Opel Astra Sports Tourer

The story of the development of ideas and concepts of the wagons is one of the pretty interesting in the automotive industry. Forty years ago, they were mostly used for delivery and craftsmen needs, but in the meantime they have evolved to very usable cars, designed for the modern family, and to some extremes and muscular athletes like Audi RS 6 Avant!

The new Astra and new GM’s momentum in the global market can almost guarantee that the creation of estate version has not been an improvisation.

Design
At the very first contact, it is clear that we have a seriously designed and contemporary wagon. Everything was taken into account; ease of use, interior quality, wide range of offered engines and equipment, comfort and exploitation price, as one of the key decision factors when choosing a vehicle.

In any case, the most visible impression leaves its nicely balanced wagon line, which fits beautifully the new Astra’s face. It made the current model really “visible” in the “flood” of similar design solutions, which has certainly been the biggest gripe with the new Astra.

To all this must be added the perfect precisely designed and tailored interior, made of really high quality materials.

Comfort
If we you expected room to spare, then I must disappoint you. Quite a luxurious interior “fattened” the cabin from all sides, so that the four adults have to show tolerance if they want no one to suffer. Of course, if we take into account family exploitation, mom, dad, dog and child, then the Astra Sports Tourer is a real hit.

Ergonomically designed seats are classy. The noise in the cabin is minimal, considering pretty noisy 2.0 l diesel with not particularly smooth engine running. Luggage space with a maximum volume of 1515 liters has no blind spots and is fully serviceable.

Drive and Suspension
Although we have chosen the most powerful diesel powertrain for this first presentation, the new Astra wasn’t so impressive. The engine is quite sluggish at low revs and requires constant pressure on the gas pedal if you want to maintain good driving dynamics. Of course, it will not be particularly frugal in that case, with the average fuel consumption of 7.4 liters. The transmission is quite good with short gears, precise and pretty badly positioned, pulled toward the back, respectively.

In terms of the vehicle’s behavior on the road and curves, there are no objections, primarily thanks to the new rear axle that uses an innovative and unique combination of so-called Opel’s compound-crank shaft and Watt’s link, as will be discussed in a more detailed test. All in all, the Astra Sports Tourer has exceeded expectations considering convenience and hopes of an average buyer.

From a Personal Point of View
Personally, there is a lack of emotions here and some charming detail that would dilute the perfect clinical picture of the new Astra. Fortunately, the promotion was in Istanbul, where emotions were everywhere, so I quitted looking for them in a piece of sheet metal. The Astra and I, we were united regarding the great sea bass in “A’jia” restaurant, coffee and rahat lokum on the Bosphorus, and pomegranate juice and kebab at Kapali Bazaar. Now I fully understand why this place is called “Carigrad” (Tsar’s City).

Regardless of whether you will buy an Astra Sports Tourer or not, go to Istanbul on the Bosphorus, even if taking Onur’s and Scheherazade’s road. You will not regret it. If you just want a good wagon, compare the new Astra with some direct competitors, then. The results could be surprising!