Opel Astra: Knot-term Test, 100000 Miles?

Our long-term test car ran in 2010 in Ellesmere Port, UK by the band. From there, all Astra coming soon. Can he convince high? AUTO BILD has taken the Opel in the long-term test under the microscope.

Opel , which means bad economic news these days instead of positive reviews. Computer anxiety in Bochum, Astra production was moved to England, historically poor sales - no question: The traditional German brand once had better days. Opel may also use some good news. If the Astra link them to the test period? Is that - is still convincing in Rüsselsheim built model with long-term quality - along with England? The basic data of our test car, the bolt-on high expectations: an Astra 1.7 CDTI, unit price early in 2010 exactly 24 840 €. Many extras pushed the total to an impressive 30 560 € but. It quickly became apparent that the 930 € for FlexRide chassis is a good investment. The Normal, Sport and Tour adjustable shock absorber characteristics found many good test driver.

Even more compliments cashed in Sport mode very direct steering, the works for a front-wheel drive with almost impeccable feedback. Especially long-haul drivers a lot of positive comments written on the ergonomic seats in the logbook. They're standard equipment and bear the seal of the Campaign for Healthier Backs seem to be right. And after the separation, they showed almost no signs of wear. Even in the otherwise long-term test cars like scuffed seat bolsters are presented almost in new condition. Great, Opel, this is how you seats! Even for driving in bad weather or darkness, the Astra collects compliments. The innovation package in AFL (1100 €) included adaptive headlights like many excellent Astra handlebars. The bi-xenon headlights illuminate the road well in their reach and regulate automatically. Similarly, the rain sensor offers functionality is certified.

However, a harsh criticism crackles on the 125-horsepower diesel engines. "He has no turbo lag, the turbo has a crater," said Boris Pieritz editor complaining about the perceived starting weakness. In addition, the old four-cylinder engine runs rough and with a strong nails. With more than 1.5 tonne engine from the Astra, Vjetroenergetika particularly noticeable when accelerating. Once on the highway, the Astra is much more pleasant. And consumption decreases even at high speeds to less than six liters - a figure with the Life is good. In the final decomposition shows the diesel engine, a design from the 90s, no excessive wear and tear, but an unusual amount of carbon and small scratch marks in the cylinders one and four. At first irritated us full throttle jerkiness. Several workshop meetings were needed before the cause was clear: swapped fuel lines at the fuel pump. "An isolated case," says Opel.

Then rewind from the Astra for miles without problems. Mechanically everything else is fine. For every now and then bitching electrics and electronics. Thus, the windows need in the driver's door at 84 622 kilometers of a new switch, and later still to come new sensors for headlights and the brake and clutch pedal position, the Opel exchange as a precaution. Earlier, more often the cruise control deactivated without driver intervention. A flickering screen navigation shows that today are often more vulnerable than electronic Kompontenen mechanical - annoying but not a huge problem. However, this is literally the number of Astra drivers perceived as too large turning circle. It measures about eleven meters and is one of the structural weaknesses of the Astra.

The same applies to the use of the miserable room 4.42 meters long cars. "Gigantic exterior dimensions, interior space for dwarfs," complained reader service coordinator Stephan pulse. Opel has turned to happiness for the rust problems of former Astra models. Cavities in the work they have literally flooded with wax. A solid piece: With a 2 + (only six-point error), it is shared with the Mercedes E-class ranked 17th Knotless performance, Astra.