Test drive Opel Astra ST: Family problems

First impressions of the new version of the compact family van from Rüsselsheim

It was logical after the Opel Astra received the prestigious Car of the Year 2016 award, and the presentation of the Sports Tourer gained even more confidence from Opel. The company's sales are growing steadily, despite the situation in Europe, and this is another reason to rejoice.

The Opel Astra is also a joy because it's a quantum leap for the company in every way, and the same is true for the wagon model. The elegant shape and gently sloping slats along the side contours create a sense of elegance and dynamism in an elongated body and express the overall lightness of the design. In fact, the car's weight of up to 190 kg compared to its predecessor is an outstanding achievement that significantly changes the dynamic performance of the Opel Astra Sports Tourer. More efficient use of the interior has led to the fact that, with almost the same dimensions, with a length of 4702 mm and even a wheelbase reduced by two centimeters, the driver and front passenger received 26 mm more headroom, and rear passengers - 28 millimeters. legroom. There is also a consistent approach to overall weight reduction, including more use of high-strength steels (rough body is 85kg lighter) and optimization of the suspension, exhaust and brake systems, and engines. Even part of the aerodynamic underbody cladding has been removed in the name of weight reduction, for which the rear suspension elements have been optimized in shape and hung higher. In fact, the overall approach to reducing air resistance speaks volumes - thanks to a variety of measures, the station wagon achieves an airflow coefficient of 0,272, which is an excellent achievement for such a compact class model. In order to reduce, for example, additional turbulence at the rear, the C-pillars are formed with special side edges, which, together with a spoiler at the top, divert the air flow to the side.

Of course, Opel Astra Sports Tourer buyers will rely on even more practical solutions than the hatchback model. Such as the ability, atypical for a car of this class, to open the tailgate by swinging a leg under the boot. The available luggage volume reaches 1630 liters when the rear seats are fully folded, which are divided in a 40/20/40 ratio, which allows flexible combinations of various combinations. Folding itself takes place at the push of a button, and the luggage space itself includes various options for equipping with supporting side rails, dividing grilles and attachments.

Impressive biturbo diesel

The test version of the Opel Astra Sports Tourer was equipped with this engine, which definitely does not bother a car weighing about one and a half tons thanks to a torque of 350 Nm. Even at 1200 rpm, the thrust reaches a fairly high level, and at 1500 it is present in full size. The machine successfully manages two turbochargers (the small one for high pressure has a VNT architecture for faster response), transferring work from one to the other depending on the amount of gas produced, the position of the accelerator pedal and the amount of compressed air. The result of all this is an abundance of thrust in all situations, until the speed exceeds 3500 divisions, because after that the engine rush begins to subside. A six-speed manual transmission, well-matched gear ratios for the characteristics of a bi-turbo engine, completes the picture of a harmonious and efficient ride. Long-distance comfort is also impressive - the low-rpm maintenance and smooth drive operation will appeal to anyone looking for peace and quiet over long distances.

Matrix LED lights for station wagon

Of course, the Astra hatchback version is also equipped with the incredible Intellilux LED Matrix Headlights – the first in its class – to provide maximum light output in range, just like when another car passes or the last one moving in the same direction approaches. masks" from the system. The constant movement of the high beam gives the driver the ability to recognize objects 30-40 meters earlier than when using halogen or xenon headlights. To all this is added a number of assistance systems, some of which are used only in the upper classes, and the Opel OnStar system, which allows not only diagnostics, communication and consultant assistance, but also automatically respond to a traffic accident. If, in the event of an accident, the passengers do not answer the calls of the consultant, he must contact the rescue teams and direct them to the place of the accident. It is important to mention here the wide possibilities of communication interaction with the Intellilink system, including the transfer and control through the screen of smartphone functions in the Opel Astra ST system, as well as systems with fully autonomous navigation.

Text: Boyan Boshnakov, Georgy Kolev

Photo: Hans-Dieter Zeifert