To counter Toyota’s 1,4-litre RunX’s dominance in the important subcompact segment, Opel has launched a 1,4-litre version on its Astra hatchback.
Who would’ve thought that a smallish 1,4-litre shoehorned into the fairly large RunX body could be such a success? Judging by the number of RunXs on our streets, no one really, well at least not until now.
The new addition uses a 1,4-litre Ecotec engine (with Twinport technology) to produce 66 kW at 5 600 r/min and peak torque of 125 N.m at 4 000 r/min. My previous exposure to the 1,4 Astra had been limited, so the opportunity to drive the car in a “regular” setting was welcomed.
The Astra proved sprightly in traffic, with ample power for the regular suburban potter between home, work and play. The larger car, with enough bootspace to cart all the paraphernalia that I generally have to haul about, came in handy too.
Decidedly more good looking than its RunX counterpart, the Astra also has a few other features counting in its favour. It’s generally been assumed that people who purchase small family hatchbacks would really not be too fazed by the absence of many nice-to-have features. Not so for the Astra, which comes standard with a trip computer, power front windows and exterior mirrors, automatic door locks, height adjustable driver’s seat, adjustable headlamps, and an MP3 compatible seven-speaker audio system.
