Opel Astra 2.0 GSi test
2005-08-24 10:28
The Opel Astra 2.0 GSi Turbo is a rip-snorter of a beast designed very much to get from 'A' to 'B' in the shortest possible time, drip-feeding the driver with just the right dosage of adrenalin in the process.
However, before writing the Astra off as just another boy racer special, one has to consider all its attributes - and there are many - in its position as the flagship of the current Astra range.
There is certainly no secret to the fact that the introduction of the range also heralded a return for the marque to an inherently more sporty image than shown by its predecessor.
The Astra range is offered in four equipment lines and three engine combinations. The latest electronic stability programme, ESP Plus, head curtain air bags, active head restraints on the front seats, a height and reach-adjustable steering column and heated power mirrors are among the features.
Generous dimensions
Measuring 4.25 metres long, 1.75 metres wide, 1.46 metres high, and with a 2.61-metre wheelbase, the dimensions of the five-door Astra are among the most generous in its class. It is about 35 mm higher, 44 mm wider and 139 mm longer than its predecessor.
Although it mirrors the length and general silhouette of the Golf 5 - except for the height (the Opel is lower) - the new Astra looks bolder, longer and sleeker thanks to its unique styling.
At the front, the grille has just one bar with an exaggerated Opel badge in the centre, deep air intakes underneath - with fog lights at the edges in some models - and a strong crease in the centre of the bonnet.
Inside a characteristic styling cue is the crease on the clearly arranged centre console, carried over from the bonnet.
Further eye-catching design elements in the Astra cockpit include the three-dimensional instruments under a deep hood to prevent glare, and the centrally positioned, easy-to-read information monitor.
The seats feature state-of-the-art ergonomics with enhanced contours, higher lateral support, longer cushions and optimised adjustment.
Forgiving chassis
The chassis is forgiving, with understeer never apparent even when pressing on very hard. On the GSi, the adaptive suspension firms up everything to make handling even crisper, but that comes at the expense of ride quality.
It all comes courtesy of the new Astra's IDS chassis (Interactive Driving System).
The suspension features McPherson struts and a subframe at the front, and a torsion beam with double-walled, U-shaped profile at the rear. On the GSi it all comes together even more forcibly thanks to the adaptive IDS Plus suspension system and electronic Continuous Damping Control (CDC).
Left, boot space is good
In this integrated chassis control network (ICC), the control units and sensors of ESP Plus, anti-lock braking and CDC communicate constantly via the high-speed CAN (Controller Area Network) data bus system.
Drivers can activate a special performance mode by pressing the Sport switch. This selects suspension settings for the enthusiast-driver, adapts the steering and accelerator response and, with the automatic transmission, adjusts the shift points higher up the rev range.
Opel has refined the turbo engines, adding to the low-down power that continues in a seamless flow right up to the engine cutout with the units powering the current car. If it were not for the odd whistle from the engine compartment, the driver would never know it had a turbo.
High power output
Power output from the 1 996 cm³ engine is 147 kW at 5 400 r/min and it has a very healthy 262 Nm of torque at 4 200 r/min. Top speed is around 230 km/h and fuel consumption 11.2 litres/100 km.
Make no mistake, this is a driver's car. However, below the maximum boost level it behaves as quietly and gently as its normally-aspirated stable mates.
Boot capacity is a very healthy 350 litres with the seats up, 1 270 litres with the rear seats folded, and versatility variations include a 60/40 or 40/20/40 split.
In addition to its advanced chassis and engine technology, the new Astra also impresses with its exceptionally extensive standard and safety equipment, including SAFETEC.
This comprehensive protection system consists of passive and active safety features such as the highly stable body shell with deformation zones, the IDS chassis with ESP Plus, TC Plus traction control, CBC (Cornering Brake Control) and anti-lock braking with brake assistant and four disc brakes.
Front and thorax/pelvis side air bags for the driver and front seat passenger, head curtain air bags, active head restraints in the front, lap-and-shoulder seat belts for all passengers, two mountings in the rear for the ISOFIX system, pedals which automatically release in the event of a frontal collision (PRS, Pedal Release System) and a steering column which can be adjusted for reach and height are all part of the SAFETEC package.
It is great looking, it is a great driver's car and with the steps the company is taking to improve service delivery, it is a great user-chooser proposition.