body and interior
When it made its debut in 2015, the Astra attracted a lot of attention. Compared to its predecessor (Astra J), it had slimmed down a lot by up to 200 kilograms, while at the same time discarding its chubby design and also stopping the meanwhile rampant increase in length.
The fifth generation is still 4.37 meters long and five centimeters shorter than its predecessor. Despite the downsizing, the compact offers a decent amount of space – even in the rear. The Hatch’s trunk volume is 370 liters, which increases to 1,210 liters if you fold down the rear seat backs. In addition to the five-door hatchback, Opel also had the 4.70 meter station wagon called Sports Tourer on offer. The scores with a trunk volume of 540 liters, which can increase to 1,630 liters depending on the rear seat backrest position (compared to the Golf 7 Variant: 420 to 1,410 liters). A tidy cockpit and comparatively simple operating functions also speak for the Astra.
The trailer load of the Opel Astra K is normally up to 1,000 kilograms, only the powerful 1.6-liter diesel with 160 hp can take up to 1,700 kilograms.
In 2019, the Opel received a facelift. It can be seen from the slight retouching on the radiator grille. LED matrix headlights were available as an option for the first time in the compact class. The interior was noticeably upgraded and there was a new infotainment system with a larger screen. The range of engines has also been revised.
engines and propulsion
The Astra launched with a wide range of four-cylinder engines and one three-cylinder. This one-litre turbo with 77 kW/105 hp and a manual five-speed gearbox is one of the entry-level petrol variants, together with the 1.4-litre four-cylinder with 66 kW/90 hp. Opel also had the 1.4 in the expansion stages with 92 kW/125 hp and 110 kW/150 hp on offer. On the petrol side, however, the highest performance level was achieved with the 147 kW/200 hp 1.6-liter turbo. For the latter, instead of the usual six-speed manual transmission, there was also a six-speed automatic to choose from. According to the factory, the petrol engines consume between 4.3 and 6.6 liters per 100 kilometers.
On the diesel side, Opel offered a 1.6 with 70 kW/95 hp, 81 kW/110 hp, 100 kW/136 hp and 118 kW/160 hp (since 2018: 150 hp). With fuel consumption values between 3.6 and 5.2 liters, the self-igniters are stated to be quite economical and also achieved reasonable everyday values during numerous tests. Interested parties can also save with the natural gas variant. The Astra CNG is powered by a 1.4-liter turbo engine with 81 kW/110 hp and 200 Newton meters of torque. The standard consumption was given as 4.1 to 4.3 kilograms of natural gas per 100 kilometers.
From 2019 with a significantly modified range of engines
With the facelift in summer 2019 came the big tidying up and sorting out. The portfolio was now limited to four petrol engines and three diesel engines, each with three cylinders, which were said to be up to 20 percent more economical than the engines they replaced. The petrol engines covered a power range from 110 hp to 107 kW/145 hp. A 1.5-liter four-cylinder diesel was available in two power levels with 105 hp and 90 kW/122 hp. In addition, the automatic range has been reorganized. With the 1.4-liter petrol engine with 107 kW/145 hp, a CVT transmission provided the power transmission, with the more powerful diesel, a nine-speed automatic was used as an alternative to the manual switch.
equipment and security
The equipment differences of the comfort lines are large and range from lean (“Selection” and “Astra”) to comfort-oriented (“Ultimate” and “Elegance”). While the base trims tended to be purchased by fleet customers or very stingy first-time owners, the higher levels also offer dual-zone automatic climate control, air freshener, premium EGR seats with climate control and massage functions, rear-view and front-facing cameras.
In addition, there were always special models that lured with extras at attractive conditions. Opel also offered special packages for certain equipment versions, for example with LED matrix lights, LED taillights, IntelliLink navigation and DAB radio. Anyone interested in a used car should therefore take a very close look at the equipment list for their desired model. The Astra also achieved all five stars in the NCAP crash test. Numerous driver assistants were available as standard or at an additional cost, such as a front collision warning and the distance cruise control.
Also on offer was OnStar, a kind of concierge service that BMW also offers in its vehicles. However, the service was switched off at the end of 2020 when it was taken over by PSA.
How does it drive?
The Opel Astra K is not a slow car, especially with the 160 hp 1.6-liter twin-turbo diesel available until 2018. Although the diesel sometimes lacks the pressure of comparable competitor models when accelerating, it makes up for this with its balance and smooth running. In addition, the diesel offers low everyday consumption of an easily reproducible 6.4 liters per 100 kilometers.
In terms of driving dynamics, the Astra K benefits on the one hand from the lower vehicle weight compared to its predecessor, on the other hand the engineers have also made some adjustments to the chassis. Optionally, there was a so-called in the innovation model “Watt link rear axle” to order, which ensures that the rear is much more stable and can follow the steering commands better. The steering is largely free of disruptive force influences, only the 6-speed manual switch leaves a mixed impression. Too long shift travel and the clumsy design of the shift knob that feels bad in the hand are annoying.
quality and defects
In general, the Opel Astra K is a very solid car. Both the materials used and the quality of workmanship are competitive with well-known competitors from Volkswagen. In the zeitgeist, the Rüsselsheimer shares a cumbersome infotainment system and a sometimes bad voice control with its competitors.
If you look at the TÜV statistics, the Astra K is also inconspicuous. It masters the test criteria chassis, lights and brakes almost flawlessly. However, buyers of used cars should pay attention to a neuralgic weak point: oil leaks! The Astra likes to make a mess. A look at the parking space of the vehicle with the previous owner does no harm to prevent unpleasant surprises.
Conclusion and price range
The Opel Astra K impresses with its value and its wide range of engines and equipment. The design also still looks pleasing seven years after its debut. Families and weekend trippers enjoy the good amount of space, those who love comfort and technology will appreciate the AGR seats and the far-reaching Matrix LED headlights. First-hand, well-maintained basic models with less than 60,000 kilometers up to the 2019 facelift start at just under 10,000 euros. Who, on the other hand, once “full cottage” along with a large diesel, low mileage and many innovations, must reckon with up to 15,000 euros. (Text: tv, em/sp-x | Pictures: manufacturer)