Opel Astra Sedan 1.7 CDTI - high hopes
Rüsselsheim stands in front of the buyer. Anyone who feels the need can outfit the compact Astra to a level that a mid-range sedan wouldn't be ashamed of. The test Astra Sedan was also completed - a car from the Opel plant in Gliwice.
The first three generations of Astra Sedan were functional and practical, but did not impress with their appearance. "Four" is completely different. We won't lie if we say this is one of the most beautiful three-box compacts out there. The line of the roof and rear window smoothly merges into the curvature of the trunk lid, which was topped with an optional spoiler (PLN 700) in the test specimen. Configured in this way, the Astra is more impressive to many than the five-door variant with its optically heavy rear.
The interior of the Astra also evokes emotions. It features high quality materials (of course we can also find hard plastic) and a manual steering wheel. The tested unit received a lot of interesting options. The heated steering wheel (pack, PLN 1000) and well-shaped, ergonomic, adjustable-length seats (PLN 2100) are reminiscent of high-end cars, not popular compacts.
Unfortunately, Opel's interior also has a darker side. First of all, the center console is shocking. There are a lot of buttons on it. Not only are there many of them, but they are scattered over a small area and have similar sizes. Driving would be much easier if the key switches and knobs were more open. Additional cupholders will be useful too. Plus the original storage space in the central tunnel. It has a double bottom that allows you to adjust its depth, and a removable frame with ribs - if it has one, it makes it easier to transport bottles or cups, but does not hold them as well as a classic handle.
The instrument panel flows smoothly into the door panels. It looks interesting, but optically reduces the interior. However, this is an illusion. Lots of space up front. The rear is worse - if a tall person sits in the front seat, the second-row passenger will have little legroom. The solution known from the Astra III sedan would help - the use of a chassis plate with an increased wheelbase. Opel, however, did not want to increase the cost of the three-volume Astra IV, and at the same time create a cheaper alternative to the flagship limousine under the sign of lightning.
The high trunk line and the small area of the side mirrors make it difficult to observe the situation behind the car. A big minus for a turning radius close to 12 meters. Many compacts require 11 m of free space to turn around.
Another downside is the way the trunk lid opens. You have to use the button on the center console or the key. However, there was no handle on the trunk lid. It is a pity that Opel has duplicated the solution known from the Astra III sedan, which has been repeatedly criticized. The luggage compartment has a capacity of 460 liters. It doesn't hold the record for compact sedans, but the amount of space will satisfy the vast majority of potential model users. The Astra, like many of its competitors, has sash hinges that run through the trunk and rear seatbacks, which fold to form a sill.
The presented Astra is driven by a 1.7 CDTI engine. The first drawback of the unit is revealed when the key is turned in the ignition - the engine makes a strong metallic noise. Unpleasant sounds penetrate the cabin at every speed, as well as when the power unit warms up. If they could be muffled, the Astra's cabin would be quiet. Noise from air, rolling tires and operating suspension noise is minimal. In order not to get a compromising kangaroo, the driver must be very sensitive to the clutch and throttle. The 1.7 CDTI engine does not suffer from shortcomings. Below 1500 rpm it is very weak and chokes easily. Not only when touching. A minute of inattention is enough, and the motor can be confused while it slowly drives over a speed bump. Opel is clearly aware of the problem. If we turn off the Astra in first gear, the electronics will automatically start the engine.
When we hit the road, the 1.7 CDTI shows its strengths. It produces 130 hp. at 4000 rpm and 300 Nm in the range of 2000-2500 rpm. To accelerate to "hundreds" Astra takes 10,8 seconds, it is maneuverable and economical (about 5 l / 100 km on the highway, 7 l / 100 km in the city). Engine stop systems are gradually becoming standard. In Astra, such a solution requires an additional PLN 1200. Is it worth it? We have the impression that more fuel can be saved by analyzing the on-board computer. The device informs not only about the instantaneous and average fuel consumption. It has an economic driving indicator and shows how much fuel consumption increases after turning on the air conditioning, fan or heated seats and rear window.
Springy and well-tuned suspension allows you to fully use the potential of the engine. The Astra is accurate and also effectively and silently suppresses most of the bumps. Their selection is smooth, even when the car is on 18-inch rims. The Astra we tested received an optional FlexRide suspension with three modes of operation – normal, sporty and comfortable. The differences in handling and bump control are so obvious that it is worth considering the option that requires an addition of PLN 3500. Suspension controls also change how the engine responds to throttle. In sport mode, the bike responds more sharply to commands given by the right pedal. Power steering power is also limited. It is a pity that the system's communication is average.
The basic Astra sedan with a 100-horsepower 1.4 Twinport engine for the 2013 model year costs PLN 53. For 900 CDTI with 1.7 hp. you need to prepare at least PLN 130. The tested unit in the richest version and with a large number of accessories reached a level of almost PLN 79. It is worth emphasizing that the figures above are not necessarily the final totals. Those interested in purchasing can count on significant discounts - Opel officially talks about six thousand zlotys. Perhaps the salon will negotiate a big discount.
Opel Astra sedan with 1.7 CDTI engine will prove itself in any role. This is a comfortable and economical car that does not protest when the driver decides to go fast. The necessary equipment (audio system, air conditioning, on-board computer, cruise control, rear parking sensors) is standard on the Business version. The executive version awaits the more demanding ones. Both have a ton of interesting extras that don't need to be ordered in packs. It is a pity that the prices of many options are salty.
