The third-generation Opel Astra features progressive design and superb driving dynamics. It has won numerous comparison tests in specialist automotive publications, and over 2.1 million units had been sold by the end of 2008. The bestseller is currently available with 11 engine variants ranging from 90 to 200 hp. It can also be ordered with technology features that are usually only found in luxury class and exclusive sports cars, such as the adaptive IDSPlus chassis system with electronic Continuous Damping Control (CDC) and the AFL headlamp system with dynamic curve light (Adaptive Forward Lighting). The Astra offers passengers plenty of space, especially in the Opel Astra Station Wagon, which has a longer wheelbase. The third member of the Astra model family next to the five-door and Opel Astra Station Wagon is the three-door GTC (Gran Turismo Compact), which is also available as the high-performance OPC variant with 177 kW/240 hp. The Astra family is completed by the four-seat Astra TwinTop - a cabrio-coupé with steel retractable roof - and a notchback variant.
Design and packaging
The Opel Astra five-door model's dynamic look distinguishes it from its competitors. Well-balanced proportions are the basis for its harmonious body line. Measuring 4.25 meters long, 1.8 meters wide and 1.46 meters high with a 2.61-meter wheelbase, the five-door model has attractive packaging dimensions. This produces a comfortable "feel-good" interior. The Astra also has plenty of room for luggage: it offers a best-in-class luggage compartment volume of up to 380 liters (VDA standard), which expands to a maximum of 1295 liters with the rear seat backs folded down.
The Opel Astra's interior boasts surfaces with a high-quality look and feel. Distinctive design elements include the prominent center console and additional chrome rings around the air conditioning and radio controls.
Passive safety
The Astra also boasts high levels of safety. The consumer protection organization Euro NCAP (European New Car Assessment Programme) awarded the Opel Astra the highest rating of five stars for adult passenger protection. With a total of 34 points, Euro NCAP classified the bestseller as one of the safest sedans in the compact class (small family cars). The five-door Opel Astra also achieved very good results for child protection, with four stars and 39 points.
The Opel Astra's standard SAFETEC safety package includes thorax/pelvis side airbags in both front seats. These complement the two front airbags and the head curtain airbags that stretch along the entire length of the interior in the left and right roof pillars. Both outer rear seats come with ISOFIX mountings for child seats.
Chassis and active safety
The Opel Astra delivers pronounced agility and precise handling with a high level of driving safety - qualities which helped the Opel Astra win numerous comparison tests and consumer polls. The basis for this excellent safety level is the IDS (Interactive Driving System) chassis with McPherson front axle and patented torsion-beam rear axle. Every Opel Astra comes standard with the Electronic Stability Program ESPPlus, Traction Control TCPlus, front and rear disk brakes, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Cornering Brake Control (CBC), brake assist and electro-hydraulic power steering.
The optional IDSPlus chassis with electronic Continuous Damping Control (CDC) is also available. This integrated chassis control system, in which the control units of ESPPlus, ABS and CDC exchange data constantly, was introduced to the compact class for the first time in the Opel Astra.
Engines and transmissions
A range of five gasoline and six diesel units with displacements from 1.3 to 2.0 liters and power outputs from 66 to 147 kW (90 to 200 hp) is available for the five-door Opel Astra. The 1.6-liter gasoline unit (85 kW/115 hp) with continuous variable camshaft phasing and the 132 kW/180 hp turbo version with overboost function are all equipped to meet future exhaust emission standards. This is also true for the two 1.7 CDTI common-rail turbo-diesels with 81 kW/110 hp and 92 kW/125 hp. The 1.7 CDTI ecoFLEX with 81 kW/110 hp boasts the most impressive fuel consumption, requiring just 4.5 liters of diesel per 100 km. The transmission range for the Opel Astra family includes five and six-speed manual gearboxes, automated Easytronic five and six-speed manual transmissions, as well as four and six-speed automatics.
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