Drive Review: Opel Astra 1.6T Sport Manual

An award winner, show stopper, the new 2016 Opel Astra has something to prove as it reaches our shores. SA Car Fan spent some time with the top of the range Opel Astra 1.6T Sport Plus MT to see if this German is worthy of all the accolades bestowed upon it.

Entering into its eleventh generation, the Astra was once common sight on our roads. A firm favourite for any car loving individual, many of us grew up with an Astra in the driveway. Sadly, many felt Opel neglected the Astra’s sporty spirit as the generations went on but thankfully that’s all changed as the latest Opel Astra has already captured the world’s motoring press and was crowned the 2016 European Car of the Year.

So how did the German engineers in the white coats get it so right? Combining four key principles, namely: efficiency, design, connectivity and advance driver assistance, Opel has managed to revive the Astra moniker.

From the outset, it certainly seems to have worked. Finding inspiration from the Monza Concept, the new Opel Astra is low-slung and has more curves that a lingerie model. Despite being shorter and lower than the outgoing model, cabin space is airy and allied to a good driving position that promotes visibility.

Its wide stance hints towards its agile nature, which is backed up by its quick revving 1.6-litre turbo petrol engine, found in our test model. This flagship model produces 147kW of power and 280Nm of torque, which makes for one fast German. Selecting first via the slick shifting six-speed manual gearbox and stomping the loud pedal to the floor sends the front tyres screeching in search of grip, before dispatching the 0-100km/h in a claimed 7 seconds. Loads of fun, considering this Astra doesn’t house the performance OPC badge and confirmation that the fastidious weight saving has paid off in several areas.

The car’s relentless performance is cemented in the reported top speed of 235km/h as its sleek aerodynamic profile moves through the air with little disruption. But what makes the Astra such a great driver’s companion is the everyday usable performance and efficient fuel economy, averaging 6.1 litres/100km.

The Astra’s handling is distinctly Opel, capable and direct, it feels nicely planted and can be threaded through the twisties with ease as the steering supplies crystal feedback.

Comfortable and enjoyable to drive, the experience is enhanced by the benchmark list of standard features. LED Matrix System, Traffic Sign Assist, Lane Departure Warning and Low Speed Collision Mitigation Braking to name just a few, means that a trip in the latest Opel Astra will ensure that not only are you kept safe, but that your Astra stays bump free thanks to all the driver aids.

The interior is well finished and the cabin rather cosy with premium touch and feel throughout but what was Opel thinking when it designed the hideously bulky cellphone holder? As has become the norm, the Opel’s infotainment system is user-friendly and will continue to evolve with minimal hardware updates.

Overall, the crew over in Germany has done a lot to revive the Opel nameplate locally, with a host of new models now roaming the streets. The new Corsa and Mokka have been met with praise and the Astra will certainly be no different.

A diverse line-up of engines to suit each individual, packed with a healthy dollop of standard features culminates in an attractive package but perhaps what has sealed the deal is the aggressive pricing.

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