Opel Astra Select CDTi 2012 review

Immigrants often found Australia an unusual settlement. Nothing bad, just different. Post-war citizens from abroad have learned that hard work and patience can be rewarded significantly.

Right now, Opel — the German division of General Motors that once made the Astra for Holden — must be quietly seething with its patience. It opened its doors on September 1 and sold 279 cars by the end of October. In October, 105 cars were sold - the same number as Fiat.

It's actually a bit like Audi's early days in Australia, but look at Audi now. If the economy stays warm and consumer confidence picks up, Opel has a chance. If its products correctly reflect German quality and offer the best value for money compared to voracious Japanese and Korean competitors, it will do well. Judging by Astra, success is certainly possible.

Value

This is the Opel Astra Select CDTi, a mid-range turbodiesel hatchback that costs $33,990 with the automatic transmission and an extra $2500 for possibly the most comfortable heated leather-trimmed seats in the automotive industry. The seat option is very expensive, especially considering all the work went into molding the front two and the back seat just looks like new leather.

Standard on the Select includes 17-inch alloy wheels, sat-nav, electric parking brake, dual-zone climate control, front and rear parking sensors, a seven-speaker audio system with iPod/USB connectivity and Bluetooth with voice control. The good news for doubters is a $299 limited-price service once a year for a three-year warranty period.

Design

Externally Astra reflects German functionality and efficient style. It's more rounded than the competing Golf, but that at least gives the Astra its own personality. The Australian Astra is the latest factory model to be introduced in Europe as a facelift in June.

The aggressively angled headlights look distinctive from the front, but the rear is best seen with its bulging window. There's room for four adults inside, but rear seat legroom is a bit lacking. The trunk is average in class, a little more than the Mazda3.

The cabin design is attractive, well-finished with soft plastics and tight panel gaps, and easy to navigate. Even the myriad of switches on the center console are sized to fit human fingers, and their placement is logical.

Technologies

The turbodiesel engine is relatively new to the Astra. Based on an engine released in 2009, it has increased power (now 121kW/350Nm) and a start-stop system for a claimed 5.9L/100km. In my first country test, it showed 7.2 l / 100 km. With the chassis is not so much saving.

The Astra has extra Watts linkage in the rear suspension to maintain ride comfort while improving handling, electric steering and a six-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode. The ergonomic AGR seats are excellent, but it's an expensive option.

safety

The Astra is a five-star crash-rated car with six airbags, electronic stability and traction control, active headrests, collision pedal release, heated side mirrors, automatic headlights and wipers, and front and rear parking sensors. . The spare saves space.

Driving

Not hiding the fact that it is a diesel. The engine makes itself felt at idle and purrs loudly when pressed into low revs. But it's near-silent at medium speeds when cruising or coasting, and has a delightful torque boost when around 2500rpm is needed.

It might be a fun engine in person, but the 1.6-liter turbo-petrol option is better and $3000 cheaper. The automatic fits perfectly and even handles low-speed turbo lag quite well - although the manual transmission mode is the best remedy.

While the electric steering is very good both in terms of feel and positive effect on the wheels, while the handling is good, although it tends to be more focused on passenger comfort. It is not as durable as some competitors. Perhaps the extra seats provided most of the cushioning and support. Rear vision is a weak point, but there are standard parking sensors.

Verdict

The diesel may suit rural dwellers, but the turbo-petrol 1.6 outperforms urban buyers. A very good hatch for individual buyers, but it has many hungry competitors.