Astra Famigliare Sportivo
Astra Famigliare Sportivo, would have been a nice name to have spanning across the rear of the car. At first glance, one could assume that it’s Italian designed. Only that the Astra is German. We tested the 1.0 hatch a while back, and there was so much praise about the looks and handling of the car.
The 1.4 turbocharged EcoTec, straight-4 pushes a maximum of 147bhp, much higher than the Volkswagen Golf Variant’s 123bhp, with 245Nm of torque at 2,000rpm. The Golf delivers its full 200Nm at 1,400rpms, less torque, but at a more useful rpm. So who’s the winner here?
A 6-speed automatic transmission delivers power to the front wheels, through a set of Bridgestone Turanza, 225/45R17s which gives minimal road noise and very good wet weather grip. Unlike the Golf’s 7-speed DSG, the Opel’s more conventional automatic would mean that the car’s gearshifts are not as quick as the VW’s, but the higher power and torque figures still makes the car loads of fun to drive. Off the line, there is a little bit of lag, but once the turbo spools up, there is plenty of torque, although performance goes a little flat after 4,000rpm. Century sprint timing is 100km/h in 9.4 seconds.
As with most European brands, there is a constant effort to save fuel. The Astra comes with the usual engine start-stop function, and fuel figures are a very healthy combined 17.9km/L. For added safety, there is the lane departure warning system, which also helps steer the car back into the lane, if it detects the car crossing over the lane markers. Frontal collision alert not only warns you if you are about to get into an accident with the car in-front of you, and in worst-case scenarios, the brakes will be automatically deployed.
For those who do worry about being snapped by the traffic policeman seated, and partially hidden on our overhead bridges, there is also a camera in-front of the rear-view mirror which recognises speed signs, and informs you that you are running past the limit. There is also an in-built speed limiter which can be set to only allow you to travel at the actual speed limit. I wouldn’t suggest turning it on, as you may find yourself in some hairy situations, which the car wouldn’t allow you to accelerate cleanly away from.
The suspension setup is similar to the hatch model, with front MacPherson struts and rear load-bearing compound-link, which gives excellent dampening while being firm enough to offer minimal roll. There is just some understeer, if you punch hard it round the bends, but the Astra holds its cornering lines very well. Due to the added rear-end weight; the rear tends to want step out, but by just a fraction if you really want to fault it. But this is not necessarily a bad thing, as the drive is actually somewhat more entertaining. Steering feel from the electric unit is almost comparable to the VW Golf’s.
What does bug me though, is the lacklustre engine note of the car, and does sound a little buzzy. The more mellow transmission doesn’t help to make the most of the power and torque advantage. But still I think that as an estate vehicle, the Astra offers excellent driving pleasure and on-road confidence, together with strikingly good looks.
The main question you’d likely ask yourself why a station wagon? The answer is, why not? In a country, where most people who want a cool car would choose a hatch, an SUV or something in-between, and everything else looks like a sedan or an MPV. The station wagon cuts a very enticing silhouette looks-wise; the added utility will be to your advantage when in need and the performance is just about right. We have done the research. Perhaps it is time you do yours.
Credits:
- Convenient and Hassle-Free
- Consumer Protection
Transparent Process
With No Obligation
Get the Best Price for your used car
from 500+ dealers in 24 hours
