Opel Astra 1.7 CDTI Elegance Full Review,Start Up, Engine, and In Depth Tour

Description

The old GM might have been a bad car company, but it was launching some seriously good cars, especially (but not limited to) the ones developed at Opel in Germany. The Opel Insignia is current European Car of the Year, which bodes well for the related Buick LaCrosse and Regal. Now Opel has done it again with the new Astra. Honestly it's one of the best compact hatchbacks made anywhere in the world, a car fit to take on the VW Golf for refinement and driving ability. But for Americans, the meaning of all this is uncertain. The Astra was originally supposed to provide the basis for a Saturn and a Saab, but GM has jettisoned those brands, as well as Opel itself. Of course, New GM might well have access to this platform. At this writing, an MOU has been signed with Russia's Sberbank and Magna that will give New GM a 35-percent stake in Opel. How it might use it is uncertain, and even the final signing of the Magna deal is not a foregone conclusion. The 174-inch Astra has a three-inch-longer wheelbase than its predecessor, the car sold unsuccessfully here as the Saturn Astra. It also has a much more sweeping look. Distinctive elements include arrowhead jewelry in the light clusters, a sculpted blade in the bodyside, and strong shoulders. The photo car wears 19-inch wheels, though our tester has more reasonable 225/50 17 tires. Click to view GalleryThe interior derives much of its upscale feel and design from the Insignia. The sweeping center stack has finger-friendly <b>...</b>

Keywords

Opel, Astra, Karavan, 1.7, CDTI, Elegance, bmw, review, audi, auto, collection, tuning, golf, turbo, reviews, drift, thomas, renault, engine, start, dvd, game, volkswagen, update, tank, sound, exhaust, peugeot, friends, e30, 16v, occasion, gas, e36, seat, motor, burnout, nickelback, mercedes, vr6, diesel

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