And did you think otherwise? Eras change, and if the Golf IV ceased to be the Golf II, then the Astra G is not the Kadett E at all. Volkswagen noticeably worsened the balance between price and quality. Opel, on the contrary, step by step improved quality, not chasing the reputation of a "prestigious compact," but betting on the mass buyer.
This material from AutoPortal continues a series of publications dedicated to the selection and purchase of used cars. You can view the list of available options in the corresponding section of our website.
Description
- Body type: sedans
- Dimensions, Length/Width/Height, mm: 4250/1710/1420
- Wheelbase, mm: 2605
- Curb/Gross weight, kg: 1315/1780
- Trunk volume, l: 460/1230
- Fuel tank volume, l: 52
- Engines
- Petrol 4-cylinder: 1.2 L 16V (65/75 hp), 1.4 L 16V (90 hp), 1.6 L (75/85 hp), 1.6 L 16V (101 hp), 1.8 L 16V (115/125 hp), 2.0 L 16V (136 hp), 2.2 L 16V (147 hp)
- Diesel 4-cylinder: 1.7 L (75 hp), 2.0 L 16V (82 hp), 2.0 L 16V (101 hp)
- Drive type: front-wheel drive
- Transmission: 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic
- Suspension front/rear: independent/semi-independent
History
- 01.1998 Premiere of the second-generation Opel Astra (G)
- 09.1999 Appearance of the OPC modification with a 2.0 L 16V engine (160 hp)
- 01.2000 Power increase of 10 hp for petrol engines 1.2 L 16V, 1.6 L and 1.8 L 16V. Replacement of the 2.0 L 16V engine with a new 2.2 L 16V
- 01.2003 Start of large-knockdown assembly of the Opel Astra (G) in Zaporizhzhia
- 08.2003 Debut of the fifth-generation Opel Astra (H)
- 01.2004 At AvtoZAZ, full-cycle production of the 4-door Classic Astra (G) sedan begins
In 1997, at the Frankfurt Motor Show, the premiere of the second-generation Astra, which received the index G, took place. Notably, not a single significant part was borrowed from its predecessor — it was a completely new car. The main improvements affected ergonomics, road behavior, functionality, and interior finish quality. The Opel Astra G was produced in three body styles: two hatchbacks and a station wagon.
The sedan appeared only a year later. The new body was distinguished by excellent aerodynamics and noticeably increased rigidity. Passenger safety was ensured by seat belts, four airbags (two frontal, with the passenger one installed for an additional cost, and two side airbags — also optional, located in the backrests of the front seats). As an option, six airbags could be ordered, including curtain airbags in the roof.
In 1999, the Bertone studio created a coupe version based on the Astra. And in 2001, on the same platform, an open modification appeared — the Opel Astra Cabrio. Both of these versions, despite their moderate price, are considered exclusive due to hand assembly at the Bertone factory.
Starting in 2000, versions from OPC (Opel Performance Center) appeared in the lineup. From 2000 to 2002, cars with the turbocharged Z20LET engine were produced, and from 2002 to 2004, restyled Astra G OPC models.
Production of the second-generation Opel Astra ended in 2004.
Body
With the advent of the Astra G, the era of "rust buckets" ended. Opel cars are no longer susceptible to corrosion — that's a fact. The second-generation Astra had a 12-year warranty against through corrosion of the body and three years on the paintwork.
Contrary to popular belief, the victory over rust was achieved not thanks to galvanization (which was used before), but due to better sealing of welded seams. Previously, the Germans saved on spot welding, which allowed moisture to get into the gaps, starting the process of electrochemical corrosion.
But these problems are a thing of the past, and Opel has lost its main flaw.
Interior
The interior does not impress with design solutions. However, the dashboard does not look boring. Its high and massive structure creates a feeling of security. And this is not an illusion — in terms of passive safety, the Astra is among the leaders.
Inside, it is quite spacious; even in the back row, passengers up to 190 cm tall will sit comfortably. True, after 3-4 years of operation on our roads, squeaks of plastic parts appear in the cabin.
Among other disadvantages, door locks begin to loosen over time. But the most unpleasant problem is cracks on the windshield, which can occur in winter due to temperature changes.
Engines
Under the hood of the Astra, a wide selection of engines is found: from 1.2 to 2.2 liters. Interestingly, Opel used its own injection systems Multec and SiemensSimtec. For those accustomed to Bosch service, this may come as a surprise.
Also produced was the sports version OPC with two engine options. The early one, with a volume of 2.0 liters, developed 160 hp, and the later one (2002) with turbocharging, with the same volume, already produced 200 hp. If you are considering a "hot Opel," keep in mind: spare parts for it are more expensive, and the resource of the turbocharger of a petrol engine is less than that of a turbodiesel.
For those who want to save on fuel, several turbodiesels can be considered. The weakest is the swirl-chamber 1.7-liter with a power of 68 hp. Next is a turbodiesel with direct injection (more sensitive to our fuel) with a volume of 1.7 liters and a power of 75 hp.
The third option is 2.0 liters, 82 hp, also with direct injection. And the most powerful is 2.0 liters, 101 hp (also direct injection). Closer to the end of production of the second series, an Ecotec turbodiesel with a Common Rail system (2.2 liters, 125 hp) appeared. For operation on domestic diesel fuel, this engine is not the best choice.
The least successful option for purchase is the petrol engine 1.6 liters, especially the 16-valve version. Its resource before major repairs can be only 120-180 thousand km. Engine wear is easy to diagnose by oil consumption for waste. Fortunately, its repair is not too costly.
The optimal choice is engines 1.8 and 2.0 liters. The two-liter unit is equipped with balance shafts that dampen vibrations characteristic of four-cylinder engines. But they also have weak points. For example, some specimens have a deformed or cracked exhaust manifold.
A common unpleasant feature of all Opel engines (except the 1.2-liter with a chain drive) is the expensive replacement of the timing belt every 60 thousand km (it is better to do it earlier, especially if the belt is non-original). When replacing, it is also necessary to change the water pump and rollers.
A frequent ailment of Opel Astra engines is clogging of the idle speed valve. In some cases, cleaning it helps; in others, replacement is required, which is significantly more expensive. It is also worth paying attention to the exhaust gas recirculation valve. Its malfunction leads to a drop in power.
The weak point of early Astras (before 2000) is the electronic control unit for the cooling fan and air conditioning. It is located poorly — behind the bumper in front of the left front wheel.
Therefore, it is easily damaged even with a minor impact. As a result, the fan either does not work or works unpredictably. It is impossible to repair a failed unit — only replacement.
Transmission
The Astra was equipped with either a five-speed manual or a four-speed hydromechanical automatic transmission. The "automatic" with proper operation does not cause problems.
There are no particular drawbacks to the manual gearbox either. There are only operational nuances. For example, after 100-120 thousand km, the gearshift linkage seal often requires replacement. Also, shifting from first to second gear is somewhat stiff.
Interestingly, the oil in the manual gearbox is filled, it would seem, for the entire service life. But after about five years, it is better to replace it. Moreover, with exactly the same — branded Opel. The only unpleasant moment is the high cost of replacing the clutch.
This is due to the high labor intensity of the work and the cost of spare parts. The only consolation is that this unit is very durable — it often lasts more than 200 thousand km.
Chassis
The suspension is quite traditional — MacPherson struts at the front and a U-shaped beam at the rear. Most often, the front stabilizer struts are replaced — they require replacement after 40 thousand km. Ball joints and upper MacPherson strut mounts last about 90 thousand km.
It is also pleasing that the silent blocks are quite wear-resistant. But the hub bearings, when driving over potholes, fail quite quickly. It is worth remembering that the sports OPC versions have a stiffer suspension. Its parts last a little less than those of the "civilian" versions, and cost more.
If you are not in a hurry to buy, it is worth looking for a version adapted for our roads. It is distinguished by increased ground clearance, a somewhat reinforced suspension, and engine crankcase protection.
The steering is rack-and-pinion, with power steering, the pump of which is driven by an electric motor. The system operates with a somewhat unusual sound, but does not cause trouble.
At the same time, the steering wheel is quite informative, provided that the oil is replaced in a timely manner — again, only branded Opel. Using any other is not allowed. Another pleasant feature: in the event of a malfunction, the power steering pump can be easily disconnected by removing the terminals. This allows you to get to a service center without damaging the expensive unit.
The brakes are quite reliable, and the pads last a long time. But only on the condition that at each maintenance, the parking brake pistons are cleaned and lubricated. Otherwise, it may jam.
Spare parts and maintenance prices
- engine 1.4 - $600
- trunk lid - $200
- side rearview mirror - $70
- bumper (complete) - $200
- door - $100
- ABS unit - $150
Summary
We confidently recommend the Astra for purchase. The car was good when new, and with mileage it has become even more attractive: now the advantages of the Astra G over the Golf IV are more obvious — the same reliability, lower price, and cheaper maintenance.
There are quite decent options on the market at reasonable prices: from $6000 for early cars to $10000 for the freshest examples.
You can view the full catalog of used cars on our website in the "Used cars" section.
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