Is the Astra still an Astra, with Stellantis technology under the sheet metal and panels? Test of the station wagon with 1.2 liter turbo.
There has always been something conservative in the Opel Astra, also in the combination car for the people called the Caravan for large luggage. Today it is called Sports Tourer and it looks like it. However, the exterior and interior designers did a great job of not showing the Stellantis standard technology. Otherwise you could also order a Peugeot 308. And secondly, that the Astra still has that slightly conservative flair - which should not be confused with stuffy or old-fashioned.
Modern and user-friendly cockpit
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But the user-friendly and ergonomic cockpit with the raised screens and user interfaces compared to some group relatives alone makes Generation L the Astra as we know it. Many clearly labeled buttons, rotary controls for the volume and a touchscreen facing the driver only a few offer today, because design often comes before function. However, the Astra can do both: look good and function well.
Also at the back, where 597 liters of luggage fit. If you lay the three-part backrest flat, 1037 liters are added. By the way, you don't have to lift it up to load it because the loading sill is 59 centimeters low. And without the thick sound system (standard with the Ultimate package shown here), there is more space under the loading floor (which you don't have to hold on to with your hand when open, but can hang up) - which creaks with selective loads - for small items, luggage blinds and partition net.
Excellent braking values
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Oh yes, we haven't even driven yet. If a warning tone doesn't just beep again, the Astra is in a good mood, steers properly with the right power assistance, springs harshly and is slightly overdamped at the rear without loading, but not too tight. In addition, it accelerates quickly, the machine changes the eight stages unobtrusively, the braking distances are short in an emergency (33.5 meters from 100 km/h), and the test consumption is acceptable at 7.3 liters per 100 km.
The only thing the Astra can't do in connection with the automatic is harmonious stopping - at least not without a nod. Because just before standstill, when you reduce the braking power again, the cold, rather rough-sounding, sufficiently elastic and 130 hp three-cylinder turbo pumps some power into the transmission again, giving the station wagon a nudge before the start-stop system shuts down the machine turns off In this respect, the Astra should be a little more conservative.
Conclusion
Yes, the Astra is still an Astra because it does many things differently and better than those with whom it shares the platform and technology. And because it drives like an Opel should drive: simply and safely.
