Test Opel Astra 1.2T 110 CV, the cheapest in the range and enough for most

We complain (and with every reason in the world) that car prices are getting more expensive. Well, about cars and everything in general, but that’s another topic. The one that concerns us here, that of the automotive world, has a difficult solution in the short term… unless we opt for entry-level versions. Like the Opel Astra 1.2 T in this test, is it enough?

That is the answer we are looking for when starting the engine of the German compact, which will reach its sixth generation in 2022. An iconic model since its launch in 1991 and which now lives within the Stellantis group, which allows it to share synergies with other cars. from Peugeot or Citroen. For example, having a modern plug-in hybrid variant.

Video: this is how the new Opel Astra looks in motion

design and interior

A PHEV that is at the price level at the antipodes of the Astra 1.2 T that I begin to test, marked by a truly groundbreaking design. When it comes to designing an icon with so many years behind it, those responsible for brands tend to be quite conservative and under the pretext of “what works, you can’t touch it” they flee from revolutions.

This is not the case for Opel, as it demonstrates with a different Astra ahead, which adopts the image of the family that began in the Mokka and clearly distinguishes itself from its predecessor. It grows in all its measurements until reaching 4.37 meters in length and, more importantly, the wheelbase stretches to 2.67 meters. At the rear, its colorful LED light groups attract attention.

I step inside the new Astra and sit in front of a very vertical steering wheel in an enveloping driving position and away from that high center of gravity of the so fashionable SUV. The dashboard screen, completely digital like the infotainment system, welcomes us to a generation that is more connected than ever. The size of the menus has caught my attention, larger (and usable) than usual.

In the rear seats, enough space for two adults. A third in the center will pass it right, right… just like the hole for the heads is no longer recommended if you are taller than 1.8 meters. On the other hand, the distance for the legs is good and the volume of the trunk convinces with a capacity of 422 liters that reaches 1,339 if I fold down the seats

Engine

Under the hood of the successor to the Opel Astra K hides a block of three cylinders in line with 1.2 liters of displacement. It yields a power of 110 CV, which must move a set that throws a little more than 1,200 kilos on the scale. It is associated with a six-speed manual transmission. Years ago it might seem excessive to have six relations for a hundred horses, but the truth is that now it is appreciated.

Because this compact breathes quietly and with few vibrations at low revs, although if you go over 2,500 rpm the noise increases. For this reason, a sixth relationship that relieves steam on the highway and provides two savings: one in decibels that reach the interior and another in consumption, since when you reach a sustained cruise of 120 km/h you can get expenses of 5 l/100 km.

What happens on secondary roads? There, the change also helps to keep the engine always above 1,800 rpm (delivers maximum torque of 205 Nm at 1,750 rpm). Those of us who like to drive still love to play with the lever to continuously raise and lower ratios (the touch is somewhat rubbery, less precise than that of other Teutonic or Japanese rivals).

That is to say, the engine is more than compliant, it contains consumption (in the city it stays on the border of 7 l/100) and you can face long trips with guarantees. Don’t expect a strong dose of acceleration (it completes 0-100 km/h in 10.5 seconds), but it pulls out into the left lane to overtake with sufficient recovery ability.

Behaviour

Compared to the previous three generations of Astra I’ve been able to test, this is the most comfort-oriented of all. Not to say that it isn’t an effective car in corners, but the body rolls on strong supports denote that its chassis isn’t as fun as its predecessors were.

For this reason, if before it competed in the league of compacts with more character, such as the Ford Focus or Seat León, now it resembles in dynamic terms that group of Asians where the Toyota Corolla or the Hyundai i30 stand out. Balanced models, where no one will complain about a lack of comfort and no one will discover a point of anger in mountain sections.

Factors to decide the purchase

In these times, where the price is so important when facing the purchase of a new car (especially given the general increase that has been taking place since 2021), turning to the entry-level versions of the range is good advice. The question is whether what that cheaper variant offers is enough.

In the case of this Opel Astra 1.2T the answer is yes. For a little more than 23,000 you have an ultra-modern compact, both in technology and design, and with 110 CV that move happily in the city and face long-distance commuting without problems. Undoubtedly, in value for money, this Astra is one of the most affordable compact on the market.