Opel Astra Classic 2.0 CDX

Astra-nomical advances

While the Astra range has always been a good mix of style, comfort and ability, upon launch in SA a few years ago it was skimpily equipped when  compared with the benchmark VW products. Not any more, as Delta has upped the ante and blessed the Astra and Astra Classic with more of the good stuff to turn it into a very, very competitive new model range for 2002.

The most obvious shortcomings of the Astra and Astra Classic, were  the lack of certain safety features, which we believe should be legally regulated to be standard equipment in all cars. Had one measured the Astra as a model range alone in its segment, it would have scored a high mark indeed for it styling, solidity, drivability and general dynamics. In fact, it arguably has the best handling chassis in its class and some of the most powerful and able engines in the business.
But down the road from where the Astra is built, its main rival also rolls down the production line – the VW Golf and Jetta are the benchmark products in this class, not only because of their superb engineering, solid build quality, great handling and performance, but because of their generous safety equipment. They were equipped with traction control, ABS brakes with EBD and a number of airbags in various combinations in the various models – all of them items that lacked in the Astra. Sure, the Astra’s were some R8K to R10K cheaper, but this was the critical sparkle needed to give the Opels their lustre.
No more, as Opel has revamped the entire range – the new and improved version now featuring all those critical safety items that set it apart from the VWs.

Concept and Styling
The Astra and Astra Classic are pretty cars indeed, an Italian Bertone design, more boxy than the rounded styling of Astra's past. It is a shape – an eclectic mix of flowing lines and sharp edges – that is modern and stands apart from other marques in this segment. And it will certainly age well. The three-box Astra Classic – slightly longer than the Astra hatch – offers a marginally larger boot, but that is just about the only distinguishing feature.

Ambience and ergonomics
The flagship Astra Classic 2.0 CDX has everything a driver could wish for in a midrange car, and more. Pleasing, are its satellite controls for sound system and cruise control on the steering wheel, while there is a full information display at the top centre of the dash for onboard computer readings, station and CD settings, temperature, date and more. Lower down, ventilation controls are user-friendly dials, while the gearshift and steering wheel are nicely padded and both easy to grip.

Our test car was finished in a great quality  metallic paint  with a tasteful interior combination of black vinyl trim and beige leather upholstery. It has to rate as one of the best, classy-looking finishes on the market.

Equipment
2002 Astras are now better equipped than ever. The 2.0 CDX has a long list of standard comfort, convenience and safety features. Included are side impact beams, a pedal retraction system, driver and passenger airbags, seat belt pre-tensioners, disc brakes all round, ABS brakes with EBD, body protection mouldings, front and rear head restraints, tilt adjustable steering, driver side vanity mirror, central door locking with speed sensor, perimeter alarm system with bonnet protection, electro-hydraulic power steering, air conditioning, de rigeur cup holders, fog lamps, chrome radiator grille surround, and power windows and mirror (drivers side heated).

Accommodation and Space
The Astra offers better interior space than its VW rivals particularly in the rear legroom department,  while boot space is a commendable 368 litres which can be increased to 998 litres with the rear seats folded down. Comfort in the front seat, too, is arguably better than any from the East. One sits in, not on, the seats, which offer good support, especially when spirited driving is involved.

Ride Integrity and Safety
We've already said that  higher equipment levels for the 2002 model range have better equipped the Astra to ensure the safety of its occupants. But let's not  diminish the inherent safety that were always a feature of this Opel. It's handling capabilities are quite simply superior to most in it's class. The suspension set-up – McPherson struts and coil springs – is a Lotus design, and the Astra keeps its feet planted firmly on the ground under almost any conditions. Turn-in is crisp and its responsiveness belies its price. What is also remarkable is that the suspension and powertrain has been decoupled from the body to ensure the minimum of noise and vibration..  The addition of 4-channel ABS with EBD and airbags across the range was all that was needed to turn an already good car into an exemplary one.

Build Integrity
Delta Motor Corporation have come a long way in terms of manufacturing quality. Careful scrutiny of the car revealed not a shut-line or a stitch out of place, inside, outside or in the boot. Granted, with only 400 km on the odo, it was still factory-fresh and looked the part in more ways than one. Under the bonnet is not the tidiest of places, but rest assured, nothing is going to fall off on your way to work.
Leather is soft to the touch, and while the plastic and vinyl bits in the cabin is not VW-soft and padded, it is of an acceptable quality not out of place in a luxury midranger.

Performance and economy
Opel have always had a way with motors, somehow always managing to make  more kW and torque available per cc than their rivals. The CDX is powered by Opel’s high-performance 16-valve, 2-litre Ecotec motor – good for 95 kW and 180 Nm, good for a top speed well  beyond the 200 km/h mark. Performance is spirited, and linked to the smooth-shifting five speed manual ‘box (there is no auto), a joy to drive. Delta claims a 0-100 km/h sprint run of just over 10 seconds, we got 11.6 on the Highveld   – not shabby at all.

Conclusion
At last the latest Astra and Astra Classic has what it needed right from the start. Granted, the improvements came at a price (which has not rendered it uncompetitive) but there is no price too high when one’ safety is at stake. Consider it a down-payment on life insurance.

And now that its running costs are are very competitive, This Astra should start clawing it's way up the sales charts.