If you open the configurator of the new Opel Astra, you will first be confronted with an Edition version of €28,699. To see the real base model, one has to deliberately step down. That is of course exactly what we are going to do today.
Opel Astra 1.2 Turbo 110 hp – €26.699
That Edition costs 2 grand more than the real entry-level version, which is simply called ‘Astra’. For that money you get a number of popular extras and that is reflected on the outside in, among other things, (modest) light metal and an extra chrome strip in the front bumper. The simplest Astra lacks those things, does it with steel wheels with hubcaps and has to do without fog lamps in the front bumper, for example. This makes the simplest version of Opel’s youngest very recognizable. At the same time, it is not quite done, because of course the dark ‘Opel Vizor’ front is just standard, including LED headlights. The rear lights also look slick as standard and are completely filled with LED technology.
It must be said: the former PSA provides a lot of color in this section. After a bright yellow Peugeot 208, an orange 2008, a green 308 and a salmon pink DS 4, it is now time for an Astra that, just like the 208, comes in yellow for nothing, albeit in a slightly different shade. The ‘Amber Yellow’ is the only color that does not cost a cent extra, even for uni-white you have to pay extra. Binding advice: don’t do it.
At €26,699, the basic Astra is just a bit cheaper than the Peugeot 308 introduced almost simultaneously in basic form. This is in any case not expressed in major technical differences, because in both cases a 1.2 PureTech with 110 hp and a six-speed manual transmission is mounted.
When driving off, there is a small difference in equipment: where the 308 has a start button as standard, the key must still be in the ignition with the Astra. Another difference: the climate control is not divided into zones at Opel. However, it is still automatic climate control, so we can live with that.
The dashboard also looks nice and complete, thanks to the presence of two 10-inch screens. The fact that Opel – and Peugeot – also provide the basic version with full-size screens is commendable, even if navigation at this level is still missing. The audio system of the Astra also remains somewhat behind, with four speakers placed in the front as a total. We are of course sitting on chairs covered with black fabric, an almost standard item in this section. Moreover, in this case it is not about the extra ergonomic AGR copies, with which Opel has rightly built up a good name.
Cruise control and Active Lane Assist are present, but you have to save for adaptive cruise control. Rear passengers are of course just as spacious as in any other Astra, but do without ventilation grilles and USB charging points. Now that we are talking about USB connections: the Astra also has only one in the front as standard. The Edition has two, all other versions three. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard again.
– Thanks for information from Autoweek.nl