- Willing 1.6-litre turbo petrol engines
- Responsive 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engines
- Accomplished ride/handling balance
- Spacious interior and useful boot
- Underwhelming 1.4-litre turbo petrol engine
- Steering lacks precision
- Interior rattles
- Some wind and tyre noise
- Lacks dynamic prowess of VW Mk.6 Golf and Ford Mk.3 Focus
Overview
Released in October 2012, the Opel Mk.4 Astra was available as a five-door hatch or wagon (‘Sports Tourer’). The Astra was available with three engines: 1.4- and 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engines (the 1.4 Turbo and 1.6 Turbo variants, respectively) and 2.0-litre turbo-diesel units (2.0 CDTI). Transmission choices consisted of six-speed manual and automatic transmissions, all of which had triple cone synchronisation for the first and second gears. Furthermore, models with turbo-diesel engines and manual transmissions also had a Start/Stop system which enabled the engine to shut down when the vehicle was stationary. The full range is given in the table below.
The Astra was based on General Motors’ Delta II platform which also underpinned the Holden JG Cruze . As such, the Astra had MacPherson strut front suspension and torsion beam rear suspension with Watt’s linkages. The Sport editions were available with an optional ‘FlexRide’ suspension system which continuously adapted to changes in driving style and cornering speed. The FlexRide system also had three selectable settings: Standard, Sport and Tour. To minimise fuel consumption, the Astra had an electric power steering system.
The Astra was 4419 mm long, 1814 mm wide, 1510 mm tall and had a 2685 mm wheelbase. The Sports Tourer, however, was 279 mm longer (at 4698 mm) and 25 mm taller (1535 mm), though other dimensions were unchanged. Cargo capacity for the Sports Tourer was 1000 litres, increasing to 1550 litres with the rear seats folded.
| Body | Variant | Edition | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5dr hatch |
1.4 Turbo | N/A | 1.4-litre turbo petrol I4 | 6sp man., 6sp auto |
103 kW at 4900-6000 rpm | 280 Nm at 1850-4900 rpm (220 Nm with overboost) |
| 1.6 Turbo | Select, Sport |
1.6-litre turbo petrol I4 | 6sp man., 6sp auto |
132 kW at 5500 rpm | 230 Nm at 2200 rpm | |
| 2.0 CDTi | N/A, Select |
2.0-litre turbo-diesel I4 | 6sp man., 6sp auto |
121 kW at 4000 rpm | 350 Nm at 1750-2500 rpm | |
| 5dr wagon |
1.4 Turbo | N/A | 1.4-litre turbo petrol I4 | 6sp auto | 103 kW at 4900-6000 rpm | 280 Nm at 1850-4900 rpm (220 Nm with overboost) |
| 1.6 Turbo | Select | 1.6-litre turbo petrol I4 | 6sp auto | 132 kW at 5500 rpm | 230 Nm at 2200 rpm | |
| 2.0 CDTi | N/A, Select |
2.0-litre turbo-diesel I4 | 6sp auto | 121 kW at 4000 rpm | 350 Nm at 1750-2500 rpm |
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment for the Astra included dual front airbags, front side airbags, full-length curtain airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control, active front seat head restraints and front seatbelts with dual pretensioners and load limiters.
Euro NCAP testing
In Euro NCAP testing , the Astra received a five star safety rating which included a 95 per cent adult occupant protection rating and an 84 per cent child occupant protection rating. In the front offset crash test, protection of the driver’s chest and lower leg was adequate with all other body areas rated as good. In the side impact test, chest protection was rated as adequate and all other areas were rated as good. In the more severe pole test, chest protection was rated as marginal.
Under ANCAP’s methodology , the Astra received a five star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 35.02 out of 37.
Features
Standard features for the Opel Astra included 16-inch alloy wheels, a seven speaker audio system with CD player and MP3-compatibility and auxiliary inputs (3.5 mm/USB/iPod), air conditioning, cruise control, Silvanus/Atlantis cloth trim, daytime running lights, rear fog lights, 60/40 split and folding rear seats, steering wheel audio controls, Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity with voice control, remote central locking, power windows and heated mirrors, tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment, a 12 volt power outlet, trip computer and an immobiliser.
The Astra Select was further equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control air conditioning, Ribbon/Morrocana premium cloth/leatherette trim, a power adjustable driver’s seat, front fog lights, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and a power-operated park brake. Select wagons also featured a ‘FlexFix’ power-operated rear seat release.
Beyond this, the Astra Sport added 18-inch alloy wheels with 235/45 R18 94W tyres, lowered suspension, a premium audio system with SD card reader, picture viewer and full-colour satellite navigation with seven-inch colour display (including 2D/3D mapping and voice guidance), contoured front sports seats, heated front seats, Mondial leather trim, piano black interior trim and a rear spoiler.
All Astra models were fitted with a space-saver spare wheel standard.
Brochure
Related links
