External update Opel Corsa
over new appearance designers have worked, correcting all previous shortcomings. The body has become elongated and catchy, during the movement of the desire not to occupy it. The design of this car covers all classes of the population. It is perfect for a young couple, business people or retirees. The first thing that the designers changed was the lower grille, which became longer and wider. The headlights, along with the entire body, stretched to the top and became wider.
Also, the designers took care of safety, reduced the angle of refraction of the hood and windshield.
Salon Opel Corca
There is not much space in the cabin, but it is cozy and everything is at hand. Dashboard in addition to the speedometer and tachometer, it also contains a small backlit display that is convenient to read in any weather. The remaining control modules are located on the steering wheel and to the right of it, in complete set There is a 5 inch touch screen. Despite its compactness, the cabin is comfortable even for a tall driver. Basic equipment pleases with comfort, it includes: airbags, air conditioning, radio, trunk with double space for a spare tire and power windows.
In any configuration, there is only one engine. Volume 1.4 liters, power 100 Horse power, acceleration to 100 km / h will take 12 seconds. For a city hatchback, this is completely enough, taking into account the consumption of 6 liters per 100 km. The main "trick" of this model is fuel economy and reduction of emissions of harmful substances into the atmosphere.
Exterior Opel Astra
Astra also did not lag behind in updating the design and in 2014 appeared before us in a new look. The trunk has “grown” to the new model, having increased in volume by 50 liters, but it “grown” organically and those who have not seen the old models will not notice this change. The station wagon was taken as the basis for the body and upgraded to a sedan. The headlights have also changed, they have become more aggressive and sportier.
Opel Astra interior
Here is the interior and there is a real "trump card" of this model. Basically, the quality of materials has changed, and the build quality has been improved. It was unpleasant when the car completely suited you, and the plastic on the dashboard was so terrible that it discouraged all desire. Now everything is different, the plastic is soft and has a pleasant texture. The center of the torpedo is occupied by a color touch screen, which "smartly" performs the tasks of playing music, video or navigation. The seats are comfortable, the filigree is soft and pleasant to the touch, only the rear sofa is small, three adults will feel free, they won’t be there.
Two versions of gasoline engines will enter our market:
- Volume 1.6 liters, power 115 horsepower - a simple urban option as standard
- The volume is 1.8 liters, the power is 135 horsepower, and the automatic transmission
Both configurations are great for city traffic and on the highway. It already depends on your personal preference for power, whether you need a car that will gas so that the rubber burns or smooth acceleration to the optimum speed.
Opel Corsa is an excellent updated hatchback, pleases with its interior and technological capabilities, as well as an economical engine. Opel Astra is significantly larger, both outside and inside, and looks great in the role of a family car.
Watch an interesting video on this topic
08.03.2017
Opel Astra 3) is the third generation passenger car German company. Astra has always been a popular model, but this generation especially pleased dealers with sales volumes. Recently, the number of used Opel Astra H has increased dramatically, of course, this can be attributed to the regular renewal of cars, since most motorists do this every 4-5 years. But it may be that the owners begin to get rid of their cars after a run of 100-150 thousand km . And, here, what is the true reason, and what disadvantages are inherent in this car, now we will try to figure it out.
A bit of history:
The debut of the Opel Astra H took place in 2003 at the Frankfurt auto show, and in March 2004 the serial assembly of the car began. In the markets of different countries, it was also produced under the names Chevrolet Astra, Chevrolet Vectra, Holden Astra, Saturn Astra and Vauxhall Astra. The novelty was designed to replace the Opel Vectra B, which was popular at that time. In total, to storm the segment " C"or, as they say, a golf class, four bodies were produced based on the Delta platform developed by General Motors - three and five-door hatchback, sedan, station wagon and coupe.
For most CIS markets, the car was assembled at the Russian Avtotor plant in Kaliningrad, and since 2008 at the General Motors car assembly plant in Shushary near St. Petersburg. The design of the car was developed by the director of the German Opel design studio in Rüsselsheim - Friedhel Engler, who is also the creator of the Opel Corsa. The production of the model ceased in 2009, this model was replaced by the Opel Astra J, but even after the release of the new model, the popularity of the Opel Astra H did not decrease at all, therefore, it was decided to extend the production of this model (the car was produced until 2014 under the name Astra Family).
Weaknesses and shortcomings of the Opel Astra H with mileage
Unlike most competitors, the Opel Astra H has a fairly high-quality paintwork. The exception was cars made in Poland, on such specimens the paint swelled and fell off in pieces, fortunately, the manufacturer eliminated all the shortcomings under warranty. The body is fully galvanized, thanks to this it resists the onslaught of the red disease well, but, nevertheless, over time, from the effects of reagents that are generously sprinkled on our roads, it is possible to detect pockets of corrosion on the tailgate, door edges and thresholds. On cars of the first years of production, the headlights become cloudy, and the handles of the rear doors may also stick.
Engines
A large number of powertrains were available for the Opel Astra H: petrol - 1.4 (90 hp), 1.6 (105 hp), 1.8 (125 hp) and 2.0 (170, 200 hp) ; diesel - 1.3 (90 hp), 1.7 (100 hp), 1.9 (120 and 150 hp). All motors are quite reliable, but after 100,000 km of run they require little investment. The 1.4 engine proved to be the most trouble-free, but, due to insufficient power, this power unit is not in demand among motorists. In the more common 1.6 and 1.8 engines, in our operating conditions, the catalyst and the EGR valve become dirty very quickly. The problem is especially relevant for cars operated in the metropolis. One of the most serious breakdowns that many Astra owners have had to deal with is jammed intake and exhaust camshaft gears. This trouble occurs on a run of 60-80 thousand km, and after repair there is no guarantee that it will not happen again. Signs of a problem will be: increased noise when starting the engine (rattle, rumble) and deterioration in dynamics.
Also, the main disadvantages include a small resource of the rear engine mount (it becomes unusable every 60-70 thousand km). Often, owners are faced with a malfunction of the ignition system module, the cause of the disease lies in poor contact in the connectors and untimely replacement spark plugs. Closer to 250,000 km, a rupture of the membrane responsible for the recirculation of crankcase gases occurs, located in the valve cover. You can identify the problem by precarious work engine, as well as blue smoke from exhaust system. Very often, the engine is sentenced to overhaul at the services, however, the problem is solved by replacing the valve cover. The most powerful power unit, in most cases, does not require repair up to 150,000 km, but minor troubles, such as fogging of the cylinder head and oil smudges through the crankshaft oil seal , can occur after 20,000 km of run.
All motors are equipped with a timing belt drive, according to the regulations, belt replacement is prescribed every 90,000 km, but there have been cases of a belt break after 50,000 km, therefore, it is better not to risk it and change the belt every 60,000 km. The pump is usually changed every second belt change. Diesel engines reliable, but demanding on fuel quality and lubricants. Among the shortcomings of diesel engines, it should be noted weak fuel equipment and a small resource particulate filter(replacement every 50-60 thousand km). If the filter is clogged, the thrust disappears, and fumes come out of the exhaust system, like from an old KAMAZ. Also, due to design miscalculations, the engine control unit suffers (it is exposed to moisture and dirt). Of the most costly problems faced by owners of diesel cars is the failure of a dual-mass flywheel (resource 100-150 thousand km). Signals about the presence of a problem will be knocking and vibrations when shifting gears, it is worth noting that the gears turn on clearly.
Transmission
Opel Astra H buyers were offered three types of gearboxes to choose from - mechanical, automatic and Easytronic robot. Mechanics is considered the most problem-free, even a clutch kit serves 100-120 thousand km. The only thing for which you can reproach the manual transmission is only for the lack of synchronizers, because of this it does not always turn on correctly reverse gear. Among the shortcomings faced by owners of cars with mechanics, one can single out a leak in the rear crankshaft oil seal and a small resource of the output shaft bearing (60-80 thousand km). On some copies, after 70,000 km of run, cracks appear along the seam of the box. If, when switching from first to third gear, a blow is felt, it is better to contact the service, but, in most cases, it is enough to change the oil to eliminate the ailment.
The automatic transmission is famous for jerking and jerking during gear changes, but you should not be afraid of this, since this is not a breakdown, but a feature of the transmission. The most common automatic transmission problem is the leakage of coolant into the hydraulic circuit of the box, after which the unit completely fails. If the auto-neutral fails, cleaning the jet in the box will most likely help. Upon transition to emergency mode the box only works in 4th gear. The robotic transmission is very capricious and requires attention every 15,000 km (maintenance and clutch adjustment).
During operation, the driven disk is erased, while the point of contact with the basket shifts, but the controller responsible for supplying fuel does not know about the shift in the point of contact and supplies the wrong amount of fuel. As a result, this leads to incorrect operation of the box and premature wear of the clutch. It is worth noting that even with timely maintenance of a robotic transmission, its resource in rare cases exceeds 150,000 km. Before buying a car with a robot, be sure to ride it, if there are strong jerks when switching, it is better to refuse to buy such a car.
Reliability running Opel Astra H
Simplicity is the key to reliability, it was on this principle that the suspension of this model was developed, a semi-independent torsion beam was installed at the back, and MacPherson strut was installed at the front. If we talk about driving characteristics, then the suspension copes well with the realities of our roads, but it is characterized by increased noise. If you do not take into account the struts and stabilizer bushings (resource 20-40 thousand km), the most weak point support bearings are considered to be running, and steering rods, their resource, in most cases, does not exceed 60,000 km of run. Wheel bearings (the ABS sensor becomes unusable after 50,000 km) and ball bearings with medium loads nursed 50-70 thousand km. The rest of the suspension elements serve 100,000 km or more.
The weakest point in the steering mechanism is steering rack, as a rule, starts knocking after 100,000 km of run, fluid leakage may also appear, this, over time, can lead to the destruction of the assembly, but if the problem is noticed and fixed in time, complications can be avoided. To reliability brake system no complaints, the only thing the owners complain about is the small resource of the front pads (30,000 km.).
Salon
The interior of the Opel Astra H is made in a simple style, but at the same time, the manufacturer used sufficiently high-quality materials, but, despite this, almost every car has crickets in the cabin. The car cannot boast of the reliability of the interior electrical equipment. The main problem in electronics is the incorrect operation of the buttons on the steering wheel and steering column control levers, the reason is a faulty steering column SIM module. There are also complaints about the climate control system, or rather, the air recirculation damper. The problem is manifested by a characteristic crack from under the console.
Outcome:
In terms of reliability Opel AstraH not much different from its competitors, but due to the low cost of maintenance and repair, this car is one of the most interesting representatives of the golf class on secondary market.
If you are the owner of this car model, please describe the problems that you had to face during the operation of the car. Perhaps it is your review that will help readers of our site when choosing a car.
Sincerely, editorial Autoavenue
1st place: 5-door hatchback. The optimal choice. Four large adults will comfortably sit in it and there will still be 370 liters for luggage. The split back of the sofa and a removable shelf will allow you to transport bulky cargo without sacrificing the entire back row to it. In the minuses, perhaps, one can only write down a narrowed luggage opening and a 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 Astra trunk retained a rather impressive one - 460 liters. The sedan costs 13-30 thousand more than the optimum, 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 is much more interesting to handle thanks to a different front suspension. In addition, other things being equal, a three-door costs only a thousand rubles more than a 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, the Sports Tourer should be considered first of all: in terms of spaciousness and dimensions, such a car is close to middle-class cars. With a double layout, it will fit up to 1550 liters of cargo, and if you fold the back of the front passenger seat, you can take away a long length of 2.8 m.
Which configuration?
Basic "Essensia" equipped with dignity: air conditioning, a pair of power windows, heated mirrors and front seats, a CD-audio system, crankcase protection and an alarm system. Yes, and the level of security here is decent: there is a quartet of pillows, ABS and ESP. And yet, buying such an Astra is only worth it to those who are so constrained in funds 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 shortcomings. It has whiplash-proof front headrests, a silver-colored center console, a front armrest, a pair of extra cup holders, tweeters, and power rear windows. For an intelligent 6-speed "automatic" you will have to pay 35,000 rubles. However, "Active" 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 "Angoy") and will be optimal.
Surcharge for "Cosmo" in the case of an 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 audio monitor. By the way, the electric driver's seat (25,000), parking sensors (15,000) and active bi-xenon (41,000) are available only in Cosmo.
The analogue of "Cosmo" for GTC is "Sport", which is 72 thousand more expensive than "Enjoy" and in terms of equipment it practically repeats "Cosmo" - the only exception is 18-inch wheels and sports wheel with tides in places of grip.
And finally, equipped with the most powerful Astra-GTC engine, it is called OPC. Outside, such cars are easily distinguished by an aggressive spoiler above the tailgate, front bumper with a predatory air intake, a double-barreled muffler and low-profile 19-inch tires, and the OPC interior is decorated with sports bucket seats.
Which color?
"Astra" can be painted in one of fifteen colors. They give away only red and blue* for free, and ask for 6,000 rubles for white. above. Any metallic will cost an additional 11,000 rubles.
What 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 a perfectly 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 mid-range sedans. Engineers can only be blamed for not too much high definition switching gears, and marketers - for greed: this engine is 43,000 rubles. more than the optimum.
3rd place: 1.8 l (140 hp) At the Opel mechanics, he earned the laurels of the most reliable power unit. Compared to the optimum, it has more traction in medium and high revs. But the surcharge for the extra 25 forces, in our opinion, is inadequate - 160,000 rubles. Yes, and you can get a 1.8-liter engine only when ordering a GTC.
4th place: 1.6T (180/170 HP) 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, with the acceleration dynamics of the Astra with this engine, everything is more than in order, but fuel consumption can be unpleasantly surprising. For the GTS and station wagon, this motor was derated by 10 forces in order to improve efficiency and increase torque.
5th place: 2.0D (130 hp) This engine is equipped with GTC and Sports Tourer. In terms of traction and economy, it has no equal - on one tank you can drive up to a thousand kilometers in one sitting. But in terms of dynamics, diesel is inferior to many gasoline engines and besides demanding on the quality of fuel.
So, what is better to buy: Korean Hyundai Solaris or German Opel Aster? These two cars are well-deservedly popular, and therefore this issue turns almost into a dilemma. Let's try to help you resolve it.
External Data
It should be noted right away that the Opel Astra, released in 2015, in a sedan and Hyundai Solaris, released in 2014, with a similar body will be compared. The front of both machines is similar. The only difference is the radiator grill, which is more voluminous on the "Korean". The optics on both machines are similar even in that they have identical rounding and overall shape. The bumper on the Solaris is closer to the ground than on the Solaris. Both bumpers are equipped with fog lights.
As for the side view of the cars, Astra and Solaris look very good here too. Doors completed in classic style. There is absolutely nothing superfluous on them that looks simple, but at the same time beautiful. An important parameter for driving outside the city and within it is the clearance. For the "German" it is 165 millimeters, and for the competitor - 160.
Salon of two cars
To unequivocally draw a conclusion as to which car is worth buying - Opel Astra or Hyundai Solaris, you need to find out what a salon is. In fact, inside these two sedans are very comfortable. Despite the fact that the machines belong to the budget category, the highest quality materials are used. Not in salons bad smell which often results from the use of cheap plastic.
The front panel on the Astra is more ergonomic - everything is at hand for the driver, he can confidently reach all the controls without being distracted from the road.
Car owners consider the quality of the interior to be one of the important advantages. There is absolutely nothing superfluous in it, but at the same time, everything is at hand, in close proximity. The only thing that can be considered a minus is that the Hyundai Solaris is far from the best sound insulation. It is noteworthy that almost every person who happened to exploit this iron horse speaks about this.
Technical specifications
As is customary, it is worth starting with the power unit. Under the hood, Opel and Hyundai have engines, the volume of which is 1.4 l. Despite the identical displacement, the power figures vary significantly. Here, the German machine becomes one hundred percent the leader - 140 horsepower, versus 100. But high power also has its drawbacks. In a specific case, it is high flow fuel. Opel Astra spends almost seven liters on the highway, but in Korean car it is lower - five and a half.
Opel's weight was 1405 kilograms, and Hyundai - 1211. Astra accelerates to hundreds in just 10.3 seconds, but Solaris - in 12.2.
Another point is transmission. Both cars are equipped with six-speed gearboxes. That's just the brainchild of the German auto industry - mechanics, and the Korean - automatic.
Price policy
If you want to buy a brand new Hyundai Solaris, then you will have to pay about 750 thousand rubles. The new Astra will cost the buyer more - more than one million. But if you do not have such an amount, it is possible to turn to the secondary market, where you will give no more than seven hundred thousand for a "German". A second-hand “Korean” can be bought for 400 thousand.
The most popular choice of buyers are golf-class models. After all, they have an optimal balance of consumer qualities and prices. Such models are present in the lineup of almost any manufacturer. But someone attracts with a practical design, and someone with a customized driving performance. Comparison of Mazda 3 and Opel Astra is a duel of two technical schools - East and West. What will win - Japanese philosophy or European-American practicality? What better mazda 3 or Opel Astra? Let's try to find an answer.
Compare mazda3 and opel astra with other models
After analyzing the Russian used car market, we can confidently say that the Mazda 3 is among the leaders in sales. She only yields Ford Focus or Mitsubishi Lancer. Back in 2004, immediately after the start of sales, the first generation Mazda 3 became a real market bestseller. Buyers praised the bright appearance and driving performance Japanese car. They produced sedan and five-door hatchback versions. But the next generation Mazda 3 2008 caused some drop in interest, so in 2013 the third generation of the model appeared, designed in the spirit of modern KODO philosophy.
The history of the Opel Astra began much earlier. In 2004, the third generation of the Astra H compact family car was released. The choice of bodies is richer here: from a 3-door hatchback to a convertible. In 2009, Astra J appeared, which was produced until 2016.
Classmates of Mazda and Astra are Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus, KIA Ceed Chevrolet Lacetti.
The choice of the first car Opel Astra H or Mazda 3
When choosing your first Mazda 3 or Opel Astra H, experts recommend doing test drives and then making a decision. Usually compare cars in similar trim levels. Here Mazda 3 1.6i has a classic automatic, Astra 1.6 has a robot. The Opel owner will be able to save on spare parts, and the Mazda 3 buyer will enjoy driving.
From the point of view of practicality, the arrow of the scales is in favor of the Astra: Mazda has a weak paintwork, which often has chips on the doors and wheel arches. Inside, the Mazda 3 has a more interesting front panel, comfortable seats, and better visibility. Astra H has a comfortable armrest and practical door trim, more room in the back.
In motion, the Mazda will feel stiffer, but it has better handling and less body roll in corners. Astra starts faster from a place, with the same top speed. Astra's ground clearance is a little more, so you don't scratch the bumper from below.
In general, it turns out that the Mazda 3 is a car for the driver, positive traits cover the negative ones. To fully appreciate the charms of Zoom-Zoom, you need to drive. And one moment. The average fuel consumption according to the reviews of the owners in the urban cycle: Astra - 12l / 100km, and Mazda - 8. Everyone chooses for himself.
Should I buy a Mazda 3
Mazda 3 in ads for the sale of used cars is very common. Therefore, the choice can be approached in detail.
Most of the offerings are more recent copies from 2007. The “youth” car prevails in the hatchback body, less than half of the sedans. Comparison of technical indicators puts the Mazda 3 version with a 1.6 engine (105 hp) in first place in popularity and automatic transmission gears, then comes the same displacement version with mechanics.
Thanks to its sporty design, the Mazda 3 is more expensive in the secondary market than the regular Opel Astra Jay. Cheaper occurs with age and does not depend on reystayling. The odometer readings should not be taken seriously, the seller can adjust the mileage down. When choosing a used car, pay attention technical condition, not run.
Mazda 3 engines are equally reliable; out of the boxes, “mechanics” or “automatic” with four steps are preferable.
The choice of Mazda 3 can hardly be called rational, both used and new. Bright appearance and driving qualities, but the high cost of acquisition and maintenance. This is the choice for the young and active, as well as for those who want to stay that way.
Astra vs Mazda 3
For comparison, cars with a body were used - a 5-door hatchback:
- Mazda 3 IIIgeneration, restyling, 08.2016 — present, 1.5 l., 120 h.p., Petrol, automatic transmission, Front-wheel drive.
The latest generation has become more aggressive and representative of the previous one. Slim tinted headlights, black grille, horizontal rear lights give the appearance of collection. The curves of the body emphasize the sporty focus.
- Opel Astra Jgeneration, restyling, 09.2012 — 10.2015, 1.6 l., 115 hp, Petrol, automatic transmission, Front wheel drive.
After restyling, Astra also became stricter and more collected. The new grille, bumper, roof line emphasize the dynamic style.
| Opel Astra | Mazda 3 | |
| Engine volume, cc | 1598 | 1496 |
| Power | 115 HP | 120 HP |
| Maximum torque, N * m (kg * m) at rpm. | 155 (16) / 4000 | 150 (15) / 4000 |
| Volume fuel tank, l | 56 | 51 |
| Number of doors | 5 | 5 |
| Trunk capacity, l | 370 | 308 |
| Acceleration time 0-100 km/h, s | 13.3 | 11.9 |
| Weight, kg | 1373 | 1302 |
| Body length | 4419 | 4465 |
| body height | 1510 | 1450 |
| Wheel base, mm | 2685 | 2700 |
| Ground clearance (road clearance), mm | 165 | 155 |
| Fuel consumption, l/100 km | 7.1 | 5.8 |
It must be admitted that both European and Asian designers managed to create a vivid image of a car for the driver. Both models will suit both young people and middle-aged people. And yet the image of the Mazda 3 looks more complete, the Astra loses a little due to differences in the design of the simple front and sporty rear of the car.
Cabin and trunk capacity
Mazda's interior is a perfect combination of modernity and classic design. Dark colors, silver inserts. Joystick media system on the central tunnel. Sometimes it seems that you are in a BMW showroom. The impression violates the quality of finishing materials, typical for Japanese car middle class. Ergonomics Mazda 3 raises no objections: the control is convenient and understandable. The front seats are of medium firmness with sufficient lateral support. Ahead there is enough space for the driver and passenger. In the back row, the amount of space is minimal, especially from head to ceiling. The rear sofa will comfortably accommodate two passengers, and the third will have to make room.
The interior of the Opel is made in gray and black shades. A deep driver's seat in a well-shaped seat and a large multimedia screen on the center console. The abundance of buttons that need to be sorted out is alarming. Kruglyashi regulators are small. The quality of materials is average, although there are no questions about assembly. The front seats have complete freedom of action. Enough space in height and width, although the central tunnel is quite high. The rear sofa will fully accommodate three people with a margin of knee room.
The luggage compartment of the Opel Astra with a volume of 370 liters will help solve the daily tasks of transporting bags, suitcases or a baby stroller. The loading height is at an acceptable level. Folded backrests rear seats add usable space, but do not provide a flat surface.
3 is much smaller - 308 liters. At the same time, the loading opening is higher than that of the Astra. When folding the rear seats, the capacity increases, but you also can’t get a flat floor.
Economy
According to the manufacturer, Mazda 3 in the combined cycle should consume about 6 liters of AI-95 gasoline per 100 km, Astra's appetite is over 7 l / 100 km.
Driving performance
When accelerating to 100 km / h, the Mazda 3 wins back almost 2 seconds, as it should be for a more “sporty” car. The Mazda suspension is equipped with MacPherson struts at the front and a multi-link at the rear. Suspension settings are sharpened for active driving, cornering confidently and without demolition. The brake pedal pleases with clear and predictable reactions.
Opel's suspension is comfortable. Front MacPherson strut with aluminum arms and rear Watt strut with two jet thrusts allow you to take turns with small rolls and gently overcome bumps. There is not enough information content of the steering and the sharpness of the brake pedal.
Security
The level of security of competitors from different parts of the world is on the same level. Euro NCAP experts gave them a well-deserved five out of five stars for the tests. Both models have a decent list of basic equipment with modern driver and passenger protection systems.
Model cost
Comparing the prices of cars can be quite conditional. The Opel brand is not currently for sale on Russian market. Five-door Astra J with gasoline engine 1.6 liters and an automatic transmission in 2015 cost about 1,200,000 rubles. The 2017 Mazda 3 hatchback in the Active + configuration is estimated by dealers at 1,271,000 rubles.
Comparison results
As a result, both cars are good. To say that Mazda 3 or Opel Astra is better is definitely impossible.
The Japanese is not without flaws (small ground clearance, soundproofing, luggage compartment), but has optimal balance speakers and fuel economy, handling and comfort. The European stands out for its energy-intensive suspension and roomy interior, but there are questions to the steering and brakes. As a result, buyers can make their own choice.
