Lighter eleventh gen Opel Astra arrives in SA

Opel is by far one of the oldest car companies in the world, and its most successful and most recognisable car, the Astra, has landed in South Africa in its latest incarnation. The Opel Astra aims to prove a serious challenge to established market leaders, such as the Volkswagen Golf and Ford Focus, and initial impressions are that the brand has done its homework.

The eleventh generation Opel Astra is a quantum leap of an improvement over the previous car. For starters, across the eight-model range it sheds between 120kg and 200kg – now weighing between 1815kg and 1980kg. The weight loss allows for it to look proportionally balanced and light, while the low-slung design permits a smooth, clean, athletic appeal. A drag figure of only 0.258 tops the “gym session”.

It is striking, the 2016 Opel Astra. From the new headlights to the chrome bar across the grille; that characteristic Opel “blade” that flows on the side of the car toward the Astra’s unique rear… it just blends to form one of the more cohesive car designs in the world right now.

The new Astra’s length shrunk by 49mm and the height by 25mm, but despite the car’s compact footprint, Opel managed to increase rear legroom and front headroom by 35mm and 22mm, respectively.

Inside, the new Opel Astra’s cabin does not exude the same extrovert approach as the exterior, but everything is logically placed and within reach. The perceived quality of the materials highlights General Motors’ intent to give the Astra a more premium feel. The materials feel solid to the touch and durable; an indication that the company did not skimp on making the Astra feel like a class above.

A choice of models is available. The 1.0-litre in either Essentia or Enjoy; the 1.4-litre comes in Enjoy and Sport; and the 1.6-litre in Sport and Sport PLUS.

But what Opel hope will really set its Astra apart from the competition is the advancements they’ve made with regards to safety and technology. This includes, amongst a huge raft of features, Lane Departure Warning (LDW) with Lane Keep Assist (LKA). These systems warn you if you are drifting out of your lane and will bring your Astra back into position automatically.

The two features Opel are most proud of are its Opel Eye front camera and the new IntelliLux LED Matrix light system. The latest generation Opel Eye, firstly, reads the road signs and projects it on the display in front of the driver. It also monitors the distance between you and the car in front as well as judging whether the emergency brake should be applied, and if so, when. The Opel Eye, basically, monitors the external conditions on the road and takes the necessary precaution in case of an emergency.

The other piece of tech the Opel Astra boasts is the IntelliLux LED Matrix system. This lighting system can project its beam up to 350m and automatically adjust its brightness according to the environment and the light conditions. In oncoming traffic the IntelliLux will deactivate some of its LED lights to not blind the other driver, but always distribute maximum light safely. Opel’s IntelliLux LED Matrix System is standard on the 1.6T Sport Plus, but optional on the 1.6T Sport model.

On the drive from East London to Port Elizabeth we took the scenic route through the inlands. The first model I sampled was the 1.0-litre turbo. This three cylinder motor develops a useful 77kW and 170Nm from a low 1800 rpm. The engine feels lively and responsive, requires a bit of stern throttle-input, but when it gets going it performs adequately. It comes with a five-speed manual gearbox and economy is rated at 4.3 L/100km and 99g CO2/km. If needed, the car is capable of reaching a top speed of 200km/h.

The next engine is the 1.4-litre turbo engine. Mated with either a manual or automatic gearbox (both six-speeds), it develops a punchy 110kW and 245Nm of torque between 2000 and 4000 rpm. On the drive I sampled the automatic version and was impressed by how well the engine and gearbox gelled. Whether up or downshifts, gear changes happen almost instantaneously and it inspires confidence to keep pushing.

However, the suspension setup on the car was on the soft side and some body roll was evident. Despite this, the 1.4 – with either gearbox – would probably be the sweet spot in the range. It really is that satisfying to drive.

The manual and automatic versions will despatch the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.5sec and 9sec, respectively, while fuel consumption is rated at 5.1 L/100km and 5.5 L/100km. Top speed is a claimed 215km/h.

The 1.6-litre turbo engine’s headline figures are 147kW and 280Nm, a 7sec sprint time, and a 235km/h top speed. It’s only available with a six-speed manual gearbox, but it bodes well to underline this model’s Sport credentials. The suspension has been tuned to promote an involving drive and that is exactly what drivers get. The complexion of the various roads we traversed could be felt through the electric steering system; as if you and the Opel Astra are in an intimate conversation.

What really impressed me, not only of the 1.6 turbo but of all derivatives, was how balanced the vehicles were under strenuous driving. Short, tight corners could be attacked and even though understeer was evident, the tail never swung out. The electronic nannies keep you safe and the car will not bite when you get a bit over-eager.

The arrival of the new 2016 Opel Astra in South Africa is sure to be the cat in the pigeon coop. The car really is impressive, and at the prices it comes in at, is part of Opel’s resurgence which heavily emphasis technology and build quality.

Price:

1.0T Essentia                      R254 000

1.0T Enjoy                           R284 300

1.4T Enjoy MT                    R328 000

1.4T Enjoy AT                     R338 000

1.4T Sport MT                    R354 000