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Saloon models that are derived from hatchbacks are often styled awkwardly due to afterthought looking rumps that look like they were grafted on hurriedly. Conjure up images of the Daihatsu Charade saloon, Skoda Fabia saloon and the current Honda City...And you get the drift.
Once in a while though, there are hatchback derived saloon models that looks the part. The Volkswagen Jetta, Renault Megane and Suzuki SX4 are just some of the current models that looks proportionate, even as saloons.
Now, there's another model to join that list - the Opel Astra sedan. The new four-door model joins the five-door hatchback, estate, GTC coupe and the Twintop convertible to round off the Astra range here.
Once in a while though, there are hatchback derived saloon models that looks the part. The Volkswagen Jetta, Renault Megane and Suzuki SX4 are just some of the current models that looks proportionate, even as saloons.
Now, there's another model to join that list - the Opel Astra sedan. The new four-door model joins the five-door hatchback, estate, GTC coupe and the Twintop convertible to round off the Astra range here.
Exterior
Well, to be honest, the sedan isn't exactly based on its five-door hatchback sibling. In order for it to look better proportioned and more handsome, Opel has decided to base it on the longer wheelbase estate model.
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From most angles, the new four-door model does look purposeful. That said, one will notice how the nose is all familiar but still looks the part even after all these years since the hatch was launched. At the rear, the sedan's looks are helped by the nicely penned C-pillar that meets the boot line elegantly.
Inside
The driving position is highly adjustable for a variety of body sizes and shapes, but the seats can be a tad too small for the bigger sized. Driving environment and dash is dominated by geometric shapes and perfect angles, which goes a long way in giving it a unique look and feel.
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Switchgear quality is acceptable but some of the ergonomics can be a tad confusing at first - give it some time though, and you'll get the hang of it. Overall build quality is reasonably good, as most of the surfaces are soft to the touch.
At the rear, passengers will enjoy utility and space that is about the class average - both leg and headroom are generous enough for occupants to feel comfortable on a long drive. That long rear rump equates to a generously proportioned boot, and the designers have managed to design the boot in such a way that loading and unloading will never require much work. Strangely, the boot can't be accessed by pressing a button on the boot lid - you can only open it from inside the car or via an unlabelled button on the key fob.
At the rear, passengers will enjoy utility and space that is about the class average - both leg and headroom are generous enough for occupants to feel comfortable on a long drive. That long rear rump equates to a generously proportioned boot, and the designers have managed to design the boot in such a way that loading and unloading will never require much work. Strangely, the boot can't be accessed by pressing a button on the boot lid - you can only open it from inside the car or via an unlabelled button on the key fob.
Driving it
Displacing 1,796cc, the four-cylinder unit makes 140bhp at 6,300rpm and 175Nm at 3,800rpm, offering adequate performance for a mid-sized family saloon. Opel quotes a 0-100km/h time of 11.2 seconds and a top speed of 191km/h.
The engine has a nice spread of torque from low revs but it's at the mid range where performance is at the strongest. Rev past 5,000rpm though, and the urge not only starts to wane but the engine starts to sound gruff and strained as well.
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The gearbox is a simple four-speed automatic that is devoid of any "+/-" manual mode. Well, you won't really miss it in a family saloon, won't you? But what you will miss is a fifth or even sixth forward ratio, and having four ratios equates to compromised performance and fuel economy. On the upside, the autobox features a Sport mode - its shift quality and response can be described as "reasonably good".
Other Astra models are capable handling cars and this new sedan is no different - the suspension, particularly, provides good body control through the corners. At the same time, it offers a reasonably comfortable ride, thanks partly to the longer wheelbase. Steering is well-judged in its weighting and feel, even though it isn't the quickest and sharpest we've came across.
Other Astra models are capable handling cars and this new sedan is no different - the suspension, particularly, provides good body control through the corners. At the same time, it offers a reasonably comfortable ride, thanks partly to the longer wheelbase. Steering is well-judged in its weighting and feel, even though it isn't the quickest and sharpest we've came across.
In a nutshell
The Astra sedan commands a price premium over its hatchback cousin and will set you back at just a tad under $85k. True, this price point is significantly more than the popular Japanese contenders like the Honda Civic 1.8 and Toyota Corolla Altis 1.8, but the Astra is a well-equipped package. Standard on the equipment list include ESP, cruise control, front and side airbags, factory MP3 stereo, trip computer, electronic climate control, locally fitted leather, electrically foldable wing mirrors and 16-inch alloys.
Then there's also the Volkswagen Jetta - the 1.6 comes in at just over $78k, but the engine is just too ancient and anemic. But the Jetta has another trump card though - the 1.4 TSI. The 1.4-litre twincharged engine and DSG transmission combination is a peach and the Jetta also enjoys Volkswagen's renowned build quality, but there's a big drawback - the TSI will set you back some $9k more than the Astra.
So the Astra is a viable choice if you want a well equipped mid-sized German saloon. But if your budget permits, then the Jetta TSI ought to be on your radar screen as well.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
Engine: 1,796cc, 4-cylinders in-line, DOHC
Power: 140bhp @ 6,300rpm
Torque: 175Nm @ 3,800rpm
Transmission: 4-speed automatic
Length / Width / Height: 4,587 / 2,033 / 1,458 mm
Wheelbase: 2,703 mm
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