Opel Astra 2016, proof: a qualitative leap for the Opel Astra and

The new generation of Opel Astra is here. The first deliveries will occur in Spain in October and – after our first date, call it static contact, in summer – we’ve finally had a chance to try it. Under the new features this Opel Astra 2016 , we knew that we were facing a major generational leap. Opel has not only taken very seriously the major errors of his former Astra not to make them again, and the needs of their customers, to create one of the most competitive products in its class. Opel says the generational change of the Astra will be a before and after for the brand. And that’s why we wanted to verify to what extent these improvements the end customers appreciate.

Up to 200 kilograms less weight savings that is noticeable

from overweight to a slim figure: this has thinned up to 200 kg the new Opel Astra

The Opel Astra needed to lose weight, weight reduction important to keep up with its rivals and move forward on issues as important today as efficiency. The new Astra has reduced its weight (up to 200 kg depending on version) optimizing the design of its body, chassis, structural components (which now make good use of high strength steels and aluminum), also using more compact and lighter engines (using the technique of downsizing and construction in aluminum blocks). See our analysis of its “slimming diet” to hear more about how this has occurred saving kilograms.

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If the past we always had the feeling that the Astra needed more powerful engines to move freely a body too heavy, now we not only perceive shown faster in a straight line, but also more agile and light on his movements . Although I reserve some details about their engines later, we have seen how the new 1.4 Turbo 150 hp and 136 hp 1.6 CDTI , we will have more than enough to satisfy our needs, and even how should not rule out, of a sudden, the less powerful engines in the range, the 1.0 ECOTEC three cylinders , turbo and 105 hp and a 1.6 CDTi 110 CV (in some market there will be a 95 hp diesel, we will not see in Spain).

Opel Astra 2016, depth: 7 keys to the new generation of bestseller German

Probably the most remarkable aspect of that weight savings we find when the route is complicated, curves appear and have to test your chassis. I do not think this Opel Astra will become the reference in terms of driving, in class. But its performance is highly satisfactory, is a car that brings confidence playing in mousetraps roads, and no defects too remarkable break with the harmony .

The address has quite right touch with the hardness and just touch. In more powerful versions like the 1.6 Turbo 200 hp, there is a button Sport increases the hardness and significantly improves throttle response. Removes the old system Flex Ride, a very interesting technological contribution of the former Astra probably underused by the majority of the customers of this product. We understand that as the reason that led to simplify the new Opel Astra, regardless of the system to adjust, among other things, the setting of the suspensions.

The touch manual transmission is improved, although he lacks precision. Perhaps the knob of the shifter will be unduly large. It is.

One thing: the Opel Astra is not only lighter, it is also shorter and lower, but still their inner levels have improved and more spacious than before .

Another responsible, rather than obvious, his thinning has been reduction of the outer dimensions of the new Astra . The Opel Astra has reduced its length and height 5 centimeters by 2.5 centimeters. That translates, of course, in a lightweight, compact car, but how does it affect their inner dimensions?

According to Opel, the driver has 22 millimeters more to the ceiling (taller drivers will thank you). In the rear, there are 35 millimeters more legroom. And the truth is to be appreciated, especially in his rear, the space available, to the ceiling, and legs, it’s really loose.

No spare wheel, the Opel Astra has a trunk with a capacity of up to 370 liters . See image photograph of the unit in July, when we look for the first time live the new Astra.

In the presentation, the units we tested had temporary spare wheel (type “cookie”), which slightly reduces the cargo space. Notice that the base of the trunk of the picture above has increased slightly over the previous. In any case, the loss of space can compensate for tranquility to carry a spare tire, even temporarily.

Why drive with the “long” lights connected all the time will not be a problem?

Technologically, Opel wanted to be at the forefront of its category premiering different technologies that, besides having happy, we have been very interesting. Opel becomes the first manufacturer to “democratize” (pardon the expression) headlight technology matrix type LED , we have already had occasion try on a night route around Bratislava. Imagine that with this technology, these lights IntelliLux (available from 850 €), it’s over to connect and disconnect the high beam. With them, permanently circulate in an adaptive way to decide how to illuminate the road as conditions warrant.

not talking about a simple device that can turn the high beam to avoid dazzling other drivers. We speak of a device that is able to distribute light along the road intelligently, without dazzling any driver . In practice, the driver look like sixteen segments LED (eight lighthouse) is dynamically lit to make, even with a vehicle in front of us, the signs are far beyond this, or cornering light up. His LED are responsible for on and off, creating shadows to not dazzle those cars that precede us, or those cars that cross in the opposite direction with us.

The operation of IntelliLux is based on information collected through a front camera, installed at the top of the windshield, and processes an image analysis software. IntelliLux requires, therefore, equip the Opel Eye system. For now, the technology has delighted us. And just we believe Opel should be further developed, in addition to the light distribution on the road, their intensity. Since we often have the feeling that the light which illuminates the road sign, especially when you are very close to our car, it’s too strong, and produced important reflections.

Regarding Opel Eye , note that it will be standard on Dynamic finishes, Excellence, the top of the Astra range. In Selective it is available for just 400 € in the Drive Assist package, which includes a good array of driving aids. I sincerely believe that both Opel Eye, as IntelliLux headlights are must-have , extra highly recommended in the new Astra.

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In terms of perceived quality, again, this Astra has improved more integers. Opel has gotten rid of this veneer, shaped center console with many buttons and looking somewhat fragile, and very improvable adjustments, the old Astra. Instead, we find a very flat dashboard, dominated by entertainment equipment with touch screen that is available in 7 and 8 inches .

settings without achieving perfection, are at a good level . And only we regret that Opel continue to insist on the use of upgradable materials such as plastic coated in black piano, too exposed to scratches and dust, and the footprint of our fingers, leaving shine five minutes after that we cleaned thoroughly.

And this entertainment team is very important, inter alia to become the hub of the universe Connected Services OnStar , to be released in Europe with the new Opel Astra. But it also will speak later thoroughly.

The new Opel Astra also debuts a dashboard with analogue instrumentation, but also a practice digital console, full-color , very practical when it comes to presenting information. We disconcerting enough that some of the messages we receive on the console, as shown in the path of the browser, require action on our part to remove the message from the screen and return to see the information that we envisioned before the message, and data the onboard computer.

he wants to be a premium. But the question we ask is, obviously, yes indeed it is. Honestly, it’s hard to pigeonhole a product, born to accommodate the thickness of the conductors, as premium budget. What we can say is that, with the help of numerous extras, Opel Astra can be equipped with technologies and unpublished elements of comfort in its category , beginning with the headlights matrix type LED , the IntelliLux, already mentioned above.

To give you an example of the possibilities of this Astra , may have front seats with electric adjustments 8 channels (including lumbar support), two memories for the driver’s seat, heated front seats and Ventilation (rare in general) and heated rear seats (again, an unusual extra in a general and compact). We can even configure massage in the driver’s seat.

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In terms of price, we will detail later, we told you that the new Opel Astra will start at € 18,800 with petrol engine (1.0 ECOTEC Turbo 105 hp) and 21,200 € engine diesel (1.6 CDTI 110 hp). Are recommended at launch, without the promotions that prices could come later.

In the coming days I will continue talking about the new Astra.

In motor:

from overweight to a slim figure: this has thinned up to 200 kg the new Opel Astra

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