Test drive Opel Astra Sedan 1998 - 2008 Sedan

Pleasing to many

As a rule, when developing mass models in full growth, the task is to combine often mutually exclusive features and properties in one machine.
 
Indeed, since the model is massive, it means that it should simultaneously satisfy the needs of various groups of customers. How, for example, combine the strength of the body and the ease of design, carrying capacity and compactness? Only by compromise. All of the above fully refers to the Opel Astra model range, previously known as Kadett.
 
At one time, the most popular products of the automotive industry stood out in an independent class, which, with someone's light hand, was indicated by the name of its ancestor. This refers to the Golf class. The example of this car turned out to be so contagious that for almost 25 years, the leading world manufacturers have a large place in their production programs to such machines. The General Motors concern is no exception, whose European departments Opel and Vauxhall have always been a parallel course with one of the leaders of the German automotive industry.

The previous generation of Astra, produced by these departments, has established itself from the best side, in many countries ahead of the popularity of the ancestor of the class itself. This model is also well known in Russia, where it uses a reputation as a reliable and convenient car. So we had an occasion to take advantage of the invitation to the premiere of the new generation Opel Astra.

Visitors to last year's car dealership in Frankfurt could get acquainted with the new Astra visually. The car was presented as an outwardly completed and almost running model, but Opel Astra made their debut on the salon in Geneva only in the spring of this year. Almost simultaneously with this, in the vicinity of the Austrian city of Graz there was a presentation of new products for journalists of automobile publications, which was visited by a correspondent of Motor magazine.
 
In 1996, the Opel Signum concept car was represented at the Geneva Motor Show. He had to symbolize the new aesthetics of Opel products. Then no one thought that the new Astra would look like this prototype, with altituded, though proportions.

The body of the new car combines innovative stylistic solutions, and quite traditional ones - we must try to please all potential customers. In the serial Astra, the original headlights of the head lighting, which are on the hood, found use. In a five -door hatchback, the shape of the back door frame, which has a characteristic bend, is preserved. Initially, the car will be produced only with two bodies (three- and five-door hatchbacks), later it is planned to launch a sedan, mini-ven and compartment into production.

The design of the body is such that with a weight increase by only 15 kg compared to the old Opel Astra, its angular rigidity for twisting is 78% more than the previous model.
Note that about 20 varieties of steel are used in the back of the new Astra.
 
Partly the excess metal went to increase the size of the machine. So, the base grew by 97 mm, by 54 and 31 mm steel more, respectively, the front and rear ruts.
 
Manufacturers give a 12 -year warranty for the body from through corrosion - all panels are galvanized into two layers. A good help in increasing the hardness of the body and especially its front part was a closed subframe formed from the pipe using hydroforming. The subframe is attached to the body at six points and serves as the bearer of the front suspension levers, two supports of the power unit and the steering mechanism with an amplifier. The weight load from the engine with a gearbox is perceived by the front sparing through two supports, which are installed in such a way that the line connecting them passes through the center of gravity of the power unit, while the reactions from the torque are transmitted to the subframe of the other supports. This can significantly reduce the engine vibrations transmitted to the body, reduce idle speed, which means to increase efficiency.

The motor gamut of the new Astra consists of six gasoline engines with working volumes from 1.2 to 2 liters and with a capacity of 65 to 136 hp. and two turbodiesel volumes of 1.7 and 2 liters. The latter - with direct fuel injection and a 16 -valve head - is used in the Golf class for the first time. New gasoline engines of 1.2 and 1.8 liters specially designed for ASTRA are new. Together with a two -liter diesel engine, they enter a large family of Opel Ecotec engines. On a two-liter 16-valve gasoline engine in addition to the mount that reduces the vibration to the body, two balancing shafts with counterweights were used. The five -speed mechanical gearbox is standard for all modifications, and a four -speed machine can be put by order on all engines, except for 1.2 liters of gasoline and 1.7 liters. The front suspension of the Macphereson type is primarily interesting in that aluminum is widely used to reduce weight in it - a rack of racks with the lower supporting cup of the spring is made from it, and the traction of the transverse stability stabilizer is made out of plastic.
 
The rear suspension belongs to a type that is common in front -wheel drive cars, a characteristic feature of which is related longitudinal levers. Communication is provided by a twisted beam of an unusual design - its U -shaped profile is obscured from the pipe.
 
The supports of the rear suspension are designed in such a way as to provide the steering effect in the bend. The river steering mechanism is equipped with an economical electro -hydraulic amplifier.
 
We were able to familiarize ourselves with all these technical features with the help of field samples and in conversations with Opel experts during an exposure of the exposition specially deployed in the hotel lobby, where we lived. We were able to study the car directly during travel along several routes that were entered into the navigation system of each machine.
 
The first car on which we had to ride was a three -door hatchback with a 1.8 -liter engine. We get acquainted.
A wide doorway is convenient when landing. The cabin is very comfortable, the restrained modern interior is in perfect harmony with the bright appearance of the car. Torpedo has well -divided working zones - control and control, a disguised airbag is mounted from the passenger into it, which is issued by the Airbag inscription. There is also a pillow for the driver, it is in the hub of the steering column. Devices designed to increase passive safety are also include seat belts, pedal release system during the frontal blow and lateral protection in the form of tubular elements inside the doors.
 
A solid, moderately hard seat can easily be adjusted in length, height and corner of inclination of the back. You can also configure at your discretion a lumbar support located in the back of the seat. The steering column is adjustable along the angle of inclination. The steering wheel with a convenient rim lies well in the hands, without blocking the combination of devices. To the right of the steering wheel on the torpedo, external lighting controls were located, and on the central console there are immediately striking the built-in CD-resort and navigation system. As one of the options for configuration, the car can also be equipped with a mobile phone. Ibid. - Aeroclimatic installation control and air conditioning system. The gear lever is in the right place, the size of the moves and the clarity of the inclusion of gears - without comments. No slack and decay.

We sit back. To do this, tilt the back of the front chair, after which it moves forward entirely. Thus, the passage back becomes convenient. As we expected, after the back returned to its original position, the front seat took the pre -established position corresponding to the high growth of the driver.
 
At the same time, no less tall man is completely calm in the back seat. Yes, the salon was clearly more spacious.

We get behind the wheel. The route we have chosen will end at an impromptu training ground arranged on the local field of the local flying club. We have already learned to use the navigation system, so you can go. We move along a winding asphalt road through the forest. The car immediately behaved like a kind old acquaintance. That's really - sat down and went! In the character of Opel Astra this version, sports features are noticeable. The white scales of the devices, the rumbling sound of a tuned exhaust and a hard suspension give the impression that you are driving in a real sports car. The machine demonstrates good dynamics and keeps the course perfectly. The handling is magnificent. It is felt that the efforts of the company aimed at increasing the hardness of the body and improving the steering mechanism did not disappear for nothing.
 
The joint operation of the clutch pedal and the gearbox lever allows you to quickly and clearly move from the first gear to the fifth and vice versa, which, together with a good engine reaction to the gas pedal, makes the machine a full participant in an intense road in the city. The brakes act perfectly and have a large supply in force. The threshold of clutch of the wheels with the road is felt very well. The case did not even come to the trigger of ABS.
Here we are in place. We transplant to Opel Astra, which differs from our five -door body and two -liter engine. Planting - without comments. With visibility - complete order. Let's go ... First, a steep left turn follows, then with slalom. After that, acceleration in a straight line and braking to a complete stop. Next - movement along a gentle arc. And two more rearrangements, such as the one that has become fatal for Mercedes A-Class. A more powerful motor allows you to go faster than in the first case. Once again pleased the handling.
 
The steering accuracy is excellent! Under the influence of gas, the machine is predictably rolled out of the rotation, and the information content of the accelerator pedal and the clarity of the steering wheel at any time allow you to return Status quo. We went quickly and deliberately made a mistake, not smoking the steering wheel. To fix it, we needed to quickly transfer the steering wheel to the other side and brake sharply. Everything happened rapidly. A car without a hint of slipping blocked rubber with a jump returned to the trajectory, demonstrating the excellent work of ABS.
 
After the flight field, we went on a short trip around the country, choosing a five -door hatchback as a vehicle with a more calm way than in the previous case. The motor remained the same, only the sound of the exhaust became barely audible. The suspension appeared noticeable in comparison with the tuning version of softness, but this did not spoil the impressions of the car at all. The rolls in corners became a little larger, the steering wheel slightly reduced sharpness, but it became more comfortable. The next day, on the way to the airport, we checked Opel Astra's behavior on an autobahn. At high, at 200 km/h, speeds, the car shows good stability.
 
The reaction to the actions of the steering wheel is excellent. You can not worry when overtaking and lateral gusts of wind. In general, we safely reached the destination, which completed the program of the first acquaintance with the new Opel Astra.
  
The car is certainly good. A car for all occasions and for the widest circle of customers. We take a chance to assume that thanks to the combination of high consumer and operational qualities, he will repeat the success of his predecessor, who rightfully gained world recognition.
 
P.S. According to some reports, Russian Opel dealers plan to soon start selling a new Astra at prices that will pleasantly surprise adherents of Golf class cars.

 
Text: Sergey Ivanov

 
 
 

Source: Magazine Motor