Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/712794
maltatoday, SUNDAY, 17 JULY 2016 VIII Motoring Europe's Car of the Year offers innovation, efficiency and creature comfort TEST DRIVE maltatoday ORIGINALLY launched in 1991, the Opel Astra became the second most sold car in Europe after total sales topped 12 million vehicles. In its 7th generation, the new model combines efficiency with elegance, and its at- tempt at redefining the compact class segment earned it the title of 2016 European Car of the Year. The new Astra boasts German design and engineering, yet remains built in the United Kingdom. The 2016 version is lighter and more efficient than its predecessors. The sharper body lines are said to have been inspired by an athlete set to launch from the blocks. The cabin of the new 2016 Astra oozes style, practicality and comfort. The ergonomic seats are tested and certified by the AGR-Campaign for Healthy Backs providing above class average seat comfort and back seat passengers now enjoy an increase of 35mm in legroom space. All instruments and controls are ordered and intuitive. The dashboard has a premium feel to it whilst a touch- screen sits in its centre, wrapped in a piano black surrounded with a touch of brushed chrome underneath. Bins and cubbies are spread around both the passenger and driver, providing useful storage. The instruments in the steering area share a small information screen with optically pleasing and clear graphics. The 7th generation Astra is the first model available with the Opel OnStar service assistant. This includes SOS emergency response, roadside assis- tant and 24/7 instant tech support. The touch- screen monitor, in either 7 or 8-inch, features the new generation In- telliLink infotainment system. The new system is compatible with both Android and Apple systems. Once linked into the vehicle's system, phone functions can be remotely controlled through steering wheel controls or via voice. The booth area has also received the attention of Astra's design team. A squarish and ribbed floor protects the boot area and stops luggage from moving about. The only glitch here is that once the rear seats are lowered, they provide a step in the luggage area rather than a simple increase in flat space. However, if you opt for a space- saver spare wheel, the boot floor sits at the same height as the folded back seats. The 2016 Astra comes with three petrol engines and two diesel variants, married to either a manual or automatic gearboxes. The diesel variants are based on the Opel Whisper Diesel family. These ver- sions are more refined and quieter than previous models, not to mention also more powerful. The 110bhp engine of- fers the best consumption and claimed emissions figure of 82g/km emissions figures yet the friskier 136bhp version will probably sell more. The latter is also the only diesel possibly married to an automatic gearbox. The 1.4 ltr petrol engine comes in three guises – 100bhp with a 5-speed manual gearbox; 1.4ltr petrol, MT 6, 125bhp turbo with a 6-speed gear- box and a 150bhp version also with a 6-speed gearbox. The most impressive of the three is the 1.4ltr – 125bhp turbo mainly due to its smooth performance. The turbo engine can also be had with an automatic gearbox. The 1.4 turbo claims a combined fuel efficiency figure of 48mpg while the 1.6 turbo diesel clocks this at 68mpg. Acceleration figures for the 0-100km/h sector sit at 8.5 seconds for the petrol and 9.5 seconds for the diesel version. For the 2016 model, Opel has chosen de-coupled McPherson struts at the front and a novel torsion beam rear ax- le with a Watt's linkage rather than the independent multi-link system used on models launched by the competition. This leads to more precise steering, less body roll, exceptional road holding and outstanding ride qualities. This also makes the ride more relax- ing, while instinctive steering reactions and good brakes make a sportier drive around the island less taxing on the mind. The German engineers and designers held nothing back in the safety sector. All models sport front and side airbags, yet more innovative features, while available on higher models can only be taken as part of the Driving Assistance Pack for the basic vehicle. A stability control system that helps you stay in control in treacherous conditions is standard on all Astras. A new LED matrix system automati- cally and constantly adapts the length and distribution of the light beam to different traffic scenarios. Additional safety features include lane departure warning, and automatic braking system that can slows and even stops the car if it senses a collision with another ve- hicle. Side Blind Spot alert informs the driver of obstacles within a 3-mtr radius around the vehicle in areas hidden to the driver's vision, while Advanced Park Assist increases comfort and op- tionally parks the vehicle for the driver, while a rear view camera is automati- cally activated once the driver engages reverse. The new 2016 Astra comes in three versions – the Essentia, the Enjoy and the Innovation. Air-conditioning, touch- screen, DAB radio and cruise control are standard across the Astra range. Optional extras include Tech-Line which adds satnav to the infotainment system, a center arm rest and leather- covered steering wheel, and 17-inch wheels. With a German backbone and a British facade, the new Astra is one of the best family hatchbacks on the market today. Awarded European Car of the Year, this vehicle looks great on our roads, handles like a comfortable dream and the increased efficiency and updated and innovative technology in- creases the car's appeal to the public. The new 2016 Astra can be seen at Cars International Ltd, with prices starting from €17,990. PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHRIS MANGION