If the weight of the Opel Astra was a drag, forget it: the new generation is not only lighter, but also technically superior … above all with engine 1.4 Turbo 150 hp.

In these last years talk Overweight Opel in general, and specifically of kilos more than ever They recorded on our scale Opel Insignia and the Opel Astra has been very recurrent in our tests and benchmarks. In a time when manufacturers worked to reduce or contain the weight some cars getting bigger, equipped and therefore heavier, Opel showed no evolution in this sense, but quite the opposite. It was something that was increasing in those two models mentioned, when at the time also broke the "established rules" with some measures own body in both cases higher segment.

In fact, one of the great arguments announced by brand previous Astra (Here, the test we did at the time) was his big size. Then he grew a whopping 17 centimeters, went to a lengthy 4.42 meters Total … and weight soared, in some cases up to 250 kilos above rivals equivalents. Curiously, do not for such a plant the Opel Astra was a reference or habitability or even less luggage capacity… and no less curious, no matter what it announced that scale, the Opel Astra He trod frame and responded with the roundness of a Good big car, not heavy. He a theoretical weight seemed ballast, when efficiency and dynamics showed many more virtues than deficiencies. But always you wondered how you could become good this compact with its ideal, lower weight.

Opel Astra 1.4 Turbo 150 CV: much lighter

Well, it has come check time. The new Opel Astra is the first product of the German mark really conscious with weight. announced cuts up to 200 kilos, versions. Knowing that these ads are often also more theoretical or justified in that real very particular version of Access, the first thing we have done It has been weighing on our digital scales and compare with the previous Astra equivalent. And yes, I advance: we have verified 1,296 kilos, exactly 183 less. An atrocity…

Opel says today have 77 kilos lowered with the new body, 50 kg between other components and chassis materials; to 11.5 kg in the rim / tire assemblies … while front seats are lighter 10 kilos. With less mass than stop, the brake system has also been redesigned, and here have saved another 10 kilos more. And so, almost everything has been optimized. now this Opel Astra 1.4 Turbo 150 hp not only it puts the same level, According to our measurements, the light always Seat Leon 1.4 TSI (1,284 kg) But reveals at dynamic Ford Focus 1.5 Ecoboost (1,395 kg), Which has just released the new Ecoboost 4 cylinder engine. And that the Opel remains, except for the Mazda3, he largest car (long) segment… despite measures rethink their downward. It is now five centimeters shorter and means narrower. The question … and less habitable?

Opel Astra 1.4 Turbo 150 hp: the worst trunk

Opel ingenuity has now applied to subtract kilos, but not especially to keep centimeters … in the trunk. If before its 370 liters measured by us with spare wheel under the floor were just right considering their size (415 liters we measure in the Peugeot 308 to the same conditions), now by opening the gate suspect the trunk has been the great survivor. Measured, 320 spare wheel checked with our Technical Center liters We certify that is the smallest segment. However no objection to the other measures of habitability. Overall, this Opel Astra itself feels spacious interior in all directions and critical legroom for rear passengers is situated very close even the best (Seat Leon and Volkswagen Golf).

Already on going, this new Opel Astra 1.4 Turbo 150 hp You transmits a quality rolling. If you do not feel lighter, much softer … less "coarse". his direction is now electric and perhaps through the steering wheel you feel more isolated tire tread. his Damping would say it is also more comfortable. It seems more agile or moving with less effort and above all is far more refined. Surely less weight to support and guide lets you define a friendlier frame and take fewer commitments. Perhaps this is gone optional damping Piloted before three morons to choose.

Now, with the right balance, this new Opel Astra responds very well to all situations, demands and requirements. Because the result is not only a very nice car roll, but also highly effective. Sure the new Opel Astra structurally more rigid: lose weight does not mean losing strength. The compact running smoothly without vibrations, Bacchae undecomposed and curved supports speeds extremely high step without the sensation of collapsing the suspension or the tires. The front digests all his work as if she weighed indeed much less than before. Definitely, Today is a very progressive and constant car in their reactions. And much more refined than before.

Opel Astra 1.4 Turbo engine 150 hp

The feeling of being a car "premium" also is given in the new Opel Astra for its Interior presentation. The dashboard conveys quality, design, materials and finishes. Even improves perception Opel Insignia renovated. Touch the steering wheel, change, switches, everything takes you to perceive a car care. And also, I must say, by the good insulation of noise and vibration. I wonder how good this Opel Astra makes its new 1.4 Turbo petrol engine.

Modern, 1.4 Turbo petrol engine 150 hp It may be the worst opponent actually 1.6 CDTi 136 hp. The Opel premieres the new Astra and its evolution is technically combining direct injection, variable valve timing intake and exhaust. It has also been added to the diet product: block is aluminum and saves 10 kilos Turbo respect to 1.4 above. Faced with engines 3-cylinder fashion rivals such as 1.2 PureTech the latest Peugeot 308 and the 4 cylinder 1.4 TSI advanced disengageable cylinders of the Seat Leon and VW Golf, Opel Astra does not compete in both the provision, as if liking and consumption. In our measurements road is now the car has less consumed us category (only 5.4 l / 100 km on average). Not a temperamental engine, but a mechanical showing very good manners from very low engine speeds, which responds with great liking and solvency that gives the turbo. Diesel consumption is safe unbeatable, but when a good motor gasoline consumption ensures you so tight, they are otherwise.

And finally we talked her equipment available, where he Opel Astra is also placed very high today in its segment. Exclusive are few Fantastic optional LED headlights technology. From 60 km / h the main beam is connected at night almost permanently and before the oncoming traffic or that precedes us, it generates active shadows in the beam only to avoid dazzling, keeping lit a long, wide field of view . There are Also new safety systems, as the active lane keeping, blind spots alarms, automatic pre-collision braking system and advanced connectivity to integrate important functions of our smartphone with the car instrumentation, as well as WiFi is not to leave the other passengers. Its price, from 19,540 euros with discount of, It is also very competitive. Oh, if I had a trunk a little more capable …

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