Test Drive Opel Astra Sport Sedan since 2012 Sedan

"The most beautiful"

Bertone came to Russia with Opel Astra Coupe
 
The most beautiful car was not called me, but members of the international jury of the Milan exhibition design in motion-2000. I can only agree with them. The famous Italian body studio created a truly stylish coupe, and his release was adjusted at the enterprise, also included in the BERTONE group (see Ai No. 1, 2001). And I still confess, I liked the car so much that I could not part with her four days and twice extended the duration of the test.
 
I think that no one except the Italians could turn the practical and, in general, a calm German car in a sort of handsome with southern temperament. Just take a look at the rapid lines of the body, rate the low line of the hood, pay attention to the powerful rear spoiler and the chrome pipe of the exhaust system, and you can immediately imagine what exactly you are dealing with. Of course, the doors do not have a framework, and you should pull out the handle as glass drops down slightly - it is supposed in a sports type machine.
 
Sit to the cabin is comfortable and nice. Creamy skin, high quality black plastic and aluminum inserts on the front panel - everything is done with taste, everything speaks about comfort and at the same time indicates an extraordinary dynamics. The chairs are equipped with all the necessary adjustments, which allows you to drive not one hundred kilometers without a hint of fatigue. Powerful side support wings will keep the body in steep shutters. Black numbers on a white background of the instrument shield not only look original, but also perfectly read. A small diameter The steering wheel pleasantly falls into the hands and is adjustable both vertically and horizontally. Despite the fact that it is about the coupe, the back is quite spacious for two adults (this is also checked). But passengers must completely trust the driver and hold on to the handles: Astra Coupe is a fast and helply car.
 
German power, Italian character
 
While only one version of the coupe comes to Russia - with a 2.2 liter atmospheric engine and 147 hp. But this, I must say, not at all for a compact machine. Even with automatic gearbox, namely, this modification was taken to the test. Although personally, I would prefer to see a chrome-plated or leather knob of a mechanical gearbox on the site of the selector's handle.
 
However, the machine does not allow to miss. Transfer switches clearly and quickly, especially if we translate the gearbox into the sports mode. This can be done using a button on the handle itself, and then the yellow light bulb will turn on the instrument panel. Now the electronics will not switch to increased gas reset, but will remain on the former, providing excellent reactions to pressing the accelerator pedal. And the tachometer arrow will certainly be strengthened into the red zone before the next transmission turns on. There is also a winter movement mode. It will require mainly those who love to ride calmly. But it is difficult to imagine melancholica driving this coupe. It is enough a couple of times to turn a turn in good mode, feel like a steering wheel with increasing speed, and you can forget about slowly movement. The Astra Coupe suspension is configured in such a way that even in the coolest bodies of the casual rolls are minimized.
 
It is clear that as a result of this, the native roads shakes, but you can add gas and rather to Milify a bad section? .. What is particularly nice, the front-wheel drive car is not in a hurry to go into a skid, and if it starts to occur, everything can be corrected by a short steering movement. No needless balance? In this case, the ESP system will come to the rescue, and in time and without thought. Probably, it is unnecessary to say that the brake system is quite adequate and is equipped with the latest generation. And steering? It and in the Astra itself was excellent, and now it became even more honed, typically Italian. And provoking active ride. But I will not say a word about the smell of Painted rubber ...
 
If the engine is 2.2 liters able to pour a huge dose of adrenaline into the blood, then what to talk about a two-liter motor with a 190 hp turbocharger? There is such a version that, told me in the company's office, if there is demand, it may also appear in Russia.
 
Favorable ratio
 
The coupe always cost more than other cars. And those that are now produced in Europe - much more expensive. The only exception is Astra Coupe, the most affordable European car of this type. And in Russia, the price-quality ratio speaks in his favor.
 
In the package with which the coupe is supplied to our country includes a full electrobacket, climate control, an excellent audio system with a CD player, heated front seats, leather interior, four airbags and some more little things. Agree that at this level of equipment, the price of $ 23,490 does not seem overestimated. The version with automatic checkpoint is more expensive by $ 1500, and the list of options consists of only one point - xenon headlights, for which you have to pay $ 800.
 
And the last observation. Reflecting on those who will be the main buyer of the coupe in Russia, I imagined a young wealthy man, in something of the Egoist (this is still not a family car), an amateur to catch up at leisure. What was my amazement, when I saw a young lady at the Moscow snow-covered street, a young lady, cheerfully crossed in the Baranka handles! But it's not a car for you! - I wanted to exclaim. Or maybe I'm wrong?
 
 
Andrei Osipov
 
 

A source: Newspaper "Car Izvestia" [№2 (5), 2002]