Opel Astra 2.0 CDTi 160 CV Sport, road test (Part III)

We reach the third part of the road test of the new Opel Astra equipped with the 2.0 CDTi diesel engine producing 160 CV and the Sport trim, one of the most complete in the range alongside the Cosmo trim. We discussed the diesel engine in the first part of the test, as well as the handling of the Astra and its fuel consumption. In addition, in the second part we looked at the design and interior, with materials that impress with their finish.

In the third part of the test we focus on the equipment of the Opel Astra and its prices, as well as our overall assessment of the model. We tested one of the most complete versions in the range, but we have available an Opel Astra with the 1.4 petrol engine producing 100 CV for a price of 14,780 euros.

Equipment

Within the standard equipment it is essential to always start with safety, since the Astra has also achieved the famous five stars in the Euro NCAP test. Standard equipment includes: stability control, ABS, front and side airbags for driver and passenger, retractable pedal system, and active front head restraints.

The rest of the base trim equipment, called Essentia, includes power steering, front electric windows, electric, heated and body-colored mirrors, among other elements. One of the notable omissions is the radio (CD 300 radio with 4 speakers, TID and MP3), which is optional in this trim as we can see in the Opel configurator.

Without a doubt the next level, Enjoy, is one of the most recommended considering the price/equipment ratio, since it already includes air conditioning as standard, CD400 radio with 7 high-fidelity speakers and audio aux input, rain and light sensor, cruise control, among other elements.

Then we have the last two trims, the Cosmo and Sport, both with a very complete level of equipment, differing in their finishes. The Sport trim focuses more on a sporty aesthetic, while the Cosmo has a more elegant character. With these trims we now have front fog lights, 17″ alloy wheels, among other elements available.

Overall the equipment of the Astra is complete in terms of safety, where we find no drawbacks, but in the comfort area there are gaps in the base trim that could easily be addressed. Our unit also featured some extras, such as AFL+ adaptive lights with Bi-Xenon headlights and headlight washers, as well as the Radio DVD 800 navigation system with 7″ colour screen and USB connection. It also optionally featured the sporty ergonomic seats pack, the FlexRide system, front and rear parking sensors and Infinity speakers.

The AFL+ lights are always recommended due to the excellent illumination they offer on complicated roads or roads with bends, and among the extras it is worth mentioning that the navigation system can be replaced by the Radio CD 500, which has practically the same functions as the one our unit featured, including a USB port, for 510 euros.

The Infinity speakers are an extra for the more discerning, but if you like music and want a fully equipped Astra, it is a good extra since the sound quality was good; however, the price rises to 610 euros. Bluetooth is another extra, available from 355 euros with steering wheel controls. Finally there is the FlexRide system, which allows you to adjust the chassis and throttle response more quickly when selecting Sport mode or a comfort-oriented suspension in Tour mode, an extra that is never superfluous and costs 765 euros.

Prices

As I mentioned at the beginning, we have available an Opel Astra from 14,780 euros with the Essentia trim and the 1.4 petrol engine producing 100 CV. The diesel range starts at 15,810 euros with the 1.3 CDTI engine producing 95 CV in Essentia trim.

With the Enjoy trim prices start at 16,405 euros for the 100 CV petrol engine, and the diesel range with the Enjoy trim starts at 17,435 euros with the 95 CV diesel engine.

If we move to the Cosmo trim, prices start at 19,050 € for the 115 CV 1.6 16v engine, and we have a diesel Astra with the Cosmo trim from 20,080 with the 110 CV 1.7 CDTi engine.

Finally we have the Sport trim, which starts at 20,065 euros for the 140 CV 1.4 Turbo petrol engine, and the diesel range with the Sport trim and 110 CV 1.7 CDTi engine remains at 20,080 euros.

Our tested unit was a Opel Astra 2.0 CDTi of 160 CV with Sport trim and the following extras: metallic paint, micro-perforated leather (610 euros + 510 euros), 18″ wheels (355 euros), FlexRide system (765 euros), AFL+ headlights (915 euros), front and rear parking sensors (305 euros), Radio DVD 800 with 7″ colour screen and USB connection (710 euros) and Bluetooth connection (355 euros). With all this it had a final price of 27,080 euros.

General Assessment

With this price for our test unit, the Opel Astra may seem an expensive vehicle. But if I tell you that an Insignia with the same equipment and engine is around 38,000 euros, and that the Astra offers a similar quality of interior finishes and complete standard equipment, then without doubt it becomes a very valid alternative for those who do not need a saloon and are happy with the space (which is not little) this Astra offers us.

The starting price is very good, since the segment average is around 18,000-20,000 euros with minimal equipment, and removing some equipment gaps that are not very common in the segment, such as the CD radio or rear electric windows, which are only standard on the top trims, it turns out to be an excellent car. If we are looking for a fully equipped car for around 27,000 euros, we have a compact that has little to envy in premium-brand compacts, at least in material quality or standard equipment.

In short, Opel has created an interesting vehicle that bears little resemblance to the previous generation, and which stands apart from many of its mainstream rivals in the segment. It has also managed to combine good dynamic behaviour, making this 160 CV diesel Astra an interesting product; however, if you are not looking for sportiness, the 125 CV 1.7 CDTi engine is more than sufficient to move the Astra.

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Photos | David Taboada