Test drive Opel Astra Sport sedan since 2012 sedan
Opel Astra test drive: Evolution: Reasonable car
The first generation of the Opel Astra model - with Litera F appeared 21 years ago, in 1991. This was followed by Astra G and Astra H (born in 1998 and 2004, respectively). Opel Astra J appeared in 2010 and has since surprised her unfading relevance. With the advent of the Astra J generation, and the entire modern lineup of the Opel brand on Opelvodov Street began the holiday. It is difficult to imagine what efforts were made by the company's management in order to wash the bright name of the brand, from dust and rust, who had attached to it in the 90s of the XX century. Then Opel symbolized, almost the worst example of a European automotive industry. Today, finding shortcomings in the design of Astra is an occupation for especially creative motorists, who, relying on sympathy of another brand, are ready to change the poles from obvious pros on controversial disadvantages. It is worth paying tribute to the creators of this car. He is beautiful, comfortable and perfectly controlled.
However, the main thing that the Astra J -revolutionary model makes is technology. Such a number of innovations as here, you rarely find even on the flagship models of luxury brands. Before us is a car, which, compared with his predecessor, jumped two, or even three evolutionary steps up. At the same time, the cost of the car has not changed. The OPEL lineup, upgrading, has become only a little more expensive so that previous modifications that continue to be sold are not lost.
Despite the obvious advantages of Astra J, it is worth noting: the main merit is that new elements of comfort, security and design have come to the C-class, belongs to the Insignia model, on which these technologies were crowded. A completely new mechatron chassis, a camera recognizing road signs, a superior lighting system, a signaling of the intersection of a continuous line without turning on a turn signal, as well as a system of recognition of the driver's fatigue is only part of the filling that even a business class model can envy.
When designing the appearance of Astra J, the designers took advantage of the same stylistic elements that first appeared on Insignia: relief lines in the area of \u200b\u200bthe rear arches, optics, a radiator grille and clear sports lines resembling a compartment.
The city tests for dynamism, stability and handling of the car proved that the creators endowed the car with technologies that provide adhesion with the road worthy of the highest rating. Despite the modest 1.4-liter engine volume, it, thanks to the turbine, develops a capacity of 140 hp sufficient for comfortable driving. The motor even allows you to screech with rubber in the first gear in Huligan and whistle in the second. On the test we had a version with a mechanical 6-speed checkpoint. I admit that on dry asphalt, all my efforts to tear off asters from the trajectory of movement were unsuccessful. She, like on rails, moved to where the steering wheel turned. I managed to understand what side sliding was only on the site with tightly rolled snow. But here, the car behaved absolutely predictably, stopping the turning and excessive sliding, as soon as the moment set directly on the front wheels. Almost the reference controllability and stability was achieved due to the increase in both the base and the ruts of the new Astra, compared with the old one. In addition, the Opel Astra chassis has undergone changes. It was developed as a mechatron system that integrates into a single whole mechanical functions and electronic control. In front of the chassis is equipped with a classic McPherson system.
However, it will not fairly forget about the main highlight of the model of the rear beam that hides the secret of stability. Engineers were the first in the world to connect a semi -dependent beam of the rear axle with the Watt mechanism. The Watta mechanism is opposed to the lateral loads that affect the car when turning, and gives the car dynamism and maneuverability without prejudice to stability and comfort.
The Astra J salon is rich in a mass of clothing departments, including a small compartment for gloves located on the driver's side, and a box under the seat of the front passenger. In addition, in the compartment under the armrest, a secret space for storage is hidden, for example, a camera or a mobile phone. In the pockets of the front doors, a 1.5-liter bottle of water easily fits. A stylish salon gives the impression of an expensive and soundly made. With the onset of dusk, each car owner and passenger will appreciate the pleasant backlight of the mess and the glow from under the base of the gearbox lever.
Opel engineers say: noise levels inside the car showed that the Astra salon is one of the quietest in its class. Without special devices, it is impossible to check this statement, but I will not undertake to argue with it. The sound of a working engine and noise from the street really do not penetrate the car. The fact is that the original architecture of fastening pendants and engine to the body using hydraulic silent blocks allowed to take a significant part of the noise made by the engine and wheels from the passenger compartment. The rigidity of the case at the points of attaching the engine installation system is increased by 50 % compared to the previous generation. This allows you to achieve a lower noise level inside the cabin and increase the comfort of driving. The sound of the door closed even was subjected to tuning. According to Opel experts, this sound makes the buyer the first impression when meeting a car in a car dealership. Each door in the new Opel Astra when closed makes a pure sound of a certain tone and length, demonstrating high assembly quality.
However, not everything is so marmalable in this car as it might seem at the first, second and third glances. There are things in this product that you can get to the bottom. For example, massive A-shaped front racks slightly worsen visibility. But, on the other hand, they give significant rigidity of the design, which, of course, is more important than the 2-3-day adaptation of the driver. The only inconvenience that I had to remember about dozens of times a day is an armrest, which you constantly beat your hand when switching the gears. Despite the fact that the armrest is adjustable (it moves longitudinally), I could not find the optimal position for him, so I just resigned and began to raise the elbow by 2, 4 and 6 gear. Summary
The new Astra provokes comparison. Moreover, you will compare it not only with classmates, but also with models from the luxury segment. Why? Everything is just worthy of this and she wins with competitors. If you discard the stereotypes that people, who for 40, managed to form by virtue of their own experience or reviews of acquaintances who operated the Opel of the last century, then which car is the choice? It will become much easier
The price of a test copy is from 795,000 rubles.
Source: Business car club
