Opel brings much-needed style to the hatchback sector, but is it enough to topple the leaders?
POPULARITY MIGHT swell the bank accounts but it can also bolster mediocrity. If diesel is the fuel of choice for European motorists, then the hatchback is their favoured format. This class of car is the biggest selling variant in all the major European markets and, understandably, competition is fierce. That’s great news for consumers – in most cases.
There is one big problem with popularity: a desire to please the masses can lead to blandness. As the mainstream masses hook onto the dream, the delight in popularity gives way to a fear of losing the crowd. Controversy gives way to conservatism and consensus reigns. Consensus in politics may be a democratic cornerstone, but nobody wants their new car to be as anonymous as the road signs.
The end result can be seen in the current Focus and Golf. Both are top of their game in terms of sales and residuals, but they just don’t make any impact on the road. They’re anonymous – and that’s not always what you want to be after spending €25,000.
Unlike its rather bland rivals, the new Astra suffers no such fate. It’s a great looking car. The styling cues that make the Insignia such a head-turner have been carried forward onto this model with aplomb. Against the ultra-conservative and staid looks of its big-selling rivals, this looks modern and fresh. It’s as much a head-turner as the new Insignia and even in five-door format it still looks sleek.
The Astra scores strongly in exterior styling. Space inside seems marginally smaller than the Focus or Golf however. Headroom in the back and elbow room in the front aren’t as ample as in some rivals. It’s only by a matter of millimetres, but it’s noticeable.
However, these complaints are compensated by an impressive new dash and controls that look particularly impressive at night. Loathe as they are to admit it, most car fans harbour fantasies of being pilots and like nothing more than a cockpit look to their car. The Astra delivers on this score. Once that childish thrill has worn off, the controls remain simple and functional to use. And the car actually drives well.
The engine we tested was the 1.7-litre 123bhp diesel, a strong performer in a class where diesel power is the biggest show in town. There is a lower powered 109bhp version of this engine, but if you can stretch to another €2,000 then the 123bhp is the one to choose. It has noticeably better performance and when looking to match its power in any of the rivals you’ll need to step into 2-litre diesel versions. These usually push the price over what most are prepared to pay for a family hatchback and also jump into higher tax bands.
For all the practicality of the family hatchback market, it has also been home to some of the most dynamically fun cars to drive. Opel has never quite reached the same success as its rivals and Astras have never been renowned for their handling prowess. They’re decent if not exceptional. In this new model Opel hoped to crack into the top ranks with a new rear axle design. The end result is much sharper than before, but still doesn’t offer the dynamics of the class leaders.
The biggest boon is the Astra’s use of Opel’s Flexride system. While it’s not available on the 1.4-litre petrol, 1.3-litre diesel engine or on entry models, for the rest of the range it’s an extra €640 plus that’s well worth the outlay. Compared to €600 for Bluetooth and a whopping €1,220 for in-built Sat-Nav, it seems like a steal. It offers the chance to adjust the ride, handling and throttle response in ways that make a noticeable difference. The touring mode softens the ride and makes the entire package suppler.
In sports mode, it’s the whole thing becomes tauter, more responsive. There’s a little surge of power, the dials turn red and the ride and steering become noticeably more responsive to the road surface and steering wheel directions. It might seem a little computer-generated, but it’s enjoyable nonetheless. And when you get fed up with tweaking the settings you can simply resort to normal mode.
The big question, of course, is whether it brings it into line with the abilities of its rivals, particularly the Focus, which is the long-established benchmark in terms of agile handling? Sadly for Opel, the answer is no. The settings are noticeably different, but they all feel a little too remotely created when compared to the natural poise of the likes of the Focus.
In terms of hot hatches, Opel will introduce an OPC version in the near future – OPC being the Opel equivalent of GTI. This moniker, however, has never caught on as much as the VW equivalent. Yet it’s an admirable attempt to step away from mediocrity and give the model some passion.
After the hoopla over the arrival of the Insignia several months ago, the Astra’s entry to the Irish market has been a far more sedate affair. While the car made it onto the shortlist for European car of the year, it was soundly beaten by the VW Polo.
In a head-to-head twin test we carried out some months ago, it ran the VW Golf close, but while it scored well for styling over the ultra-conservative Golf, it didn’t quite muster the same driving enthusiasm as its German counterpart. So has the Astra ended up in the hard shoulder before the race has even begun? No, that’s too harsh. The car is better than most of the rest of the hatchback pack and offers something different for those tired of conservative fare.
Its problem is that in a crowded market, people are likely to opt for the safe option. Others will be won over by the great discounts or warranty deals.
That leaves the Astra stuck in the middle, a really strong entrant but not ready to topple the leaders just yet.
FACTFILE
Engine:1686cc turbocharged four-cylinder with six-speed manual transmission putting out 123bhp@ 4,000rpm and 280Nm from 2,000rpm
0-100km/h:11.5 seconds
L/100km (mpg):urban 5.7 (49.6); extra-urban 4.1 (68.9); combined 4.7 (60.1)
CO2 emissions:125 g/km
Tax:€,156, band B
Specifications:Standard on the Astra Elite include 17" alloys; front sports seats; leather seats; front fog lights; electric parking brake; heated front seats; electronic stability control (ESP); radio/CD with MP3; dual front, side, and curtain airbags; air-con; cruise control; remote central locking and alarm. Additional extras on offer include: 18" alloys (€900); FlexRide (€640); Front and rear parking sensors (€400); Bluetooth connection (€600); Sat Nav (€1,220); metallic pain (€501); USB connection with iPod control (€186-€207 depending on cars tax band)
Warranty cover:two-years unlimited mileage plus 12 months roadside assistance; 12-year anti-perforation warranty
Price:€26,105 (Astra range starts at €20,605)
THE RIVALS
Ford Focus 1.6 TDI Titanium 5dr
Power:89bhp; 0-100km/h:10.6 secs; L/100km (mpg):4.5 (62.8); CO2:118g/km; Tax:€104, band A;
Price:€24,935
Volkswagen Golf 1.6 TDI Highline 5dr
Power:105 bhp;
0-100km/h:11.3 secs;
L/100km (mpg):4.5 (62.8);
CO2:119g/km;
Tax:€104, band A;
Price:€24,570
Renault Megane 1.5dCi hatch TomTom edition
Power:106bhp;
0-100km/h:10.9 secs;
L/100km (mpg):4.5 (62.8);
CO2:120g/km;
Tax:€104, band A;
Price:€23,900
Mazda3 1.6d 5dr Sport
Power:108bhp; 0-100km/h:11 secs; L/100km (mpg):4.5 (62.8); CO2:119g/km; Tax:€104, band A
Price:€23,525