Test drive Opel Astra Sedan 1998 - 2008 Sedan

Under the sun of North Venice

In the astral family there was a solid. There are no longer cars, and a new generation will go on sale only at the end of summer. You can find only the most expensive cars from the previous dealers - compartment and convertibles. The technique, by the way, is very seasoned, which we did not fail to use.

Both Coupe and Cabrio Opelians consider it exclusive. Therefore, the detailed drawing of their silhouettes, and then the final assembly, was entrusted with the eminent company Bertone from the Italian city of Gralyasko. This is evidenced by nameplate on the front wings of cars. However, the show -off, as it happens, turned out to be economically inappropriate - due to the high cost of production, the total prices were barely entered in competitive frames. Therefore, the release of the coupe and convertible on the basis of the New Astra will be transferred to German Bochum.

This Astra Cabrio is equipped with almost the maximum: a 147-horsepower engine, automatic gearbox, leather interior. In Europe, an even more powerful version of 2.0 Turbo was proposed about 190 horsepower, but it was not officially supplied to Russia. As well as cars with simple engines, volumes of 1.6 and 1.8 liters. Total unification with ordinary asters is the main plus of the convertible. She is his main minus. Yes, problems with the search for spare parts are minimized. Optics, the front bumper, some of the iron, all the mechanics-exactly like on cars, which are two times cheaper. For example, Peugeot 406 Coupe does not have a single total body part with the 406th sedan. There is a headache.

But there is no feeling of exclusivity. Chairs, of course, are better, with a developed profile and good lateral support. And all. The interior design is the same as in the hatchbacks: the same contours of the front panel, the same central console, the same devices, except with chrome dials of dials. And this means that it is convenient to sit behind the wheel, it is convenient to drive a car. But nothing more. Obviously, all the salt of the car is in its folding top

The soft roof is equipped with an electric drive. The process of folding it is as follows: you tighten the parking brake, press the button and, without releasing it, wait until it ends. By the way, 30 seconds declared by the manufacturer are not enough to complete one operation. I am glad that even with a folded top in the trunk, a decent place remains, which is enough for several bags. And a button that allows you to lower or lift all four side glasses at once. He pressed - and was fenced off from the surrounding space with a transparent wall. The convertible configuration includes a removable aerodynamic screen, which protects the salon from turbulent flows. However, its installation turns a car of four -seater into double.

By the way, the rear places here are by no means formal: when traveling at a small distance, adults can get on them. And four of the time on a long journey on such a car will still go. Enormal, or something. Still, this is a car either for an individualist, or for a couple in love. Opel guarantees the comfort of trips to Cabrio even to a cold. For greater persuasiveness, the company's press service spread a comparative thermosnamic of the outer surfaces of the compartment and a convertible with a raised top. The hottest areas - naturally, front brake mechanisms and engine. But the roofs of both machines radiate heat equally weakly. In practice, this is what. In a completely open car, the raging wind begins to seriously annoy at speeds of about 100 km/h, and the installation of the screen shifts this boundary slightly, up to 120 km/h. The next stage, radically improving the situation, is to raise the glasses.

With a closed top, Astra Cabrio turned out to be unexpectedly noisy: all external sounds are thoroughly auditioned in the cabin. At the same time, there are no gaps between the tent and the body; Probably, this roof material acts as an amplifier of the external sound signal. Surprises did not present the running characteristics of the surprises. The ECOTEC Z22XE engine was never different: it confidently takes the start, exactly pulls at medium speeds, and it is moderately fighting at high ones. But its known capabilities are significantly leveled by a simple four -speed automatic, working smoothly and leisurely. There is no sectral regime, but there is winter and sports. Already better than nothing at all. The brakes are reliable, but not cut. The steering is not very sensitive, quite fast, accurate, feedback is not deprived. Everything is like a standard second -generation aster.

The only thing that does not fit into the concept of a carefree -lace -lacked high -cost gas car is the smoothness of the course. Cabrio suspension is the same as in Coupe, clamped compared to standard Astra. Hence the more nervous passage of irregularities, now and then accompanied by creaking of the plastic panels of the cabin. But this is a typical example of how things that are inconspicuous in refined European conditions in the Russian environment immediately crawl out. Opelian convertible was created on the basis of a compartment, and not from scratch, which is why on bad roads and a lack of stiffness of his body is manifested. On the smooth autobahn, no one will notice anything. In any case, Astra Cabrio is one of the most practical open cars in the Russian market. Relatively not expensive, accessible in maintenance, designed for year -round use. Theoretically, does not require a second car for the winter. But her time is already numbered.

Autography Opel Astra G Cabrio
Predecessor: Astra F Cabrio (1993)
It is also known as: Holden Astra Cabrio / Vauxhall Astra Cabrio
Platform: Astra G
Modernization: Summer 2003
Body: convertible
Premiere: March 2001
Engines: 1.6-2.2 l (101-190 hp)
Production: Italy
Expected replacement: 2006
 
   
 
 
 
 
  

Source: Wheel magazine [No. 80/2004]