Test drive Opel Astra Sedan 1998 - 2008 Sedan

The price of reason

The Opel Astra Caravan station wagon is more expensive than the hatchback. But longer, more stable on the road and, most importantly, more spacious.
 
In our opinion, this body adds solidity models. The wheelbase here is 89 mm more than that of the hatchback, and, as you know, even a slight increase in this parameter significantly improves the exchange rate stability of the car. This is important for the smoothness of the course. And Caravan is noticeable, despite the more rigid, reinforced suspension. The station wagon takes on board 50 kg more, and its carrying capacity is 525 kg.
 
In terms of the useful volume of the trunk, the advantages of the station wagon are significant: with uncomplicated rear seats, the volume is 120 liters larger, with the approved - by 290. However, I don’t want to fold these same seats once again: a very uncomfortable mechanism at the very seat, moreover, it is flimsy and, as we are for us It seems to not withstand frequent folding and removal. Of course, to increase the trunk, you can simply drop the back seats. However, in this case, the floor will be uneven. So you have to initially throw the seat to the backs of the front seats.
 
But the organization of the luggage compartment liked. It is very easy to place and fix it in it. There are even hooks on which you can hang bags, and they move along the side and are fixed in any of the selected places. It will not be difficult to hide the load from prying eyes: the curtain is removed and installed instantly, and you do not need to think at all what and how to hook it, fixation in a stretched position occurs automatically.
 
On the way, another unpleasant feature was noticed, which, however, as in any other station wagon, must be perceived for granted: an acoustic background from rotating wheels. He appears, you just have to move out, and does not disappear until it is interrupted by the noise from the engine operation at high speeds. The reason for this discomfort is understandable: a large internal volume. But, as it seems to us, with noise insulation at the factory one could still work. That, perhaps, is all negative. You can’t even complain about the posterior visibility. Despite the rather impressive, by golf standards, dimensions, it is not difficult to maneuver on the car. The rear racks are not so impressive from the inside, in any case, arrogantly do not climb into the field of view.
 
Perhaps we compare Opel Astra Caravan with competitors, we would have more reasons for the nit -picking. But this car itself is very worthy. And its price is not as large as it might seem at the beginning: $ 19,720 for a solid station wagon is a very reasonable amount.
 
+ Large trunk, competent organization of cargo fixation, smoothness, good course stability
- Weak sound insulation, a flimsy mechanism of folding seats.
 
Technical characteristics Opel Astra Caravan
 
Equipped mass, kg - 1265
Complete mass, kg - 1740
Dimensions, mm:
- length - 4249
- Width - 1753
- Height - 1460
Base, mm - 2614
Maximum speed, km/h - 185
Acceleration time to 100 km/h, s - 12.3
Control consumption of fuel, l/100 km:
- City cycle - 8.5
- suburb - 5.5
- mixed - 6.6
Engine:
- Type - in order, 4 -cylinder
- working volume, cm3 - 1598
- Power, L.S. at MIN -1 - 105/6000
- torque, NM at min -1 - 150/3900
Transmission - mechanical., 5 -speed
Tire size - 195/65R15
Wheel suspension (front/rear) - unenc./Half -nosavis.
Brakes (front/rear) - disk., Ventil./Disk.
Steering - gear -rake, with gur
Price, $ - 19 720
 
Text: Oleg Kalaushin
 

Source: Magazine 5 wheel [06/2005]