Opel Astra 2.0 CDTi 160 CV Sport, road test (Part II)
Diego G. Moreira
2 September 2010
4 min. 
We continue with the road test of the Opel Astra in the version with 2.0 CDTi 160 CV diesel engine and Sport trim. For those interested in how the Astra behaves dynamically or how its engine performs, you can see the first part of the test. In this second part we will focus on the Astra’s exterior and interior design, as well as its interior spaciousness.
The compact segment is full of models, and almost all brands are trying to squeeze their compact model into the top sales positions. But to achieve that, besides having a good price, design plays an important role, as does space. Since many families opt for this type of vehicle. In the case of the Opel Astra, in terms of exterior design, the influence of the Insignia is once again present (something I personally like), and in terms of interior spaciousness it is a compact with considerable dimensions, which translates into a fairly roomy interior.
Exterior design
As usual, we start with the exterior design. Seen from the front, it looks like an Insignia; the design is clearly inspired by the muscular shapes of the Insignia. From the front, the LED daytime running lights stand out on our unit, since it was equipped with bi-xenon headlights (a recommended extra). On units that do not have bi-xenon lights, they feature halogen-bulb daytime running lights.
In the side view, on the front doors we quickly recognise the characteristic line of the Insignia once again, and at the rear the muscular shapes stand out again, along with lights whose position and brake light shapes are distinctive. Our unit rode on 18″ alloy wheels, with 235/45 R18 tyres.
Interior design and spaciousness
The moment we enter, we find a real statement of intent from Opel. Our unit, in the Sport trim, also featured microperforated leather upholstery and a navigation system (among other extras), so when we get inside our Astra, the feeling is very similar to getting into an Insignia, and certainly some materials would put some premium-brand compacts to shame.
The dashboard design has the traditional button layout, a parade of buttons controlling the navigation system and the climate control. It may seem confusing at first, but after a couple of days with the car we settle in without problems.
The quality of materials on the dashboard is very good, and there is hardly any difference compared with its bigger brother. The seats stand out for the quality of the microperforated leather. The front seats offer good lateral support, and even the cushion is extendable so we can travel comfortably; space for both legs and head is adequate.
When night falls, the Astra shows a very striking interior, since the typical instrument cluster lights, glowing in orange tones, illuminate the entire button layout, joined by a red line outlining the gear selector, as well as LEDs in the roof that again give off an orange hue to match the red LEDs illuminating the door controls.
As for the rear seats, there is enough legroom, but those over 1.75 metres tall will have problems with headroom at the back; as always, the design takes its toll. Two adults will travel comfortably in the rear seats, which feature a comfortable armrest in the central seat that also hides a practical glovebox and two cup holders.
The rear seats are also connected to the boot, very practical if we need to carry sports equipment, such as skis, or to transport long objects without folding down the seats.
Storage and boot
In terms of storage spaces, the Astra is quite well equipped: we have a medium-sized glovebox, a compartment in the centre console next to the handbrake (which is electric), and the door pockets, where even a 1.5-litre bottle fits.
Finally, the boot has a capacity of 370 litres, a figure within the normal range for the segment (the Megane has 405 litres), and it has regular shapes as well as a false floor that is very practical for storing small items.
Therefore, we are dealing with a vehicle whose interior stands out for the finish of its trim, on a par with many mid-size saloons. In the third part of the test we will focus on the equipment of our Astra, which had the Sport trim, one of the most complete in the range. We will also discuss the prices and our overall assessment of the model.
Photos | David Taboada
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Tengo la suerte de podar gozar de este modelo con el mismo motor, acabado y equipamiento (por lo que parece) y debo decir que coincido en prácticamente todo lo que habéis escrito en esta prueba.
Lo único que quería añadir es que los plásticos superiores de las puertas delanteras no son de la misma calidad que el de las posteriores…no les hubiera costado nada hacerlos iguales pero todo sea por abaratar costes…desgraciadamente.
En fin, el coche me encanta y estoy esperando ansioso la 3ª parte.
PD: Si el coche que habéis probado es el mismo que el de las fotos hay un error en el tamaño de los neumáticos puesto que con esa llanta son 235/45 R18.
Saludos
Hola Andrés, efectivamente los plásticos tienen diferente calidad según que zonas, pero aún así nos parecieron bastante correctos comparados con el resto del segmento.
Sobre las ruedas toda la razón, son las medidas que comentas, las que dije en la prueba son las de serie del acabado Sport, pero nuestro modelo venía con las opcionales de 18 “.
Un saludo
hola:
Estoy pensando en encargar un 1.7 125 cv pero tengo miedo de que por culpa del peso del coche no tire adecuadamente. No acostumbro a correr pero tampoco quiero verme pillado en cuestas……
Me recomendarías el 160 si o si o teniendo en cuenta el precio del seguro, impuestos, consumo,m etc… la diferencia no es tanta como para descartar el 1.7 125?
gracias
Hola dibon,
El 1.7 de 125 CV es un buen motor para el Astra que lo moverá perfectamente, porque a no ser que vayas siempre con el coche completamente cargado, el motor responderá sin problemas, es la opción más lógica para el Astra por consumos y precio.
Un saludo