Summarize

2016 Opel Astra 1.6T Sport

Astra Sport aims for the stars


Auto Bakkie Race Legend Tests are selected from our extensive road test archive.
This road test was first published in AutoNews December 2016.
 
The headline is Latin for ‘aspire to the star’s. It fits. Opel’s new Astra has impressed us every step of the way – in fact I’d go so far as to say that this one is finally worthy of that position to honour the great Kadett Cub and 16V T-cars I once raced.

Let’s face it, Opel has lagged over recent years – its more recent cars have been, nothing special, but the new one moves the game on. This current flagship 147KW 280Nm 1.6 Turbo is fast, but it also packs it all in.

Advances like the Opel Eye that works with IntelliLux 16-LED matrix headlights, a Following Distance Indicator, Lane Departure Warning and a broad selection of other features you’d never expect from a car in this class, set Astra apart.

And not only does new Astra exceed expectations as it brings luxury and sports car tech to the masses, but it is also impeccably priced – this flagship for instance sells for just R407K to see to it that Opel has reinvented the new Astra to make it among the best choices in a most competitive and compelling segment right now. It certainly redefines medium car expectations.

So yes – Opel fights back strongly with the new Astra – it is certainly worth a look versus Golf and the like – especially in this great full-house flagship getup with all the bells and whistles and pretty damned decent performance too.

So much so that Astra need not aspire to being the best anymore – this time it's right there in its own right. – Michele Lupini

LEGEND TEST — 2016 Opel Astra 1.6 Turbo Sport Plus
Engine: 142kW 280Nm 1598cc turbo petrol   I4
Drive:   6-speed manual FWD
TESTED (December 2016):
0-60km/h                  4.05 sec
0-100km/h:               7.25sec 
0-160km/h:               17.35 sec 
400m:                    15.4 sec @ 149km/h
80-120km/h:            4.58 sec
CLAIMED:                       
Vmax:                         220 km/h
Fuel:                     6.1/100km
CO2:                           141 g/km
NEW PRICE 2016:      R406K 
NEW PRICE TODAY:  R508K
RATED THEN:             83% 
RATED NOW:             89% - look at the price!