2018 Opel Astra Review

Overview:

The Opel’s versatile auto making capability is renowned throughout the world. Especially their long-lasting sedans are quite famous and they dubbed in many languages. Alongside the sedans, their hatchbacks are even generating a good business for them. Such as the Astra, do not call it Ash-tray, though it does sound like that. It is an award-winning hatchback and it has earned some good rep in the market.

It was launched back in 1991 to replace the long-running Opel Kadett. Well, the Kadett remained in business for more than 3 decades. And through all these years, it was an honor for the Opel.

Just like the Kadett, the Astra has also become the apple of eye for Opel. This start vehicle is available in North America as the Buick Verano Hatchback. The Australians know it as the Holden Astra. While the Britons call it the Vauxhall Astra. Well, here in the US it was even marketed as the Saturn Verano. But it did not long last.

Well, Astra has lived through 5 different generation till the present day. The present one is the Astra K that came was launched in 2015. The Astra has been marketed throughout the world. And there had been numerous names, titles , nd styles it achieved. And it even participated in the motorsports. It last appeared in 2013 during the European Rallycross Championship Season.

The present-day Astra is available in 40 trim design. Well, this is not a joke, we even counted that a couple of times that is it really true. Yeah, it is, 40 different trim levels, divided among multiples drivetrains and 3 body styles. And the opening model is available for $28,500. That is really quite immense.

Specifications:

Engine	Transmission	HP	Torque
1.0 – 1.6 L	5 and 6 – speed manual 5 and 6 – speed automatic	963 hp	664 lb – ft
0 – 62 MPH	Top Speed	Body Style	MPG
9.2s	107 mph	Hatchback	32 city/ 35 highway

Performance:

There is a lot of variation available for Astra’s drivetrain. You can opt from a list of economical to powerful drivetrains. Above all, these drivetrains are blessed with sheer power and splendid performance.

Well, the Astra begins with the 1.0 L 3-cylinder engine. It is the smallest drivetrain option available for this car. Though it is the smallest, it has a lot of power to make your rides enjoyable. It comes with the 104 hp of power and 125 lb-ft of torque.

The naturally aspirated 1.4 L engine has 99 horses making 96 lb-ft of torque. While the turbocharged version gets 123 horses at 181 lb-ft of healthy torque. An upgraded and tuned version is available with 141 hp of power.

The highest performance could be attained through the 1.6 L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. This is the supreme gasoline drivetrain available for the Astra. The power-rating is 200 hp with 207 lb-ft of torque. The over boosted performance yields 221 lb-ft of torque.

Beside the gasoline, there is a handful of diesel versions available for this car. The base diesel model comes with 1.6 L 4-cylinder engine having 94 hp of power with 207 lb-ft of torque. And its CO₂ emission is rated amid 95 – 97 g/km. A tuned version gets 14 more horses with 221 lb-ft of torque. A super tuned model is available with 134 horses and 236 lb-ft of torque. While the performance variant comes with bi-turbo charger and 158 horses pounding at 258 lb-ft of torque. And this model emits 107 to 110 g/km of CO₂.

Exterior:

The Opel Astra is designed similar to a lot of supermini hatchbacks in the market. It has the similar cross-back fall, with the shark fin antenna and a spoiler. Further, the cosmetics include LED headlamps, a decently designed front grille, 16, 17 and 18-inch alloy wheels and LED taillights.

The Astra is available either as a hatchback or a station wagon. While the hatchbacks are more common in the market. Overall, the design is attractive and it has bold features.

Further, an OPC Styling package is available for this car to add some more attraction to the shape.

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Interior:

Sporty ergonomic seats are available in the Opel Astra. Further, the heated seats and steering wheel is an additional comfort option available for this car. Overall, the seats are comfortable and the spacing is fine. The rear row can cause some trouble for tall and bulky guys.

Further, the Opel Astra has got some decent amount of space for the cargo. It is sufficient enough to carry luggage for a long journey.

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Features:

The base models are equipped with a static radio system. While the upper trim levels get the option for a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system. This system features the Apple CarPlay and the Android Auto. Further, the navigation is optional for this system. The additional features include the Bluetooth streaming, telephony, and two USB ports. The Opel OnStar SOS service is also available for this car.

Safety:

The Astra commonly features the 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Further, it gets the 4.2-inch TFT colored driver’s cluster display with configurable options. Well, the infotainment system features the multimedia options, Bluetooth streaming, telephony and smartphone connectivity. While the navigation is limited to certain territories. Ahead of that, the Apple CarPlay and the Android Auto are even available in some regions.

Competitors:

While focusing on the competitors for Astra, we found the Ford Focus. It is one of the finest hatchbacks from the Ford. Well, it is evenly a perfect competitor for the Astra. Especially in the European region where both the cars are leading the market space.

The Astra is one of the well-versed hatchbacks you would ever find. Its economical drivetrain, neat interior and sharp exterior offers enough joy to ride this car.