Taking the new Opel Astra for a ride

This third-generation of the Opel bestseller is a thing of beauty, and its competitors are going to be hard pressed to keep this dynamic vehicle down.

Hi-tech

The adaptive IDSPlus suspension with Continuous Damping Control (CDC), which was previously reserved for luxury vehicles and for exclusive sports cars, is introduced into the segment in some of the new Astra models.

Other model-specific technical highlights include the steering-linked AFL (Adaptive Forward Lighting) headlamp system with dynamic curve light, newly developed Infotainment systems and ECOTEC engines (77kW-147kW), including a new 1.6 TWINPORT petrol unit.

The new Astra is offered in four equipment lines and three engine combinations. The latest electronic stability programme, ESPPlus, head curtain airbags, active head restraints on the front seats, a height and reach-adjustable steering column and heated power mirrors are among the features fitted to the new Opel Astra.

Distinctive would be a gross understatement when describing the new Astra. The car's exciting and dynamic appearance sets it apart from its competitors and sends a clear signal in the compact segment.

Interior

There's a lot more room for passengers in the new five-door Astra and there's also 350 litres of boot space that includes room for a spare wheel.

A characteristic styling cue is the crease on the clearly arranged centre console, carried over from the bonnet. Other design elements in the Astra cockpit include the three-dimensional instruments and the centrally positioned, easy to read monitor.

The seats feature state-of-the-art ergonomics with enhanced contours, higher lateral supports, longer cushions and optimised adjustment.

Particularly agile handling and high levels of active safety were the development objectives for the new Astra's IDS chassis (Interactive Driving System). The suspension features McPherson struts and a subframe at the front, and a patented torsion beam with double-walled, U-shaped profile at the rear.

Advanced chassis

A completely new dimension of balance between comfort and active safety can be experienced in certain new Astra models with the adaptive IDSPlus suspension system and electronic Continuous Damping Control (CDC). This integrated chassis control network (ICC), where the control units and sensors of ESPPlus, ABS and CDC communicate constantly via the high-speed CAN (Controller Area Network) data bus system, debuts here in the compact segment.

With IDSPlus, Astra drivers can activate a special performance mode by pressing the Sport Switch. This selects suspension settings for the enthusiast-driver, adapts the steering and accelerator response and, with the automatic transmission, adjusts the shift points higher up the rpm range.

Engine

The new front-wheel drive Astra will be available with three petrol engines, with displacements from 1.6 to 2.0 litres and power outputs of 77 to 147kW. The new Astra can reach claimed top speeds of more than 230km/h and can accelerate from zero to 100km/h in 8.2 seconds.

All engines are state-of-the-art, four-cylinder ECOTEC units with four valves per cylinder, and comply with the Euro 4 exhaust emission limits. The 1.6 TWINPORT gasoline engine is especially pro-environmental, thanks to its low fuel consumption (combined fuel consumption of the new 1.6 TWINPORT with 77kW is only 6.5l/100km).

Particularly fun-to-drive is the newly developed 2.0-litre turbocharged gasoline engine with a power output of 147kW. This particular engine is supplied as standard with a new six-speed manual transmission.

Specification

In addition to its advanced chassis and engine technology, the new Astra also impresses with its exceptionally extensive standard and safety equipment, including SAFETEC.

This comprehensive protection system consists of passive and active safety features such as the highly stable body shell with deformation zones, the IDS chassis with ESPPlus, TCPlus traction control, CBC (Cornering Brake Control) and ABS with brake assistant and four disk brakes. Front and thorax/pelvis side airbags for the driver and front seat passenger, head curtain airbags, active head restraints in the front, lap-and-shoulder seat belts for all passengers, two mountings in the rear for the ISOFIX child's seat system, pedals which automatically release in the event of a frontal collision (PRS, Pedal Release System) and a steering column which can be adjusted for reach and height are all part of the SAFETEC package.

The Opel Astra has earned the coveted five-star EuroNCAP safety rating for both the frontal and side-impact crash tests.

Model range

With a total of four trim packages (Essentia, Enjoy, Sport and GSi), each with differing looks and functions, the Astra fulfils the most varied of customer requirements. Customers will have the choice of four powertrains (1.6 TWINPORT ECOTEC MT, 1.8 ECOTEC MT & AT and 2.0 Turbo ECOTEC MT) within the four trim packages.

The new Astra boasts many features, all aimed at different preferences and requirements. Exciting features include leather trim, the steering-linked AFL (Adaptive Forward Lighting) headlamp system with dynamic curve light, bi-xenon headlamps with automatic beam adjustment and cleaning system, TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System), electronic climate control with air quality sensor and automatic air recirculation, Hill Start Assist, Trailer Stability Programme, and a Sport switch.

There is also a new generation of infotainment systems. The new Astra is fitted with a Radio/CD with MP3 storage format for audio data. With the Twin Audio system passengers in the front and rear of the new Astra can also listen to different music or radio programs.

Pricing

But the big question, as always, is what effect is this driving experience going to have on your wallet? Well, starting at R160 260 for the 1.6 Essentia, it's difficult to find flaw with the Astra's pricing.

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What to do in a HIJACKING or HOSTAGE situation?

The following safety hints are aimed at providing a potential hostage or hijacking victim with practical advice and enhance road safety. It is important to note that most hostages, victims of hijacking survive the incident and are eventually released or rescued.

In most instances, injuries and deaths are the result of inconsiderate actions taken by the victims themselves. There are certain guidelines that could increase a victim’s chances of survival and decrease the risk of humiliation, discomfort and injury:

KNOW WHAT TO EXPECT AS A VICTIM

• People who are taken hostage or hijacked, tend to experience feelings of anxiety, shock, disbelief and confusion.

• This first reaction usually leads to resistance, or retaliation which could have fatal consequences.

• Prepare yourself to be alone and isolated from your family, friends or loved ones, and to lose track of time and place.

KNOW WHAT TO EXPECT OF THE PERPETRATORS

• They could be tense, anxious and nervous.

• They could display a tendency to overreact.

DO'S

• Do everything the perpetrators tell you to do.

• Try at all times to maintain your pride, dignity and self-respect.

• Keep your brain active by playing games in your mind (mind games), daydreaming and reading whatever you are offered.

• To maintain your physical strength you should    eat the food provided by your captor(s).

• Try to maintain a sense of humor, but do not ridicule the aggressors.

• Try to remain orientated regarding your movements, directions, time and place.

• Try to maintain a routine and remain fit, if circumstances permit.

• Allow yourself to be led by your captor(s).

• Try to remain cool and calm.

• Fall flat and remain down during the relieving attack.

DON'TS

• Do not at any time become panic stricken or hysterical.

• Do not offer any form of resistance.

• Do not become abusive and aggressive or lose your temper.

• Do not threaten or provoke the captor(s).

• Do not try to be a hero.

• Do not engage in an argument with the captor(s).

• Do not engage in any whispered conversations with the perpetrators.

• Do not use foreign concepts or languages, as this could arouse the captors’ suspicions.

• Do not make any demands.

• Do not be sympathetic towards your captors’ cause.

• Do not try to escape, as this could place you at risk.

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