No future, but a strong present. The diesel in the Opel Astra

As the new one Opel Astra pulls up to the yard, a strange feeling spreads at first sight. The chic retro front evokes memories of the good old 70s, when Opel models with very similar faces took to the streets in Germany coined. Despite the actually modern look, the flash carrier awakens a feeling of nostalgia. This also arises in view of its 1,5-liter diesel engine, because of the question that is currently so fundamentally important for electric cars Reach gives the Astra a more than sovereign answer. Just like you used to think of this diesel driver was used to.

He predicts 1.080 kilometers Board computer with a full tank. That is far more than we would need for the motorway tour ahead of us. The AGR seat also gives us the certainty that the upcoming trip with the Rüsselsheim compact classic will be relaxed. This is also ensured by the modern design and tidy furnishings Cockpit. Not everything is noble here. If you look around, you will also discover larger areas of disdain hard plastic. But thanks to the chic surfaces and materials in the crucial places, the guest room is experienced as pleasant and homely. And spacious. The almost 4,40 meter long five-door offers more than enough space on both rows of seats and in the trunk. It already swallows 422 liters, which becomes up to 1.339 liters thanks to the rear seat backrest that can be folded in two parts.

As is now customary, the Astra cockpit also has two large displays. On the right touchscreen of the infotainment system it is of course possible to use smartphone content from Apple Carplay or display Android Auto. If the mobile phone is connected, you can simply Google can desired address whisper and let maps guide you there, taking into account the current traffic situation. At the same time, the desired music streams from the Internet via the audio system. Progress is also a good thing.

Less euphonious tones spread when the diesel comes to life at the push of a button, because at least in the warm-up phase its rough self-igniting nature is clearly perceptible. After that he gives himself four cylinders also remarkably cultivated thanks to the excellently tuned eight-speed automatic transmission. It juggles imperceptibly, skilfully and nimbly Transmission between the abundant translation stages. The revs mostly remain low, but the early maximum torque always pleases with a decent one Punch. If performance is spontaneously required, the 96 kW/130 hp is the solution Diesel anything but stingy and pushes the 1,4-tonner quickly on request. The sprint to 100 km/h takes just over ten seconds, and the maximum is almost 210 km/h.

It's relaxed, using the left steering wheel keypad Adaptive speed regulator to activate and the situation-related adjustment of the tempo in the hands of the on-board technology to lay. If the motorway bends, vehicles in the parallel lane are sometimes interpreted as obstacles, which can be small for a short time braking interventions provoked. But otherwise the assistants do their job well. We have set the speed limit to recommended speed, which allows for quick and efficient progress. Consumption rose to 5,8 liters. If you want to, you will get by with less than 5 liters and, thanks to the 52-liter tank, be able to drive more than 1.000 kilometers in one go. Such a mammoth trip does not have to be a deterrent, because that Suspension of the Astra filters many rigors of roadway away in a smooth manner. The AGR seat also ensures exemplary support and a maximum relaxed seating position. Wind noise is low. No question: the compact Opel is a champion of diesel long distance.

At the end of an extended tour, he therefore allows a little melancholy to arise again. Driving a diesel is a lot less complicated than driving an electric car. Also melancholy germinates when you look at the price: around 31.000 euros are at least included for the diesel Automatic called. With a few extras, it easily becomes 35.000 or 38.000 euros. Opel is no longer as cheap as it used to be.

Mario Hommen / SP-X