1st place: 5-door hatchback. The optimal choice. Four large adults will comfortably sit in it and there will still be 370 liters of luggage left. The split back of the sofa and a removable shelf will allow you to transport bulky cargo without sacrificing the entire rear row to it. The cons, perhaps, can be written down except that the narrowed luggage opening and the non-removable sofa cushion.
2nd place: 4-door sedan. This is one of the longest (4.66 m) golf class sedans. True, if the car of the past could boast of a very spacious sofa, then the current car in this sense is much more modest. But the trunk "Astra" has kept quite impressive - 460 liters. The sedan is worth more than the optimum by 13-30 thousand, depending on the configuration.
3rd place: 3-door hatchback. In this outfit "Astra" looks the most expressive, claiming the title of the most spectacular hatchback in its class. And the GTC's handling is much more interesting thanks to the different front suspension. In addition, all other things being equal, the three-door is only a thousand rubles more expensive than the 5-door version. True, the most affordable "Astra" GTC is 160 thousand more expensive than the base hatchback, since it is equipped with at least a 1.8-liter engine.
4th place: 5-door station wagon. The surcharge for a cargo-passenger body is the most significant - it ranges from 45,000 (top) to 94,500 (base). However, if you need a really capacious station wagon, "Sports-Tourer" should be considered first of all: in terms of spaciousness and dimensions, such a car is close to the middle class cars. With a two-seater layout, it can accommodate up to 1550 liters of cargo, and if you fold the back of the front passenger seat, you can take away a length of 2.8 m.
Which configuration?
Basic "Essencia" Equipped with dignity: air conditioning, a pair of power windows, heated mirrors and front seats, CD audio system, crankcase and alarm. And the level of safety here is decent: there is a quartet of airbags, ABS and ESP. And yet, buying such an "Astra" is only worth those who are so constrained in their means that they are ready to agree to a 5-speed "mechanics", an abundance of gray plastic in the cabin and the absence of a number of useful little things.
"Assets" completely eliminates these disadvantages. It features whip-resistant front headrests, a silver center panel, a front armrest, a pair of extra cup holders, tweeters and power rear power windows. For a sensible 6-speed "automatic" will have to pay 35,000 rubles. However, "Asset" is as much as 137 thousand more expensive than the base. But you have the opportunity to order for 20,000 rubles. advantageous package "Design" - LED running lights, 16-inch alloy wheels and chrome window frames. "Active" with such a package (for a sedan, station wagon and GTC, the equipment is called "Ange") and will be the optimum.
Surcharge for "Cosmo" in the case of the optimal five-door it will be 59,000 rubles. Such a car looks more attractive due to the combined trim, heated steering wheel, climate control, 17-inch wheels, tinted lights, cruise control and a color monitor of the audio system. By the way, the driver's electric seat (25,000), parking sensors (15,000) and active bi-xenon (41,000) are available only in Cosmo.
The analogue of "Cosmo" for the GTC is "Sport", which is 72 thousand more expensive than "Ange" and practically repeats "Cosmo" in terms of equipment - the only exceptions are 18-inch wheels and a sports wheel with tides in places of grip.
And finally, equipped with the most powerful engine "Astra-GTC" is called OPC... Outside, such cars are easily distinguished by an aggressive spoiler above the tailgate, a front bumper with a predatory air intake, a double-barrel muffler and low-profile 19-inch tires, and the OPC interior is adorned with sports bucket seats.
Which color?
"Astra" can be painted in one of fifteen colors. Only red and blue are given free *, and for white they ask for 6000 rubles. above. Any metallic will cost an additional 11,000 rubles.
Which engine?
1st place: 1.6 L (115 HP) Despite the fact that this engine has to be twisted from below at the start, the acceleration process is filled with positive: well-chosen gears and confident traction allow you to unleash the high potential of an excellently tuned chassis. Unless with a 6-speed automatic transmission, the dynamics of the car turns out to be expectedly modest.
2nd place: 1.4T (140 hp) Thanks to the turbocharging, this "Astra" is better than many 2-liter sedans of the middle class. Engineers can be reprimanded only for not too high clarity of switching gears, and marketers - for greed: this engine is worth 43,000 rubles. more expensive than the optimum.
3rd place: 1.8 L (140 HP) He earned the laurels of the most reliable power unit from the mechanics of Opel. Compared to the optimum, it has more traction on medium and high revs... But the surcharge for the extra 25 forces, in our opinion, is inadequate - 160,000 rubles. And you can get the 1.8-liter engine only when ordering the GTC.
4th place: 1.6T (180/170 hp) All other things being equal, the overpayment in excess of the optimum is 157 thousand, moreover, this turbo engine is available only in expensive versions of "Cosmo" or "Sport". Of course, the acceleration dynamics of the "Astra" with this engine is more than in order, but the fuel consumption can be an unpleasant surprise. For the GTC and the station wagon, this engine was derated by 10 forces for the sake of improving efficiency and increasing torque.
5th place: 2.0D (130 hp) This engine is used in the GTC and Sports-Tourer. It has no equal in terms of traction and efficiency - one tank can drive up to a thousand kilometers in one sitting. But in terms of dynamics, diesel is inferior to many gasoline engines and, moreover, is picky about the quality of fuel.
As part of the opening of the automobile exhibition in the capital of Switzerland - Geneva (Geneva Motor Show 2019), the results of the annual competition - Car of the Year - were traditionally announced. The main award this year went to hatchback Opel Astra, which is a representative of the General Motors concern.This "hatch" was able to score more than 309 points according to the voting results, ahead of its closest pursuer in the person of the Volvo XC90 crossover by 15 points. The first three in the "Car of the Year" competition in Europe was closed by the Mazda MX-5 roadster - 202 points.
The finals of this annual automobile competition in 2019 also reached: the Audi A4 with 189 points, the Jaguar XE with 163 points, the Skoda Superb with 147 points, and the new generation BMW 7-Series sedan - 143 points.
The main prize for the Opel Astra model was received by the head of the company - Karl-Thomas Neumann.
As a reminder, following the results of last year's Car of the Year competition in Europe, the winner in the main nomination was Volkswagen passat... Previously this prestigious award was won by Peugeot 308, Volkswagen golf as well as the Opel Ampera, Nissan Leaf and Volkswagen Polo.
Tags: What better Opel Astra or Volkswagen Polo sedan which is better
It's just a consumer approach to the car, I'm not crazy about nishyachki and sweets, but I use it stupidly from ...
Tell me which is better and why: Volkswagen Polo or Opel Astra H? The cars are new. | Thread Starter: Lydia
Nikolay It is generally incorrect to compare these cars, since the Polo belongs to the class "B" Boris, and the Astra belongs to the class "C" Yaroslav. That is, in general, the Polo should be compared with the Corsa, and the Astra with the Golf, and with such a comparison, the PV models win, since with the same high maintainability, the PVs are more reliable and pay more attention to comfort issues. Accordingly, PV will come out more expensive.
If you still compare Polo and Astra, I would advise, firstly, you personally take both cars for a test drive. Secondly, see Astra with a 1.6 engine - it is better suited for this model. And thirdly, if you plan to ride mostly alone, then you can take a Polo, and if with a company / family, then Astra drives.
Victor monopenesuale, IMHO!
Lyudmila, of course, is an astra - a higher class, and a proven one ...
Inna Astra .... I sell
Elena The taste and color as they say ... Both cars are Economy class. My friend now New Polo Sedan - I know about its shortcomings. It seems to me that there is not much difference, it's a matter of taste.
Cyril O, of course Astra.
Olga Personally, I didn't like Astra - I looked at a lot of different ones in the salon ...
In addition to Polo, I really liked Cerato and Lancer10, but this is different money ...
Artyom voltsvagen of course, although they are both German, but Volzvagen has a higher reputation on the market in Russia, and they are more reliable
Anna In appearance, Astra is 100 times more beautiful)
I don't understand anything about "internal")
Ruslan I want to take an aster myself ... not H, but G. H is a great car
Egor At the current promotion - the cost of these cars, unambiguously better Astra Surnames. It is already better, and given that with similar trim levels for the same money, the Astra sedan also has a more powerful 140 hp engine. with. against 105 and, moreover, a large salon and trunk.
Comparison: Astra and Polo - logbook Opel Astra COSMO + 1.8 ...
Opel Astra sedan 1.8 automatic, luxury equipment, new price - 770 thousand. ... The Astra has a noticeably better audio system - 7 speakers versus 4 for the Polo.
However, in Europe this did not particularly bother the company, there were completely different tasks: for all the popularity of the brand, there were problems with the profitability of production, GM managed to make the brand unprofitable for many years. But “unprofitableness” and loss are very different things in the modern world, in any case, the American concern has been responding to all offers to sell its European branch with refusals since 2008, and given the complex ownership system of suppliers and the concern ... In general, not only AVTOVAZ has similar "nuances".
Why buy an Astra H?
But back to our "rams". Unimportant situation with Opel sales in Russia changed the output of Astra H in 2004. The car replaced the well-deserved Astra G, which, like all its ancestors before that, was practical, comfortable and ... extremely boring.
In the photo: Opel Astra Hatchback (H) "2004–07
In the new generation, the car has been transformed in accordance with the latest requirements to C-class cars: it has become much more voluminous inside, more comfortable and at the same time more economical. At the same time, it remains quite simple in design - no multi-link, only MacPherson strut in front and a twisted beam in the back, only in-line motors. Of course, it met all the latest European safety requirements.
In fact, the car has occupied a niche in which its "relative" - Opel Vectra B recently played, and which was freed up when it came out very large and solid. Of course, the price of the Astra corresponded more to the class than to the status, and it fit well into the new realities of the Russian market for new cars, where imported cars were replaced by domestic assembly, and the import of three-year-olds was fueled only by the extremely low price per dollar until 2008.
And the sales were good! Astra remained one of the top three sales leaders in its class, two to three times behind the Ford Focus, but steadily outstripping all competitors from Japan and Korea. And as the "Czechs" lagged behind at least two times.
The reason for this growth is not only in literacy pricing policy and overcomplication of cars of this class, but also in excellent appearance and very worthy driving performance... Opel cars were gaining respectability before our eyes, besides, it was clearly noticeable that corrosion was now the lot of competitors, and the Astra, even with problems with painting, did not rust for a very long time, so the proverb “every car becomes Opel over time” gradually lost all relevance.
In addition, the Astra became one of the cars that went through localization, they began to be assembled at a new plant near St. Petersburg. Little by little, a new circle of buyers was formed who appreciated the good ground clearance and simplicity of suspensions, aggressive European design and ... the power of the motors! After all, Astra for a very moderate amount was offered with a 1.8 140 hp engine, and fans "hotter" could choose from a couple of options for a supercharged two-liter engine.
The disadvantages of the model were not a secret either: minor troubles with quality, outdated automatic transmission (albeit reliable), frankly unsuccessful "robot" Easytronic, stiff suspension and not particularly loyal warranty policy of the company. In general, there was not enough to fight.
In 2009, a new Astra J came out (and a little earlier - and its soplatform), which greatly complicated the marketing of the company, but even against this background, the car remained one of the most popular cars in its class. Astra H was released right up to 2015, but most of the sales are still a period from 2006 to 2012.
In 2015, when GM curtailed its presence in Russia, the new Astra confidently set the tone in sales. And most of the cars presented at Russian market are already close to their tenth anniversary. What owners of such cars will face, and how economical solutions from GM are doing now, read below.
Body
The aggressive design of the car looks quite relevant now. Except that the paint fades over time, because the quality of the body painting at Opel is difficult to call outstanding - the layer is thin, easily scratched. In addition, both German and St. Petersburg cars at a certain stage suffered from "peeling" of the paint layer due to the unsuccessful technology of applying the primer, and the defect was very similar, which indicates a puncture of a purely technological plan. The pluses of the paintwork include at least elasticity - with "soft" blows, the paint does not fly around.
Do not worry, even with all the difficulties with the paintwork, the machine is not prone to corrosion. With the metal processing, they were pretty "outdone": small pits of corrosion begin to appear on the surface without paint only after a year, but most of the owners eliminated defects under warranty or simply painted the car on their own. Extensive corrosion damage is usually the result of poor quality repairs or poor operation.
Front bumper
price for original
However, there is still a chance that if the car was produced in 2008, then it spent a lot of time under the snow at the Rzhevka airfield near St. Petersburg, where the plant sent almost all produced cars. Some have given this nickname two or more times before being acquired. Personal experience shows that, first of all, such wintering periods affect the condition of the car doors, they are usually not subject to this scourge, but if the corrosion of the "five-year plans" was noticeable, then most likely the biography of the car has a solid pause between the year of production of the main units, actually produced by VIN and date of first registration. Most likely, the negative effect of such wintering will manifest itself in something else, but so far, due to a small age, other consequences are invisible.
But earlier cars are usually far from all such difficulties. Especially if, five to eight years after the release, someone guessed to re-treat the bottom and internal cavities with anti-corrosion treatment.
"Standard" places of corrosion, like the joints at bumpers and arches, are well protected here. Is that the "shelf" of the rear arch, upon close examination, already shows traces of future problems: the sealant swells. This means that in another five or six years, the corrosion will be noticeable from the outside, and the arch can be repaired overhaul only by welding the repair insert.
Now the main places of control are the lower seam of the sill, sandblasting points, attachment points of the subframe and the upper part of the sill, which is banally stepped on, and the places of friction of the door seal on the C-pillar. Corrosion also feels at ease on the leading edge of the hood and roof: they are clearly less protected than the rest of the car. The rear doors and trunk lid are also at risk, on the oldest cars they can already have corrosion along the lower edge, but most cars have no problem with this.
In the photo: Opel Astra Sedan (H) "2007-14 In general, against the background of competitors, Astra is an almost ideally protected car from corrosion, even though it has practically no plastic protection panels.
As with all cars of this class, in the event of an accident, the quality of the repair leaves much to be desired. Casco repair rates simply do not leave much choice, so a lot of cars with layers of putty on the fenders and doors, with non-original body elements and poor build and paint quality are waiting for their buyer. An extra layer of paint will not hurt, but everything else is best avoided, at least because the machine loses its excellent anti-corrosion resistance.
In the photo: Opel Astra OPC (H) "2005-10 However, the body is threatened not only by corrosion. The door hinges of the Astra are not bad, but the driver's door sags over time, with runs "over 150" adjustment will be required, which is not so easy to do. Backdoor on hatchbacks, it loses its tightness and starts tapping, and with less mileage, it is necessary to adjust the lock in time and change the seals. By the way, the seal on the side doors is also not eternal, and if it is "disheveled" in the lower part, and its tubular part has opened, then the doors will close without a noble sound, and extra noise is provided on the move.
In the photo: Opel Astra TwinTop (H) "2006-10 Windshield
price for original
The chrome of the linings peels off quickly and many simply paint them “in the mat”, because restoration is usually not cheap (keep this in mind when bargaining). The windshield here is quite strong, it is almost not afraid of being hit by stones, but over time it gets worn out - on early cars, the windshields were changed under warranty, do not be surprised if the year does not coincide.
But the headlights are rather weak, the very soft material of the cap leaves practically no chance for a long service: five to six years - and the headlight is worn out. But the luminosity drops due to the banal burnout of the reflector, and both xenon and lenticular halogen hold about the same, five to six years of city driving. You can replace the headlight, or you can restore it, several technologies are available.
Headlight AFL
price for original
This is especially "nice" for those who have adaptive optics with AFL. The Astra was one of the first cars in the class with such a system, and the headlights are incredibly expensive for it. If we take the price of a new original, then, roughly speaking, the price of a car is four or five original headlights! Fortunately, this is not - the headlights are not removed from the Astra.
Fog lights crack easily, and the reason is their illiterate use as additional lighting, which is categorically unacceptable - they blind drivers, especially in the rain.
Sagging bumpers are a well-known problem, and it is not at all necessary to fasten them to screws, new fastening strips are available. The weak plastic of the lockers is a small problem, the price of non-original ones is about a couple of thousand rubles.
In the photo: Opel Astra Hatchback (H) "2007-14 And, of course, the "lip" dearly beloved by Astrovodmers - the rubber lower part of the bumper. If you see an Astra with a hanging rubber band on the street, let the driver know, you will save him from another unpleasant waste. The lip is low and is often ripped off when parking is inaccurate or in winter. If you remove it for the winter, then chances are good that in the summer you will have to put it on the screws - delicate fasteners are also damaged. In general, a whole "lip" and fasteners are a sign of a good attitude towards the car or a recent body repair.
Salon
The interior of the Opel of this period is traditionally gloomy, but the materials are surprisingly good. Strict lines and other "ordnung" coexist with very high quality elaboration of all elements, squeaks are rare, the plastic is very wear-resistant, except that the steering column levers and buttons of the climate control system will have visible signs of wear. Moreover, the gearshift lever cover.
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The quality of the all-fabric interior is excellent, but if the equipment of the car is better, and there are already seats with combined upholstery, then tears of the seams and abrasions on the "eco-leather" are a common thing, especially with runs over hundreds of thousands of kilometers. In addition, light-colored fabrics are excellent at absorbing dirt. But if there is a sports salon, everything is just fine - both the material and the performance do not fail, and the leather will most likely be natural.
The steering wheel and door handles peel off at runs over two hundred thousand kilometers, the original rugs "end up" at 150, which can serve as an indirect indicator of the mileage (unfortunately, it curls easily here).
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Here the climate control system fails, regardless of the mileage. Moreover, there are enough problems in the simplest configurations with a simple air conditioner, and those with dual-zone automatic climate control. The block is not made well enough, the buttons stick, stop pressing and spinning properly. And the damper motors break down, especially if you switch something intensively in winter while the interior has not yet warmed up. If there are extraneous sounds when switching the direction of flows (including the inclusion of air recirculation in the cabin), then this is an expensive repair. But sometimes you can still get off just by lubricating the rods, any grease will do. The same operation should be done if everything is still fine, at least once every two to three years, take silicone grease and climb under the panel from the driver's side. Well, or entrust this business to professionals.
The water in the ceiling light is not at all a consequence of windshield leaks, just a lack of roof insulation, the shape of the cladding is such that condensation accumulates there. It's useless to look for holes in the roof, just ventilate the car more often, and you shouldn't drive with the climate off and without air conditioning - the car prefers dry air. By the way, this will have the best effect on the condition of the interior materials.
In the photo: Torpedo Opel Astra Sedan (H) "2007-14 If the steering column switches do not work, and sometimes some of the buttons of the center console, this is already serious. The problem is mainly electrical, the so-called CIM-module, also known as the front console connection module, is dying. Much is tied to it, including the work of the immobilizer, and a breakdown can empty your pocket a tidy sum, since a visit to the owner of a dealer Tech2 scanner will be required to bind a new module, or to those who know how to repair old ones with high quality. Thousands of pages have already been written on the problem, there are many developments for "easy fixes" and workarounds, so it is better to refer to the primary sources.
For the rest, only random little things can annoy. Again, everything is done in a monumental way, from good materials. In addition, it is extremely technologically advanced to assemble and disassemble.
Electrician
Some of the electrical problems could be attributed to breakdowns of interior elements and vice versa. I have already told about the trouble with the CIM module and climate control, we can only complain about the low quality of the door wiring, it sometimes breaks in the corrugation. Moreover, it is not the wiring of the driver's door that breaks down, but the wiring of the rear doors. The characteristic signs of impending disaster are a wheezing speaker in the door and an inoperative central locking. It is treated either by the skillful work of an electrician, or by a proprietary repair kit, which is preferable.
In the photo: Opel Astra Hatchback 2.0 turbo (H) "2004–07 The central locking also fails due to the wear of the microswitches in the driver's door lock, it may not unlock the lock, it may open it at the wrong moment, for example, when the car is parked. If the locks click when hitting the door trim, it's time to deal with them, change the microswitches in the drive.
Weak throttle and ignition module gasoline engines in fact, not as weak as practice shows. True mileage cars with such breakdowns are usually already well over a hundred or fifteen hundred, regardless of what numbers are shown on the odometer, and the price of parts is quite sparing by modern standards. Provided that the candles are replaced regularly and at least once every 30-40 thousand kilometers, such problems hardly appear. The ignition module is mainly afraid of moisture and oil leaks - if not noticed in time, it will pierce the tip and knock out the coil.
Here, malfunctions of a controlled thermostat due to a failure of a heating element occur regularly. Do not forget to read errors, on many firmwares the "check" does not light up in this case, and the only thing that saves the motor from overheating is that the thermostat loses its tightness over time. Breakdowns of the wiper motor and the ingress of leaves into the climate control motor are a sign of rare cleaning of the engine compartment from dirt and leaves. Check the condition of the "aquarium", water may accumulate in it. This rarely happens and completely drainage is almost never clogged, but at an early stage it manifests itself precisely in the form of a wiper failure. The rear "wiper" is corny sour - they need to be used, otherwise there is a chance to burn the motor.
The radiator fans are another problem point, the motor is literally clogged with dust from burnt brushes. Fans made by Bosch are "famous" for the latter, and if there is Valeo, then there will be no problem.
Brakes, suspension and steering
Opel braking system, as usual, no surprises. This does not mean that there are no problems, it is just that they are completely standard. The pads in the front squeak with slight wear - it's easier to get used to or pick up with new "anti-squeak" plates. With a run of over 200 thousand, the turn of the anthers will most likely come, especially if you abuse the wear of the pads "to zero". Brake discs are as reliable as an iceberg on which the "Titanic" has worn off, relatives survive up to five sets of pads or more than one and a half hundred thousand mileage. And they are not very sensitive to puddles and overheating. Note to the buyer: if there is something in the region of 100 thousand on the odometer, and the seller proudly announces new discs (or it is simply clear that they are fresh), then the mileage is not real.
In the photo: Opel Astra Sedan (H) "2007-14 Rear brake disc
price for original
RUB 7 705 (2 pcs)
At the rear, the situation is a little worse, because the new calipers with an integrated mechanism parking brake prone to souring even more than the calipers with a drum internal handbrake on older cars who suffered from the same problem. Yes, and now you need some kind of tool to spread the pads.
However, this is not for you replacing the pads with when you need a dealer scanner, otherwise there are chances that your fingers will be slightly pressed forever ... Brake pipes and hoses hold well, the ABS module is extremely reliable. Is that the front ABS sensors are in a vulnerable area, and change along with the hub. Do not worry, they thought about the problem for a long time: the sensors have learned to change separately. What can you say, this is Opel, a huge number of owners day and night thinking how to save money! However, other services are still trying to breed to the fullest, offering a complete replacement in order to get less dirty and weld more on the resale of parts.
In the photo: Opel Astra gtc Panoramic (H) "2005-11 Rear beam bushing
price for original
The Astra's suspension has always been good, and the H's is doubly beautiful. Good comfort and highest reliability. Just do not forget that sagging springs and extra 50 kg in the trunk of the sedan drastically reduce the resource of the rear beam bushings - they are not eternal here, as standard they are enough for about a hundred thousand runs on "normal" roads and two hundred on Moscow roads.
At the front, the standard wear is mainly the rear silent blocks of the L-shaped arm and strut supports. With the supports, the manufacturer was clearly too clever, because in our climate they begin to creak and squeal already at 50-60 thousand mileage. Users have privately established for a long time that the reason is a lack of bearing lubrication and an unsuccessful boot design, which is more likely to collect dirt. When assembling, it is recommended to lubricate the assembly abundantly, and if it is still working, then rinse it with a sink high pressure and fill with grease. Suspension level sensors on cars with xenon are consumables, but this is completely typical for this element.
In the photo: Opel Astra Caravan (H) "2004–07 The steering on the Astra H is also healthy. Is that the resource of rods and tips is conventionally small. Yes, the electric pump EGUR on restyled cars with runs over 200 requires a fluid change. The rail itself does not flow and almost does not play. Cars with a conventional power steering pump are again limited by fluid contamination, but their pump is cheaper, and the fluid changes much easier.
But what about motors and gearboxes?
As you can see, the material turns out to be quite voluminous, so we will devote a separate material to the choice of the "right" engine. By the way, in this regard, Astra H is almost a unique car, because a manual transmission can cause almost more problems than an automatic one ...
A few years ago, Japanese cars were perceived as high-tech, practical, possessing affordable prices, however, boring in appearance and not bringing any joy from driving, with rare exceptions. However, now the situation has changed - to understand this, it is enough to look at the new eleventh generation, which has a stylish appearance able to outshine most competitors. Although we must pay tribute to the Europeans - for example, the Opel Astra also received another update, as a result of which the car began to attract the attention of others in the city traffic flow. And what about their driving qualities? After all, none of the cars previously claimed the title of a leader in terms of driving comfort or dynamics. To answer the question of which car is more suitable for an active driver - Opel Astra or Toyota Corolla, only their complex comparison will help.
Cars Toyota corolla and Opel Astra - another confrontation between Japanese innovation and German quality
City competition
Comfort and control
I remember that the tenth generation Toyota Corolla could not inspire even the most reckless driver to actively drive - the connection of the steering wheel to the wheels was too weak and the damper settings were too strict, limiting the effort to press the gas pedal. Therefore, it is worth it with handling - the good thing is that, judging by the reviews, the new Corolla has a completely changed character. Indeed, by carefully working on the settings for the electric power steering, the Japanese from Toyota have done a real miracle. The machine reacts very sharply to the driver's commands, and also provides tangible feedback, expressed in the change in the required force as the steering angle increases. Thanks to this, the eleventh generation Toyota Corolla will surely appeal to those for whom driving is not just moving between two points, but an exciting process that allows you to give free rein to your emotions and enjoy driving.
When driving at high speeds, the Toyota suspension can be subject to perceptible vibrations, which become quite unpleasant when driving long waves on the asphalt road. In addition, during the start and braking Corolla "nodding", that is, it allows longitudinal swing. However, this is where the disadvantages of the Toyota Corolla running gear end - otherwise it can be compared even with the recognized leaders of the C-class. The car confidently drives through small and medium irregularities, and serious impacts, but you cannot call it too soft. One feels that thanks to the efforts of Toyota specialists, the suspension has received significant energy consumption, which allows it to get the image of a real "driver's car".
| Car model: | Opel astra | Toyota corolla |
| Manufacturer country: | Germany (Build - Russia, St. Petersburg) | Japan (Build - Turkey) |
| Body type: | Sedan | Sedan |
| Number of places: | 5 | 5 |
| Number of doors: | 4 | 4 |
| Engine displacement, cubic meters cm: | 1364 | 1598 |
| Power, hp with. / about. min .: | 140/6000 | 122/6000 |
| Maximum speed, km / h: | 207 | 195 |
| Acceleration to 100 km / h, s: | 10,2 | 10,5 |
| Type of drive: | Front | Front |
| Checkpoint: | 6 automatic transmission | Variable speed drive |
| Fuel type: | Gasoline AI-95 | Gasoline AI-95 |
| Consumption per 100 km: | In the city 8.9 / Outside the city 5.2 | In the city 8.2 / Out of the city 5.3 |
| Length, mm: | 4658 | 4620 |
| Width, mm: | 1814 | 1775 |
| Height, mm: | 1500 | 1465 |
| Clearance, mm: | 165 | 150 |
| Tire size: | 205/60 R16 | 195/65 R15 |
| Curb weight, kg: | 1373 | 1290 |
| Full weight, kg: | 1870 | 1760 |
| Fuel tank volume: | 56 | 55 |
If you make a choice between Corolla and Astra, the German sedan shows itself far from better side... Of course, at low speeds it is just ideal for driving in the city - a steering wheel with low effort, instant reactions to its turn, the ability to perform active maneuvers delights the car owner and makes it much easier to move between home and work. However, as soon as you go a little beyond city speeds, the Astra's pluses instantly turn into minuses. The lack of significant effort on the steering wheel does not allow normal control of the direction of movement of the Opel Astra- to avoid strong fluctuations in directional stability, you have to constantly adjust the position of the wheels. In addition, before every significant unevenness, the driver Astra is better hold on tightly to the steering wheel - strong blows immediately knocks the car off its original course, which can cause the occurrence.
The comfort of the Opel Astra on the move is far from ideal - the suspension is somewhat soft, which makes the car roll quite hard in corners, as well as miss tangible shocks that get on the nerves of the passengers of the car when driving. Although, in general, there is nothing to blame the Opel Astra for - if you keep a reasonable pace of movement, corresponding to the quality of the road, then the car will not cause you any negative reactions.
Dynamics
If you choose between the Opel Astra and Toyota Corolla, you must definitely pay attention to the principle of the organization ley lines... In particular, Corolla offers a combination of a proven 1.6-liter engine and the latest CVT. It would seem that there can be no talk of serious dynamics - however Toyota Corolla surprises with its confident acceleration and the ability to actively accelerate even after 100-120 km / h. The reason lies in the optimal settings - this applies to both the variator itself and the gas pedal damper, which has become almost weightless compared to the previous generation of the car. As a result, the Corolla is able to perform even very difficult maneuvers, transforming them from risky to completely safe and reasonable.
Test Drive Toyota car Corolla:
Therefore, we need to expect even more from the Opel Astra - after all, it uses a modern turbo engine with a capacity of 140 Horse power and a six-speed hydromechanical "automatic". However, expectations are very far from reality - it seems that the only priority that the specialists of the German company were guided by was. The Astra engine begins to produce good traction immediately after the start, however, with an increase in the crankshaft rotation speed, there is no particular increase in potential - the car continues to accelerate at a confident unhurried pace. Besides automatic transmission The Opel Astra has over-stretched gears that severely limit driving dynamics by forcing the engine to constantly run at low revs. If you like to make rather sharp and fast maneuvers, it is better to turn your attention to the Toyota Corolla, and not the Opel Astra - it will make you wait a couple of seconds before you feel a real response to a strong press of the gas pedal.
Test drive of the Opel Astra car:
Design
Appearance
And again it is worth remembering the past generations of both cars, which were not distinguished by their beauty either outside or in the cabin. Now the situation has changed radically - for example, Toyota Corolla has the ability to look at it without taking your eyes off. The headlamps are very well combined with the radiator grille thanks to the presence of small LED daytime running lights strips, as if they are a continuation of the horizontal chrome strips. In general, Toyota designers have completely abandoned the use of soft and smooth lines - now the Corolla body is very similar to a faceted gemstone, pleasing the eye with numerous reflections of a surface with a complex shape. Even when viewed from the side, there are no associations with the former unsightly Corolla - thanks to the original shape of the corner at the rear of the window line, the car now resembles a dynamic Mazda rather than a Toyota product.
If we talk about who has a brighter and more presentable appearance - Corolla or Astra, then it will definitely not work to determine the clear leader. After the next update, the Opel Astra got so elegant that they look equally good both on the move and in the parking lot in front of the office center. However, the approach is not at all the same as that of Toyota - instead of sharp edges, exclusively smooth lines are used, which can be clearly traced in the front and rear lighting equipment, design front bumper and the radiator grill. Even the roofline has become very smooth and devoid of the previous angularity. It is especially recommended to pay attention to the rear view of the Opel Astra, when a small stamping on the trunk lid, which plays the role of a spoiler, becomes clearly visible.
Interior
It is noteworthy that the design of car interiors is a kind of continuation of the design concepts chosen for the exterior. So, in Toyota Corolla, the driver is faced with the rigor and minimalism inherent in the work of the company's designers over the past few years. The interior of the Corolla can be called:
- An abundance of straight lines.
- A small number of buttons and other controls.
- Large area of the front panel with glossy varnish.
Toyota Corolla devices may seem a little rustic, but they compensate for this minus with ideal information content and the absence of annoying backlighting. although rear passengers will experience excessive reclining of the backrest, forcing high knees, as well as some lack of distance to the front seats.
In the Opel Astra, everything is different - it seems that the specialists of the German company are fond of "biodesign", which became widespread in the mid and late 90s. Particularly impressive is the Astra center console, which is equipped not only with a large display, but also with an incredible number of buttons - however, in practice it turns out to be very inconvenient, since it is difficult to find the one you need in the scattering of control elements, and the monitor is strongly illuminated by the daytime sun. There is no doubt that the Opel Astra instruments are very beautiful - but at night you will have to wear glasses with tinted lenses, since not even an hour passes when their bright blue illumination begins to annoy the driver, distracting him from the road. There are no special complaints about the seats - on the contrary, I want to praise them for their original drawing, which invariably attracts attention when opening the door. However, the rear in the Opel Astra is even more crowded than in the Toyota Corolla - the passengers are hampered by the small distance between the rows of seats and the low ceiling.
To each according to his needs
Indeed, cars have exchanged priorities - if German cars have always been considered an example of "driver" technology, then the current Opel Astra is intended rather for people who care about the state of their budget. But the Toyota Corolla, on the contrary, has become much more convenient to operate and at the same time received a presentable appearance. In addition, it is not inferior to Opel in terms of dynamics or economy. As a result, the Opel Astra is only for fans of its design style, while the Toyota Corolla remains a versatile option that suits all drivers well.
When choosing an Opel Astra H, the car is attracted by a pretty design that still does not seem outdated, spacious salon, excellent driving characteristics and not too expensive maintenance and repair. But is it worth buying this modification of the Astra, how to choose it correctly and how often will the Opel Astra H make you repair it?
As for body repair, sooner or later they will have to do it. The weak points on the body of the Astra H are the thresholds, or rather that part of them that is covered by the door. Due to contact with the heels of the driver and passengers paintwork on them, it quickly loses its original appearance. One more weakness- trunk lid. The fact is that a nice chrome strip is fixed on it, which over time begins to rub against the body, as a result of which rust forms in the places of scuffs. So, when examining the body of the car you like, pay special attention to this place. Otherwise, it’s not so bad. The third generation Astra has nothing to do with the too quickly rusting Opel of the early nineties of the last century.
The interior of most cars still hasn't lost its former attractiveness. But since you have already looked into it, then do not be too lazy to check the operation of all electrical systems. Their reliability in the Astra H is average. In many cars, the same air conditioner no longer works. Quite often, the owners of a German car have to solve problems with cruise control, an audio system, and electric windows that suddenly refused to work.
Many engines were offered for the Opel Astra H, but in our market the most widespread was the 1.6-liter power unit, which, depending on the modification, could develop 105 and 115 horsepower. It is this engine that can be called optimal for the Astra H. Do not forget, perhaps, that it is necessary to change the timing belt in it every 60 thousand kilometers. Sometimes on the market you can find Astra H and with gasoline engine volume of 1.4 liters. Its main disadvantages are excessive oil consumption and insufficient power for a relatively heavy car. Suffering from oil gluttony and a power unit with a volume of 1.8 liters.
Astra H was once very popular on the European market with diesel engine 1.3 CDTI, which "opelevtsy" developed together with the engineers of the Italian Fiat. To the pluses this engine worth attributing low consumption fuel and high enough power for its volume. But there were also some drawbacks. The main ones are the relatively rapid wear and the need for constant monitoring of the oil level. If it is not enough, it can lead to a jump of the camshaft drive chain.
Turbo diesel 1.9 CDTI looks even more preferable from the point of view of power characteristics, but there are more problems with it. The 150 horsepower version, for example, has problems with the intake manifold flaps. And if repairs in this case are even more or less available, then replacing the collector itself will cost a pretty penny. There are claims and the EGR valve. In addition, 1.9 CDTI is famous for not the most durable dual-mass flywheel. But that's not all. The turbine, which allows this power unit to develop such a high power, is also far from eternal. And replacing it is by no means cheap. So Opel Astra with 1.9 CDTI can hardly be recommended for purchase.
And if you really want to drive a diesel car, then it is better to throw all your efforts in search of an Astra H with a 1.7 CDTI engine. In this power unit there is no turbocharger and a dual-mass flywheel, which has a positive effect on its reliability. However, there were still some drawbacks. Reliability of the 1.7 CDTI oil pump and turbocharger leaves much to be desired.
The mechanical gearbox on the Opel Astra H is quite reliable. Is that oil seals crankshaft over time, they begin to fog up a little. The classic “automatic machine” has also proven itself quite well. For the majority, its maintenance will be reduced to an oil change, which must be carried out every 60 thousand kilometers. But from robotic box Easytronic gearchanges are best discarded. The clutch in it can wear out after 100 thousand kilometers.
The suspension of the Opel Astra H is strong enough. Claims can only be made to rear springs which can break, for example, if dropped into a deep hole. Moreover, this problem is typical not only for station wagons, which are often trite overload, but also for hatchbacks. Of the rest of the "consumables", most of all complaints about the racks front stabilizer who start knocking too early. Sometimes on the Opel Astra H you can also find an electronically controlled IDS + suspension. It is better to refuse it right away, since the cost of repairing it is incomparable with the cost of the used car itself.
The braking system and steering on the third generation Astra do not cause problems. Is that before buying, do not be too lazy to examine steering rack for leaks.
A strong middle peasant - this is the definition that was fixed for the Opel Astra H during the years of its production. It is also true regarding reliability. There are no frankly weak nodes in the German car, but from time to time it will annoy you with minor troubles. So after all, competitors are no better in this regard. Most are even worse. So the Opel Astra H with a gasoline engine and mechanical box gearshift can be recommended for purchase. With due attention, the car will not let you down. And even more so it will not ruin at a possible repair.
Verdict
Weaknesses / problem areas:
- Quick-corroding sills and a place under the chrome trunk strip
- Excessive oil consumption in engines of 1.4 and 1.8 liters
- Problematic diesel engines
- Wear-resistant robotic gearbox
- Fast wearing front shock absorber struts
Strong / reliable sides:
- Relatively reliable engines 1.6 liters
- Reliable transmissions (mechanical and automatic)
- Sturdy suspension
- Reliable braking system
- Reliable steering system
Average prices for a used Opel Astra H as of 12.2019
| Year of issue | Price for Opel Astra H, rubles |
|---|---|
| 2004 | 237 000 |
| 2005 | 292 000 |
| 2006 | 309 000 |
| 2007 | 352 000 |
| 2008 | 366 000 |
| 2009 | 383 000 |
| 2010 | 453 000 |
| 2011 | 498 000 |
| 2012 | 602 000 |
| 2013 | 660 000 |
| 2014 | 735 000 |
| 2015 | 781 000 |
