Test drive Opel Astra 1.6 CDTI: maturity theory

Meeting with a copy of the "old" model, running on a brand new "whispering" 136 hp diesel engine.

In autumn, a completely new edition is expected to appear on the stage in all its glory. Opel Astra and everyone is looking forward to seeing how the newest and most modern product range of the Rüsselsheim brand is presented live. However, shortly before that happens, we meet you with an impressive car that is at the end of its model cycle and therefore boasts remarkable technological maturity - this is the current version of the Astra in a version equipped with a new "whisper". Diesel engine with 136 hp, which will be available in the new edition of the model. Outside and inside, the Opel Astra 1.6 CDTI looks like a good old friend, impressing with both solid build quality and modern equipment, including a state-of-the-art infotainment system and adaptive headlights that still look great in the background. competition

1.6 CDTI - next generation drive

Internal nomenclature refers to the new 1.6 CDTI engine as "GM Small Diesel". We will not go into detailed technical details of its design, since we already did this before the engine went into mass production. We only recall that this is the first Opel diesel engine with an aluminum block, the design of which is a real challenge, given the maximum operating pressure in the cylinders of 180 bar. Power 136 hp achieved at 3500 rpm, and the water-cooled turbocharger from BorgWarner has a variable geometry. Sufficient evidence of the new engine's qualities is the fact that it has returned the Opel Astra back to the top of its class in various comparative tests - and not long before it has to give way to its successor. Much more revealing, however, are the real impressions of the much greater responsiveness of the engine in all modes and the almost complete absence of characteristic diesel knocks that were so pronounced on the previous car, as well as exceptional softness, close to that of a gasoline engine.

In the midst of time

In general, a sense of sophistication is characteristic of all Opel Astra characteristics - in addition to the smooth operation of the engine, the model impresses with precise gear shifting, homogeneous steering and a respectful balance between good comfort when passing bumps of various nature and not just safe and even dynamic cornering behavior. The high weight of this model generation is often cited as one of the main drawbacks, but there are times when it is felt positively - an example of this is the behavior on the road, which in certain situations could probably be characterized by stronger. maneuverability, but on the other hand, it is always strong and safe, as befits a car that weighs in its place - literally. The large weight also has no visible effect on fuel consumption, which can easily be reduced to below six liters per hundred kilometers in a combined driving cycle.

There's no doubt that the new Astra will bring Opel closer to the top of the compact class, but that couldn't happen without a solid foundation to stand on. And the current version of the model is more than a solid foundation for such an ambitious undertaking - even at the very end of the model cycle, the Opel Astra 1.6 CDTI continues to be at the peak of time.

CONCLUSION

Even at the very end of production, the Opel Astra continues to show impressive results - the "whispering" diesel works brilliantly in all respects, solid workmanship, modern equipment and a perfectly tuned chassis also cannot go unnoticed. A wonderful car with its technological maturity, which in many respects still surpasses many of its rivals in the market.

Text: Bozhan Boshnakov

Photo: Boyan Boshnakov