Test drive Opel Astra sedan since 2007 sedan

Breaking stereotypes

Contrary to sustainable opinion about the fatal commitment of Russian motorists to the sedans, the vector of mass demand is gradually turning towards pan -European values
Such in the golf class are a car about five doors, that is, hatchbacks. Typical representatives of this vast family Opel Astra, Peugeot 308 and Renault Megane became the heroes of our heading.
The times when at the dawn of the new millennium he celebrated his debut Peugeot 307, they seem to be secluded and almost epic. Against the background of competitors, almost a single -volume Frenchman, maybe looked like a white crow, but he could not occupy originality. Today, these forms are more familiar, and competition is not more acute as an example. Therefore, the appearance of the 308th model became tougher, and the air intake was more aggressive than that of his predecessor. In general, the Peugeot 308 is great like a grown and swept younger brother Peugeot 207. But, abstracting from stylistic assessments, we only visit the inconvenience of mirrors leaned back. Together with their shape resembling the ears of Spaniel, this is unlikely to improve visibility.
Opel Astra and Renault Megane does not make any sense in detail. Both cars have been sold in Russia for a long time and managed to become silent on the roads. We only note that the French car looks, in our opinion, harmonious and, if you like, the graceful of German.
Assessing the interior of the rival cars from the point of view of design, the championship, perhaps, should be given to the highly artistic and severity to the creation of Opel (French interiors in emotional saturation of exterior still lose). Astra salon with the front panel lines and an expressive central console, richly decorated with buttons and verniers, is really able to impress.
But the trouble is: the driver’s workplace is usually evaluated from the standpoint of ergonomics, and here the mentioned console Astra appears in a completely different light. For example, the desired operation parameters of the climatic system have to be set using rotating pens located at the very bottom of the console, and, it must be understood that one of them (the central) controls not only the fjoice regime, but also the functions of the air conditioner. You can’t do without preliminary study of the instruction manual.
But the Renault climate control control, on the contrary, is organized extremely simple and clearly: buttons with readable iconograms are grouped around a neat screen will not be confused. Yes, and this farm is located not in the basement, but right before the eyes. Peugeot climatic system does not cause questions.
However, in general, the driver's places of our heroes are organized quite successfully. Only people who prefer to control the machine reclining will complain to the adjustments of the steering column in adjustments to the steering column (by inclination and by departure) and the seats. The rest, even with growth and complexion, far from the average, will select a convenient landing without any problems. And having properly asleep, they are unlikely to make claims to the reach of governing bodies. The profile and stiffness of the seats are very good do not get tired either on the long journey or in the crush on traffic jams.
Our heroes do not refuse comfort and passengers. Three adults will, of course, be cramped, but together without problems and with amenities. The PEUGEOT salon has become wider than 35 mm, and the recess in the back of the front seat for 27 mm increased the space for the legs. Among other pleasant moments, individual blowing deflectors and places for trifles (pockets in the doorway, boxing in a folding armrest). The spaces on the rear seats Megane are somehow indecent a lot. But there is enough of it in Astra: places for the legs and above the head in most cases in abundance. But by the convenience of landing and landing, Opel with narrow doors, rivals still loses ...
Turning to the dynamic part of the dough, refresh the line of power units in the memory. For Peugeot 308, three versions of a 1.6-liter engine developed in cooperation with the BMW Group are offered. Depending on the settings and the presence of a turbocharger, the engine develops 120, 140 or 150 horsepower and is aggregated with a 5-speed manual gearbox or with a 4-speed automatic. Astra is available with two versions of a 1.6-liter motor (105 and 115 hp), and the most powerful option of a 1.8 liter engine developing 140 hp. Transmission 5-speed mechanical or robotic. Buyers Astra 1.8 can order AKP-4. MEGANE customers are offered to choose a 1.6-liter 115-horsepower and 2-liter 136-horsepower engines. In the gamut of transmission 5- and 6-speed manual transmission and automatic transmission.
The 140-horsepower Peugeot 308 we got to the assertive acceleration and confident (thanks to the turbine) traction from the bottoms. And he disappointed with an automatic transmission openly disagreed with the engine.
An acceptable level of mutual understanding occurs in a power unit only in Sport mode, when the box tries to keep the gear longer. But with handling, everything is in order. The steering hydraulic power steering was replaced by electrohydraulic with variable performance, and McPherson racks and torsion beams traditional for PEUGEOT were subjected to significant modernization (the track is expanded, the wheel diameter was increased, the fasteners of the front axle are modified, etc.).
It does not hit the mud and Astra 1.8 AKP-4. Manual control of the box, however, is not provided. But there is a winter mode, as well as the ability to spur 140 horses hidden under the hood using the Sport button on the central console. True, the fuel consumption increases incredibly, because in the urban drive, the machine is intended to the second gear.
But in normal mode, Astra behaves on the road simply, understandable and predictably. He perfectly holds the high -speed line, does not graze even in corners: moderately sharp and short (2.7 revolutions from the stop to the stop), but a transparent steering wheel with an electro -hydraulic amplifier guarantees the driver constant feedback with the car. True, you have to pay for good handling: of course, Astra is not a stool, but the suspension is still harsh ...
Bowing many competitors, the 2-liter Renault engine develops only 136 hp, however, Megane demonstrates the dynamic characteristics that are quite acceptable to the average golf class. The programs in a 6-speed manual box are selected for a calm economical ride. The same applies to the machine. In a sharp series of accelerations and braking, the transmission is lost and, refusing to keep up with an overly frisky driver, is defiantly stupid. In such a situation, it makes sense to take control, the benefit of manual regime in the box is available.
However, Megane is still not a sportkup, but a private (albeit with a very bright appearance) Hitchback Golf class. Excess confirmation of this is the excellent smoothness. A rather energy -intensive suspension regularly swallows most bumps and bumps, but is prone to noticeable rolls on the bends. The steering wheel, especially at low speeds, is empty. The straight Megane holds quite decently, but in stressful turns, the connection with the car leaves.
The weightless brake pedal, requiring truly precision dosing of the effort (slightly overdo it, got up with a stake). However, the entire pedal node Renault deserves reproaches in excessive softness ...
When comparing the technical characteristics and running qualities of participants in the test, the decisive factor in the choice, perhaps, will be the price. Similar to our Peugeot 308 will facilitate your pocket for at least 665,300 rubles. (Of course, for this money there will be neither a panoramic roof nor navigation in the car). For Opel Astra with a 1.8-liter engine and automatic, dealers ask for from 583,000 rubles. And the basic value of the Renault Megane 2.0 automatic transmission 713 700 rubles. True, the configuration of the Frenchman will be noticeably richer.
Crash test Opel Astra
In a series of crash tests of the EURONCAP Association, the Opel Astra hatchback earned a 5-star rating, having received 34 points.
In an imitation of the front collision, the car was awarded 14 points. Experts noted the exceeding the pressure of belts and pillows of safety to the driver's chest, which can lead to injuries. Astra received 16 points for the side blow, and then there were no comments. The safety of children located in the cabin (4 stars out of 5) was no less highly evaluated, but only 3 points received for the loyalty to pedestrians.
PEUGEOT 308 crash test
In the EURONCAP tests, the car was awarded a 5-star rating, gaining 35 points: 14 in imitations of the front collision, 18 with a side strike (3 more points PEUGEOT 308 received an alarm about unsettled seat belts on all seats). The injury hazard of the front panel is significantly reduced due to the pillow that protects the driver's knees. The car protects young passengers for four 39 points. And experts rated the safety of pedestrians at 19 points (3 stars out of 4 possible).
Renault megane crash test
EURONCAP experts awarded Renault Megane maximum 5 stars back in 2002. The car earned 33 points, 14 of which fell on the front and 16 on the side. Experts noted the very well -coordinated work of pillows and belts, which ensures a high level of safety for all passengers. The children's test at that time was absent in the mandatory program, so the tests were carried out only for the safety of pedestrians, according to the results of which Megane earned 11 points (2 stars out of 4).
Opel Astra
+ A good ratio of price and quality, balanced behavior, a wide selection of execution options.
- poor equipment in the basic configuration, an automatic machine without manual control.
PEUGEOT 308
+ Bright appearance, excellent engines, a comfortable energy -intensive suspension.
- sluggish machine, mediocre visibility.
Renault Megane
+ Bright design, decent build quality, good dynamics and smoothness, high level of acoustic comfort.
- A rather high price in decent configuration, non -informative brakes, an uncomfortable handbrake.
Andrey Tsybulsky
Photo author: Armen Meetarjyan
 

A source: Mkobil magazine [September/2008]