The last time this happened to me was with a Lamborghini Gallardo: a man drives by, looks, stops, and keeps driving. Then turn around and come back. He calmly walks around the car, takes a look, pulls out his phone, and takes a few photos.
The Gallardo back then was Baby Blue, the phones were still for making calls. But today something similar is happening to me with my test car, which is a… Opel Astra!
But there is something that stands out about this Opel, especially in Germany. After all, the new Bueno is the new Astra, winner of the Golden Wheel of AUTO BILD and BILD am SONNTAG in autumn 2022. It shimmers in gold, consequently: the color is called “cult” yellow! oh really!
The Astra looks very attractive: sharp, dynamic cut, without frills. It's one of those cars that stands out from a crowd of SUVs that always look the same, bloated, flashy, and bulky, but often surprisingly cramped and confusing inside.
The Astra is simply
practical
And it is that I love the format of the Astra, almost perfect: manageable, of course, simply practical. The one from Rüsselsheimer with French roots, with the technical base of the Peugeot 308, is good proof that sharing a platform does not have to degenerate into boredom. The driving position, by the way, is quite low and sporty.
It has AGR seats for the driver and front passenger, with a massage function, ventilation, heating, and Nappa leather, which of course costs extra. It equips other nice details such as the navigation system, hi-fi sound system, head-up display, and glass sunroof. heated windshield… All optional, but worth it.
The ergonomics are also good: it has a screen instead of the conventional round instruments, and the buttons and switches are within easy reach. The rear-seat seating position is too low, mind you, and there's little knee room.
And now for some criticism: the powerful, but otherwise unhelpful hybrid system. I managed to drive 50 purely electric kilometers, but the low consumption remains hypothetical.
Also, the electric remote unlocking of the tailgate by key did it only on some occasions, and the trunk should be bigger.
In summary
Why would I recommend the car to my best friend? Because the Astra is not only dynamic, it also looks dynamic.
What am I left with? With which Opel is back: driving pleasure, good format, elegant proportions.
Displacements: a diesel is still more economical. Score: 4 out of 5
Shopping: Maneuverable, requires little space to park, trunk only correct. Score: 3 out of 5
Holidays: Fine with three or four people…if you pack smart. Rated 4 out of 5
Family life: there are five of us, so a family member suits us best. Rated 3 out of 5
Conclusion
The best
Design, equipment, dynamism, technology
Worst
The trunk and rear seats are somewhat fair
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