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Niamh O'Donoghue, 17 Aug
The all-new Opel Astra Sports Tourer shares the same striking front end
design as its hatchback sibling, and the tail-lights mirror the shape
of the headlights which are incorporated in a single panel (Opel Vizor)
that runs the full width of the nose.
Opel’s latest design language is dynamic, elegant and distinctive,
while the ingenious Opel Vizor face expresses the iconic German brands
pioneering spirit.
The new Opel Vizor is not just a design statement, it is also a gateway
into the world of electric and autonomous driving, and makes all Opel
models ‘future ready’ by housing the sensors and cameras as required by
modern vehicles. The distinctive Opel Vizor is a hallmark design
element for all Opel models on sale now, and into the future.
Practical and Visually Impressive
While the new Astra Hatchback is a stylish and well-proportioned family
car, the Sports
Tourer adds practicality with no less visual sophistication.
The horizontal lighting signature combines with the sharp crease
running down the centre of the bonnet to create a compass-like
appearance when viewed head-on, with the vertical centre brake light
proving to be an eye-catching feature at the rear.
The Sports Tourer’s wheelbase is 57mm longer than the hatchback,
increasing legroom for rear seat passengers in the process, while also
providing enhanced cargo space.
The Sports Tourer has a flat load area with no lip to lift items over,
and the rear seatbacks fold in a 40/20/40 fashion for ultimate
practicality.
When the retractable load cover needs to be removed to accommodate
cargo on occasion, it can be stored under the boot floor so that it can
be refitted when the cargo has been removed.
While the standard cargo volume up to the window line, and with all
rear seats in place, is a highly respectable 597-litres, this can be
increased to a cavernous 1,634-litres with the rear seats folded.
Interior Detox
Opel’s designers have come up with what they call an ‘interior detox’
for the Astra, meaning less clutter and a pared-back look. The
dashboard fascia is a stylish gloss black affair with two display
screens inset within.
Ahead of the steering wheel is a 10-inch digital instrument panel,
while a similarly sized touch screen is subtly angled towards the
driver and is supported by a bank of physical buttons for climate
control and features such as the heated seats.
Build quality within the Astra’s spacious cabin is commendable, and the
materials used look and feel like they will stand up very well to the
demands of family life.
Test Car
My Astra Sports Tourer GS 1.5-litre turbodiesel test car was fitted
with a slick 8-speed automatic transmission as standard, and was
finished in Perla Black metallic paint. Exclusive GS specification
includes tri-material upholstery (cloth, vinyl and Alcantara),
AGR-certified driver and front passenger seats, power-folding door
mirrors, dual-zone electronic climate control, a Black Pack (black Opel
logo and Astra rear badge, black roof and a black Opel Visor), along
with 18-inch alloy wheels.
With 130bhp and 300Nm of torque on offer, the car can accelerate from
0-100km/h in 10.6-seconds, on its way to a top speed of 209km/h (where
permitted).
While the Astra Sports Tourer may share many of its underpinnings with
the plush-riding Peugeot 308 SW, Opel’s engineers have tweaked the
suspension and steering set-up differently, and the result is a car
that is thoroughly engaging to drive.
The Astra’s steering is light and accurate in equal measure, giving the
driver plenty of confidence behind the car’s sporty multi-function
steering wheel. The Sports Tourer’s terrific handling ability through
corners results in minimal body roll, thereby ensuring that the car
remains impressively level even during sudden changes of direction.
Fuel consumption as low as 4.5l/100kms on a WLTP combined driving cycle
enables a potential range of up to 1,155kms from the Astra’s 52-litre
fuel tank. A 13-litre AdBlue tank is also present, and the driver will
receive plenty of notice when this needs topping-up by way of a
reminder on the digital dashboard display.
Verdict
The all-new Opel Astra Sports Tourer has made a gracious return to form
with a package that is suitably modern, stylishly distinctive,
comfortable and very well equipped. The Astra is a clear step forward
in quality and driver enjoyment, and is more desirable and capable than
ever before.
Opel has to be commended for its competitive pricing policy too, with
the new Astra Sports Tourer priced from just €31,295 (ex-works). My
range-topping Astra Sports Tourer GS Diesel test car is priced from
€39,995 (ex-works).
Opel’s new Astra Sports Tourer is on sale now, and it comes with a
comprehensive 3-year/100,000km warranty, along with a 3-year AA Ireland
roadside assistance package for total peace-of- mind.
- Breda Corrigan, bcorriganmotoring@gmail.com