Published: Wednesday, 4th August, 2010 5:00pm
Between two Astras? This man would choose the petrol one...
Pic by==: 97
The new Astra diesel range consists of a 1.3 CDTi, a 1.7 CDTi as tested here in Elite specification, and a 2.0 CDTi. It has five equipment lines: S, SC, SRi, SE, and Elite, with 1.4 and 1.6 litre turbocharged and normally aspirated petrol engines and the diesels. All cars get twin front and side airbags, curtain airbags, ABS, ESP, ISOFIX, immobiliser, electric front windows, multi-function display panel, stereo with CD, remote locking, power steering, and reach and rake adjustable steering. As you go up the specification range other items too numerous to mention are added.
The new Astra boldly goes where no Astra has gone before. Crisp sharp lines, chunky body shapes with large wheels filling out the arches and a distinctive profile means that the new car is not afraid to be noticed.
In a segment where the designs tend to err on the conservative side it's great to see Opel making a bold and attractive styling statement.
The cabin is a great improvement, more sporty and interesting. The dashboard is excellent and borrows much from the superb Insignia with sweeping curves and that attractive instrument cluster that would suit any premium grade sports car. The whole interior theme echoes the bold exterior. The centre console houses controls for audio, climate, and if fitted, navigation systems.
The cockpit is a model of ergonomic excellence with each switch and control perfectly placed for both safety and ease of use. The driving position has plenty of variations of seat adjustments and height. The fit and feel of all the materials used in the cabin is beyond reproach. Quality is definitely to the fore.
Standard specification on the Elite includes 17-inch 10-spoke alloys, leather faced sports seats, multifunction steering wheel, electronic park brake, CD player with MP3 compatibility and a USB port, cruise control, heated seats. Interesting options on this test car included Flexride (€640), 18-inch alloys (€900), Park sensors (€400), Bluetooth (€600), CD 500 Sat Nav (€1,220) and metallic paint (€501). Bluetooth should really be standard in a top spec version of any car though!
The 1.7 CDTi engine has a power output of 125PS and a healthy torque rating of 280 Nm. Mated to a six-speed gearbox, it proves economical (5.8 litres per 100km over a week-long test). As with all diesels these days it has plenty of mid-range punch but somehow does not feel as lively as expected going up through the gears. Figures quoted by Opel are 0-100km in 11.5s and a top speed of 195kmh. On the emissions side it produces just 125g/km and falls into the €156 tax bracket.
Opel put a lot of work into improving the driving dynamics of the new Astra CDTi and its efforts have paid off. The Astra CDTi is rewarding to hustle along a twisty road; it corners without too much bodyroll and even on wet or uneven surfaces inspires confidence by remaining faithfully on line.
Verdict: The Astra Elite diesel is priced the same as the Astra Elite 1.4i petrol turbo (€26,105), so which should we buy? The petrol turbo. Refinement levels in the diesel are a bit disappointing and the petrol also offers great economy and the same road tax bracket.
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