SecondHandSense: Opel AstraThe Opel Astra is a very popular car, but it seems destined to live in the shadow of cars such as the Ford Focus, the Volkswagen Golf and the Toyota Corolla.
Comparing the Astra to these cars, it becomes clear that each of them has qualities for which the Astra is not renowned - Ford and Toyota reliability and practicality, and Volkswagen's soft and seemingly ever-appealing styling. But the Opel is well priced, and some people have a strong sense of loyalty to the brand.
The Astra has been around a long time, and is a successor to one of Opel's great success stories, the Kadett. Robust, sensible, reasonably reliable, quite economical and well priced are all attributes on which the Opel's market share was built, but no mainstream Kadett or Astra model could ever be really called attractive and interesting. The emphasis has been on functionality, and even today's cars reflect that.
However, there is nothing wrong with functionality. The Astra is a good, strong car (it achieved a five-star crash rating four years ago) and is a good choice for family or individual motoring, as long as you don't mind that lack of finesse in styling.
You can buy a three- or five-door version, with a petrol or diesel engine. The most popular model is the 1.4-litre petrol version. The 1.7-litre diesel is the choice for those with the higher mileage to justify the additional cost.
While the petrol is smooth enough and has a 90 horse power output, the diesel is a noisy alternative. On starting, there is the inevitable clatter, but it is not suppressed to the extent one would expect when warmed up. Ride and handling are good and the overall experience is very acceptable.
The car is also roomy and comfortable, with the bright interior dulled only slightly by the bulky plastic dashboard.
Seats are good and supportive, and you can fit three in the back with reasonable comfort. The boot is spacious, but the rear sill has been criticised for making it hard to load. Switchgear and instrumentation are typically German and practical, and the digital information display is very effective.
Unless you opt for the sportier versions of the Astra, there is not a great deal of fun in driving it. But it does what the average driver wants very well, and economy is a big selling point. The 1.4-litre petrol is very good, and so too is the diesel.
The Astra has a five-star EuroNCAP crash test rating, which is impressive. It was found to have "a body that is extremely stable and provides good protection for occupants".
Protection for children was also good, with child restraints meeting almost all EuroNCAP performance limits.
Problems have occurred with engine management units, gearboxes and electrical systems, but the Astra does not have a safety recall record to worry one.
A 2004 model with the 1.4-litre petrol engine, alloy wheels, CD player, multiple airbags, electric windows and mirrors, head rests, traction control and with only 43,000km on the clock is on offer at one garage for €12,000.
A 2004 diesel with 104,000km is for sale at €11,990. A 2005 petrol version with 57,000km up is on offer from a private seller for €16,000 and a 2005 diesel with 87,000km on the clock will have an asking price of about €14,900.
FOR: practicality and all- round comfort AGAINST: Styling and boot loading