2001 Opel Astra 1.4 16v 1.4 16v from Singapore

Summary:

German engineering in a very affordable package

Faults:

The plastic covering of the instrument panel have come loose on one side, will get the dealer to fix it during next service.

Apart from that everything is just perfect. No problems from the engine or interior fittings. Everything is still as good as new.

General Comments:

Like most reviews on the Astra, its handling prowess is always praised. This car can really handle well.

I have absolutely total confidence in this car when taking corners as its chassis always feel in control at any point on a bend. This sweet suspension setup makes you want to try going faster than the last time you took that corner.

Twisty roads are a joy to encounter, as the car composes itself after every turn. It seems like she is always ready for the next bend coming up, way before the driver manages to get the steering back to the center position. I know many say the Focus is the best in this area, but I can say that the Astra isn't far off.

Steering feel is also very good, as every bump the front wheels experience are translated to the driver sufficiently.

Expressway driving is like driving a much larger car. It is very composed and stable at 120km/h. Unlike the Japanese cars with their steering "float" feeling at high speeds.

1.4 16v Ecotec engine is a little underpowered though and feels lethargic in low revs.

However, if you are willing to rev the engine (that's why you need a manual transmission) and keep it between 2500rpm and 4500rpm, the ecotec engine becomes very powerful (feels like a 1.6) and gives out a relatively pleasant, sporty sound. Not exactly BMW's engine acoustics, but good enough for me.

Basically, this is a very good car and a good alternative in my "Japanese car dominated" country. Feels like a car from a much larger class. It cannot match its more refined and prestigious fellow Germans, but it sure beats any Sunny/Sentra, Civic, Lancer or Corolla (the previous model at least) in terms of driving pleasure.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 25th April, 2002

2001 Opel Astra Coupe Bertone 1.8 16v from Belgium

Summary:

Good looking sports car with luxury!

Faults:

Nothing serious, only "small" things that could not be solved by the dealer.

Rattle in passenger door.

Rattle in dashboard.

Rattle in passenger seat.

When opening or closing the doors, the windows go down and up an inch to avoid scraping the rubbers. The passenger window did not always wanted to go back up automatically. This problem was solved by the dealer.

General Comments:

The car is a beauty!

The performance is really nice despite the 'low' 125 bhp.

When you do not drive it to its limits, the car has a very low fuel consumption.

The comfort is super, a real Gran Tourisme car for cruising lots of miles.

But unfortunately, some small rattles bother me, and the dealer cannot find anything, despite multiple attempts.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 28th March, 2002

28th Jun 2002, 08:32

Yes I have a rattle in the drivers door when going over bumps and cannot resolve it. The door opens and closes very smoothly and nicely, but it's only when driving that it make a noise as though it's inside the bodywork.

10th Oct 2004, 11:59

Hello, I own the 2000's Astra Coupe Bertone and I'm proud to say that this car is brilliantly constructed. It's shape is so nice and the 125bhp are great. There is a moment when I feel like I'm flying. This is a great feeling for me. I love my car and this is the way that it should be driven- like a bird.

2nd Nov 2010, 10:20

I have this car for maybe 5 months now.

I had a problem with the clutch pump and had to replace it as well as the thermostat.

I do a lot of driving with four plus me in the car on very curvy roads and I'm really impressed with the handling and with the suspension as a whole. It drives pretty well and the feeling of full control over the car is wonderful. Indeed from time to time there are some squeaks from the dashboard, but this is a small price to pay for the pleasure of driving it.

Another thing is the smooth outlook and when you see people turning back just to have another glance at you...

This is a great car that gives you a great feeling and experience.

Greetings from Bulgaria. :)