Back in 2009, Opel launched the sixth generation Astra which comes with many interesting features such as the FlexRide electronic chassis control system, Opel Eye that detects incoming road signs, AFL+, and so much more. With the
hatchback and the
Sports Tourer available, what Opel really needs is a
sedan version and guess what? They have one!
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| 2013 Opel Astra |
Here it is and not only the sedan makes its first appearance all three Astra models get themselves a minor change to keep them fresh during the Astra J's three-year tenure. And since we're not going to cover up the hatchback and the Sports Tourer because this would be somewhat a spacey-wasey, why don't we'll cover up the new kid instead?
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| 2013 Opel Astra Sedan |
So, this is the sedan version of the latest Opel Astra J but this is somewhat a familiar face to me because last year, I've checked out it's American cousin, the
Buick Verano (which is sold in the People's Republic of China as the Excelle GT) and what General Motors told that this car can kick the likes of the Lexus IS350 in every intangible way. With the arrival of the newcomer, the Acura ILX I've examined a couple of months ago, it seems that Buick tries to state that the Verano is better than the new ILX and I mean hey, they're right.
How about this? The all new Astra Sedan from Opel? Oh wait, before explaining this, I think that Opel's British cousin, Vauxhall, had no plans to introduce the Astra sedan yet but if they do, this would be a proper bet against the MG6 Magnette sedan. It's like the Astra but only this time, it has a boot to store your golf bags or something else. When you try to compare this one to the
Volkswagen Jetta, you'll know that this is getting a bit more interesting. For me, the new Astra Sedan is better looking that the Volkswagen Jetta inside and out. Also, it's taller than the Jetta (1500mm height vs. Jetta's 1450mm), longer than the Jetta (4658mm length vs. Jetta's 4640mm), even more wheelbase than the Jetta (2685mm of wheelbase vs. Jetta's 2650mm), and wider than the Jetta (1814mm of width vs. Jetta's 1780mm). Guess we're getting somewhere...
Like most Astras, the new sedan version comes with a 1.4L, 1.6L, 1.4L Turbo, 1.6L Turbo. 1.3L CDTi, and 1.7 CDTi engines. Depending on engine types, there's a ecoFLEX variant with a start stop that automatically shuts off the engine when you stopped and the start it on again when you set off. This will solve the whole air malarkey thing but I'm afraid that with all the engine choices, why don't we settle from least to great? For fuel efficiency, best to pick the Astra Sedan ecoFLEX with the 1.7 CDTi engine that has a CO2 emission of 99g/km, which sounds very impressive for an eco-car. For affordability, best to pick the Astra Sedan with the 1.4L engine but in Selection trim which cost you 18,270 Euros. For power, why not recommend the top of the line Astra Sedan 1.6L Turbo which in Edition trim and a 6-speed MT costs you 23,285 Euros. This is a consumer advice for you if you want the all new Astra Sedan, got it?
What I think about the new Astra Sedan is simple, this is a decent midsize sedan that some say that this would be perfect for emerging markets. I mean look at Russia, they have a very high demand for such sedans and this would be a perfect fit.In Germany, this new Astra sedan makes it an elegant and cheaper alternative to sedans from the upper segment but in some countries like those form Eastern and Central Europe, basically Russia and Turkey, notchback sedans have a very high demand. So, do you think this new Astra Sedan is a worthy contender? You'l find that out soon enough.
Available Colors: Schneeweiß, Azurblau, Graphitschwarz, Argonsilber, Champagner, Fresh Mint, Silbersee, Silbergrau, Mahagonibraun, and Powerrot.
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Photo: Adam Opel AG
