted in Europe with a bang. In our latitudes, the sedan has taken root more. The car bribed Russians with good sled characteristics, spacious and interesting in terms of design by a salon and, of course, an exceptional suspension. Among the advantages of the model, it is worth noting a high level of security.
Driving
With sharp restructuring, a slight demolition of the rear axle occurs. Dynamics and brake system deserve a good assessment.
Salon
Spacious and coat. The owner and a voluminous trunk will please the owner.
Comfort
At a decent level and corresponds to the car class. A suspension deserves special praise.
Security
At the level. The basic configuration includes six airbags. The highest assessment based on the results of the Euro NCAP test.
Price
Corresponds.

Database
Dimensions, weight
Maximum speed, km/h 188 184
Acceleration time to 100 km/h, from 11.7 13.1
Control consumption of fuel city cycle, l/ 100km 10.7 10.7
Control consumption of fuel track, l/ 100km 6.4 6.0
Dynamics
Maximum speed, km/h 188 184
Acceleration time to 100 km/h, from 11.7 13.1
Control consumption of fuel city cycle, l/ 100km 10.7 10.7
Control consumption of fuel track, l/ 100km 6.4 6.0

Technics
The type of engine is gasoline, in-line, 4-cylinder gasoline, in-line, 4-cylinder
The number of valves per cylinder 4 4
Working volume, cm3 1796 1598
Power L.S. at min-1 140/6300 115/600
Torque at MIN-1 175/3800 151/4250
Transmission 4-speed, automatic 4-speed, automatic
Front front drive
Front wheels suspension is independent independent
Rear wheel suspension independent independent
Front disk, ventilated disk, ventilated brakes
Rear discs brakes
Steering gear-rack gear-rake
Front tire size 205/55R16 205/55R16
The size of the rear tires 205/55R16 205/55R16
Fuel tank volume, l 52 60
Our verdict
In terms of the appearance of Opel Astra, the sedan seemed less interesting to us than Renault Megana, but the interior of Astra, especially the design of the front panel, is more stylish. Yes, and the materials of the finish in it are selected more carefully. But Megana with similar dimensions is more spacious. As for the sled characteristics, according to these indicators of the machine, you can put in one row, with the only correction that the suspension of Renault Megana is more comfortable, and Opel Astra, due to a more powerful engine, is more dynamic.

Author: Igor Kuznetsov
 

A source: Magazine 5 wheel [March 2008]