The year 2022 will be the year of the launch of the sixth generation of Opel Astra. This German, which now shares chassis and engines with the Peugeot 308, has assets to show in this 130 hp 1.2 Turbo petrol version.
Car tested: Opel Astra 1.2 Turbo 130 hp GS Line
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From€29,450
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Featuring a fresher-than-ever design, the Opel Astra 2022 shares its chassis and engine range with its cousin, the Peugeot 308. Apart from the 225 hp plug-in hybrid version, which will arrive a little later in the year, it also offers two three-cylinder petrol engines of 110 and 130 hp , a diesel to please the big wheelers and a 180 hp PHEV version allowing companies to escape the tax on company vehicles.
In this way, the new compact addresses almost all types of customers. Later, in 2023, the Astra-e will witness the transition to all-electric on its sedan and Sports Tourer station wagon versions. After testing the 180 hp hybrid version, we tested the one that will ensure the bulk of sales, with a 130 hp 1.2 turbo engine. On the other hand, even if the market is moving more and more towards automatic gearboxes, our test model was equipped with a six-speed manual transmission. And it suits him quite well!
Price Opel Astra GS Line 2022
The 130 hp Opel Astra 1.2 Turbo starts at a price of €28,200 in the Elegance finish, which is already well supplied since all versions have full LED headlights and automatic air conditioning. In GS Line, the price is fixed at €29,450. The Astra then completes its outfit with 17-inch alloy wheels, fabric and alcantara upholstery, ergonomic front seats, a two-tone roof and a few dynamic attributes. The technological level is manifested by the digital displays, the parking aids and the four cameras delivering a 360° vision. (see all the equipment on page 2). For the automatic gearboxes, it will be necessary to consent an effort of 1,800 €.
Driving
The first thing you notice when entering the cabin is this large digital panel that seems continuous from the back of the steering wheel to the center of the dashboard. These are actually two separate 10-inch screens, with the right-hand one facing the driver. The steering wheel is generously sized, very round, with a slight flattening at its lower part. Its shape and size make it possible to free up a large space between its rim and its center, which ensures a clear view of the instrument cluster.
Our test Opel Astra was also equipped with a head-up display, sold as an option. The quality of its graphics and its modest usefulness did not convince us, especially since the data disappears if you wear polarizing sunglasses. Under these conditions, it is better to keep your money. The tree structure of the multimedia screen is rather easy to understand and the responsiveness of the panel, correct. On the other hand, the definition turns out to be modest. We really feel that, on the one hand, Opel has made an effort to go digital but that, on the other, Stellantis has not granted the necessary budgets to complete the technological process. Finally, the overall ergonomics appear to be of a good standard, with preserved physical buttons and direct access to common functions.
On the Astra, Opel makes available so-called AGR upholstery, which meets a German medical label and is supposed to prevent back fatigue while preserving comfort on long journeys. This innovation comes as standard on all finishes delivered with the 1.2 Turbo 130 hp engine. In GS Line, the driver’s seat is even heated, but you will have to tick an optional box so that the passenger’s seat is also heated. (see the list of options on the next page). The driver can choose a seat that extends under the legs, electric adjustments up to 16 ways and, of course, fabric, faux leather or alcantara.
The Opel Astra more dynamic than the Peugeot 308? This is what Opel implies, without really saying it. But the Astra is presented for ” safely face the German autobahns “. In other words, it would be made more for high speeds. We then remember that the German manufacturer had already done the trick with the Corsa, which – it is true – is more fun to drive than the 208, its technical cousin. A shame for Peugeot! However, in the present case, the differences are less marked. Rather flexible and tuned to be comfortable, the Astra is certainly stable at very high speeds, but it does not particularly stand out in terms of handling.
The body roll is quite noticeable, the front axle doesn’t like the pace increasing, and the car has no characteristics that would qualify it as dynamic. Balanced, yes, agile, too, efficient and stable under braking, that’s true. However, the Astra 1.2 130 hp especially appreciates the softness, with a modestly informative and very assisted steering (the opposite of that of the plug-in hybrid version), and a sufficient engine but which admits its limits in fast driving. Among the annoyances, we note the noise of the turn signal which is really fake, just like that of the horn, which fortunately is used less often.
Homologated at 5.5 l/100 km, the Astra 1.2 Turbo consumes rather 6.5 to 7 l/100 km in daily and varied driving ; it even exceeds 8 l/100 km if you get a little nervous. This represents an average energy balance in terms of performance. The driving pleasure is, meanwhile, a little lessened by transient mechanical vibrations and a lack of pep at low revs which forces you to downshift. That’s good, the gearbox control is very pleasant to handle, and the reports are rather well staged.
On board the Opel Astra 2022
Competetion
The first of all is of course the Peugeot 308. If the lioness offers different settings and interior universe, it shares everything else with this Astra. More chic but manufactured on the same line in the Russelsheim factory (Germany), the DS 4 is not a direct competitor. However, the customer might wonder if it would not be better to spend less by buying an Astra, which is really new.
At Renault, the aging Renault Mégane holds its rank with a three-cylinder version which has just been launched, when the other German brands offer a credible alternative, such as the Volkswagen Golf or the Seat Leon. The compact segment is not short of proposals, but the Astra is currently the most recent of all. This gives it a small advantage over the competition.
Find the results of the test, the technical sheet, the prices and the standard equipment on the following page.
