Many Russian car enthusiasts were faced with a choice: Opel Astra or Volkswagen Golf. But if earlier the first was exclusively a shadow of the second, today the situation has changed radically. Here, in fact, there is no need to prove anything - just look at the dynamics of sales volumes.
A modern vehicle is a means of information. Not massive, but quite useful. A fleeting glance at it is more than enough to draw preliminary conclusions about the character of the car owner. Especially when it comes to Golf. Experts are confident that a person who purchases it can be diagnosed immediately. Why? Because ignoring a wide range of analogues of various stripes and the desire to buy a new model, which differs from the previous one only in the numbers in the name, is the lot of men with a reputation. An accomplished and mature person is usually not inclined to be guided by such criteria as trend, fashion, style. The traditions of relationships are what is more important to him. Such car owners are constant and reliable in their desires. Just like Golf itself.
About success
The buyer’s personality described above can be safely classified as a “Mohican”. What is characteristic is that today they are in the minority, because the car they choose is not as popular as its sworn friend. It’s not surprising if you take a closer look at Astra. The current generation of this model has changed a lot. And for the better. And her audience, which was not particularly old anyway, literally became significantly younger. It is increasingly represented by creative people who are ready to keep up with the times, no matter what. But they are not devoid of rationality. In any case, they are definitely not going to shell out money for a foppish look.
Although, let's be honest, no one is calling for this. Because besides the design, Astra has something to please. In particular, the basic package is a set of very useful baubles and features. Opel, which will later be compared with Volkswagen, has climate control, a parking assistance system, a multifunction steering wheel, cruise control, a stabilization system and side airbags. In a word, because for Golf it is only available as an option.
Even something as small as a USB connector will cost a pretty penny. The manufacturer has provided for its implementation exclusively as part of an audio system, the cost of which starts from 7,000 rubles. On the other hand, the base Golf is equipped with seats with amazing lateral support. The owners of Astra will have to look for them again. And these searches will be crowned with additional expenses of 20,000 rubles. But some people think it's not worth chasing them. To say that they are wrong would be wrong.
About management
If you drive calmly, the Opelek accelerates perfectly. Even a six-speed automatic transmission can't prevent this. However, the power unit responds to the accelerator pedal with a delay. Therefore, you just need to push it through. In turn, the “automatic machine” also falls into some confusion. This is expressed in his throwing in order to find the appropriate pass for the situation. After which the car makes a somewhat nervous jump.
I really want to achieve mutual love from the steering wheel, but as the speed limit increases, the force grows somewhat weakly. The Astra handles corners very well. If there is a slipping of the front pair of wheels, then it is completely predictable. In this respect, Opel and Foltz are equal.
The steering wheel of the latter begins to get heavier with increasing speed. This only makes management more enjoyable. It should also be noted that the brake system is quite sensitive, which allows you to dose the applied force very well. And if Golf only needs light pressure, then Astra “likes it harder.” But it’s easier to get used to the latter, because at first the former tends to reduce the speed more sharply than you want.
Among the “similarities” we can also note the operation of the suspension. Although both models under consideration are equipped with fundamentally different systems. In particular, the Astra has a semi-independent suspension (+ Watt mechanism), and the Golf has a standard multi-link. Both of them absorb the imperfections of the canvas quite well, without particularly informing the driver and passengers. True, if you come across a “lying” law enforcement officer, then the Volkswagen shock absorbers work “to rebound”, but it is unlikely that it will be possible to “break through” the Opel shock absorbers.
Despite the fact that Astra seems to be out of the shadows, Golf still stays half a length ahead. At one time, a slogan was especially emphasized, which stated that there is no point in driving something similar to a Golf, because there is a Golf! And today it is difficult to disagree with this statement, which, by the way, was invented by Volkswagen manufacturers. Summarizing what has been said, we can conclude: the classics still rule, gentlemen.
Who do you prefer to live together? Beautiful, smart, with excellent manners, but high expectations, or modest, quiet, but very reliable? We are talking about used VW Golf 4 and G.
Evolution and Revolution
Golf 4 appeared on the market in 1997. The model, compared to its predecessor Golf 3, is evolutionary. There were no fundamental changes in design, and, by and large, in technology too. But this did not stop the car from being successfully sold around the world.
A big step forward for the company. A completely new design that has nothing in common with the previous Astra, and most importantly - a 12-year warranty against through body corrosion.
Both cars sold well in Russia, so the number of “our” copies on the market is quite large.
The Golf was produced in three- to five-door hatchback and station wagon versions. Warranty against through body corrosion - 12 years. For paintwork - 3 years. These deadlines are quite realistic, and there are no problems with the body. On some cars, water flows into the taillights, but a tube of sealant and skillful hands can easily deal with the problem. The Golf's interior looks very luxurious for a small car. No one has yet surpassed the quality of fit of the panels and the materials used. You can play the game "find 10 differences from the VW Passat." Difference number 1 is the cramped rear seat. Despite the assurances of the designers, sitting there is worse than in its predecessor. Not enough legroom, cramped shoulders... Even the VW Polo is more “friendly” to rear passengers!
Visibility is not bad, but the right mirror was created at the request of “substituted” on the roads. It is small, and it is almost impossible to see the obstacle on the starboard side. The undoubted advantage of the Golf is its equipment. Buyers both here and in Europe rarely ordered basic Golfs. Climate control and all kinds of heating are the norm rather than the exception. And at night, VW pleases with stylish blue-red instrument panel lighting. What can be broken inside? The cup holder and rear ashtray rarely last more than a year; during inspection, it doesn’t hurt to check their operation. As well as the serviceability of door locks. They often “glitch”, and branded service stations only fix them by replacing them ($70 for a lock, $45 for a replacement). The Golf suffers from the fact that the filter in the ventilation system is too good. It needs to be changed ($50 filter, $10 replacement) twice a year, in autumn and late spring. One Russian summer clogs it completely, and instead of a powerful hurricane, miserable breezes blow through the deflectors. Window and headlight washers are not long-lived. The axles of the levers in the windshield wiper mechanism become sour, which leads to damage to the electric motor or drive parts. To prevent disaster, it is better to disassemble and lubricate the mechanism once a year. A couple of years ago, gray dealers imported a batch of cars intended for the Turkish market. It is better to avoid them and check the VIN code of the body before purchasing. It can be used to determine for which importer the car was manufactured.
With the Astra model, Opel for the first time gave a worthy response to the VAG concern. Same 12 year warranty against perforation corrosion and 3 years on paint. And the same confidence in fulfilling these standards. Even the oldest cars do not show signs of corrosion. It's not just a matter of galvanizing the body. Opel rarely rots on the outside, they usually rust on the inside and along the welds. In Astra G, all hidden cavities are treated with anticorrosive at the factory, and welds are carefully sealed. If the car does not get into a serious accident, it will live for 20-25 years before being written off as scrap.
The Astra's interior is also good, but after the Golf it is not impressive. There is no chic in it, no shine in the little things. And the finishing materials are inexpensive. In addition, over time, in some machines a genetic code called a “rattle” makes itself known. Not a Kadett, of course, the Golfs will be quieter. But the back seat of the Opel is much more comfortable. There is more space there, and two people will not dream of any Vectra and Omega.
On the short side, the Astra's "Golf" mirror provides limited visibility. Wide rear pillars make you nervous when reversing. Astra wins in trunk volume. The Astra station wagon is perhaps the best “cargo carrier” in this class.
The weaker the better
The engine range of the Golf 4 has little in common with the Golf 3. The base engine is an aluminum 1.4-liter, but the most popular one has a displacement of 1.6 liters. Most of these cars are like this. Much less with 1.8 and 2.0 engines. The “five” 2.3 and the “six” 2.8 are exotic, but there are a lot of diesel engines. On cars of this class, VW diesels are the best in the world. And this conviction cannot be spoiled by any Russian diesel fuel.
There are no problems with gasoline engines. If you don’t replace the air filter in time ($25 for filter, $10 for labor), there is a chance to get acquainted with the price of an air flow sensor ($300). The lambda probe ($245 - part, $20 - labor) and spark plugs ($45 - kit, $25 - labor) suffer from our gasoline.
The 1.8T engine is close to replacing the turbine in 50% of cases ($1400 - part, $165 - labor). The pleasure is not cheap, so when diagnosing, special attention should be paid to this node. If the machine is less than three years old, the manufacturer pays the full cost of the part. This gift is called post-warranty support and is valid at all branded service stations.
It is recommended to change the oil for gasoline engines every 15,000 km, and the timing belt ($140 for belt and rollers, $110 for labor) - every 90,000 km. It is better not to reach this deadline, but to replace it a little earlier. There have been troubles in the form of valves “kissing” pistons, and it’s not worth repeating other people’s mistakes. Engines 2.3 and 2.8 have a chain drive of camshafts.
Diesel engines are only 1.9-liter, but there are plenty of power options. The basic atmospheric engine develops 68 hp. With. It does not have a turbine, the degree of boost is low, so it is not as picky about the quality of fuel and oil as its powerful brothers. VW turbodiesels are fantastic units in terms of acceleration dynamics and fuel efficiency. However, they need to be monitored. Checking the oil level daily is mandatory. Motors do not complain of a lack of oil appetite even in infancy, and topping up between maintenance is not a sign of a “tired” unit. The fuel filter ($25 for filter, $10 for labor) is changed every 30,000 km, but it can and should be done sooner. It makes sense to change the air filter ($30, replacement $10) every 10,000 km. Otherwise, you will need to replace the air flow sensor ($300 sensor +30$ labor). Any VW turbodiesel is critical to the quality of oil and fuel. And don't forget about the timing of oil changes!!! In our conditions, the manufacturer recommends doing this every 7,500 km. For comparison, in Europe “oil maintenance” is sometimes extended to 50,000 km. Our measly 7,500 km indicate that there is too little fuel in our sulfur at gas stations.
A separate topic is “fresh” diesel engines with pump injectors. For them there is a special approval for oil quality, and it would not hurt to introduce one for fuel. One pump injector costs about $1000. Conclusion: refuel only at “targeted” gas stations and keep receipts. Typically the TDI from Europe gets crazy mileage. 300,000 km for a three-year-old car is a matter of course. Gearboxes on VW Golf are the simplest. Either a manual transmission or a conventional automatic. At the end of the day, a 6-speed manual was installed on the car. They do not have any typical malfunctions, only on the 1.6-liter engine the manual gearbox sometimes fails. Symptoms: increased noise, vibration.
The power units are no less. From the weak 1.2-liter to the powerful 2.2-liter. All of them are four-cylinder; there were no six-cylinder engines in the range. The basic 1.2-liter was not in demand in Russia. But it is found on cars from Europe. There is no need to be afraid of him. As a ladies' option on three-door hatchbacks, it looks convincing. Fuel consumption is low, there is a timing chain in the drive, and as for the dynamics... you need to be calmer, calmer.
The most popular engine in the Astra is the 1.6-liter 16-valve. But popular doesn't mean best. Our gasoline often causes spark plugs to fail ($12 per set), and the injection system is weird. By the way, to change the spark plugs (every 40,000 km), you need to remove the intake manifold. Sometimes there is an increased oil appetite, which is eliminated by expensive (up to $800) repairs. Its 8-valve brother is not as powerful, but much easier to operate. Among the common diseases, the exhaust gas recirculation valve ($145 - part, $25 - replacement) and the idle air valve ($110 - part, $25 - labor) are noted.
Our fuel causes them to become clogged, so experienced owners remove and clean them every 20-30 thousand. Then you don't have to think about replacement.
Failure to promptly replace spark plugs on all engines can result in failure of the ignition coil ($165 coil + $15 replacement). Replacing the timing belt ($150 for parts, $65 for labor) - every 60,000 km. You need to change it with the rollers, and for the second replacement - with the water pump. And don’t forget about flushing the injection system every 40-50 thousand.
For lovers of diesel engines, Astra is pleased with two options: the Japanese Isuzu with a volume of 1.7 liters and the native two-liter. "Japanese" - the most traditional design. This engine traces its origins back to “cadet” engines, and over the years the design has been perfected. The engine is soft in character: good traction at the bottom, smooth acceleration up to maximum speed. Its power is small, but its reliability and service life are beyond praise. And he is not picky about fuel. The timing belt and rollers are more expensive than for gasoline engines, but replacement is required every 100,000 km. The Opel 2.0-liter turbodiesel is technically more complex, but has a camshaft chain drive. At about 50,000 km, the air flow sensor ($250) breaks down. If you change the air filter on time or a little more often ($16 for a filter, $4 for a replacement), its life can be extended. The turbine activation valve ($250) dies after a decent run on our roads. Oil change in diesel engines - every 10,000 km.
In the exhaust system, after two Russian winters, the rear can of the muffler ($130 parts + $20 labor) rusts. However, the Golf suffers from the same problem ($240 part + $20 labor).
The classics are the last to die
The sweetest part of all descriptions of used cars is the suspension. The music of broken ball joints and silent blocks on our roads will be eternal. But there's not much to talk about regarding the Golf and Astra. It's all about design schemes and materials. There are no fancy multi-links or aluminum. The usual steel, McPherson at the front, beam at the rear.
But this “stove” also has something to “dance” about. Let's start with the Golf. Struts ($40 parts + $25 replacement) and stabilizer bushings ($30 parts + $25 replacement) of lateral stability last about 40 thousand km. By 80 thousand km, steering rods usually wear out their lifespan ($275 parts + $60 labor), and by 100 thousand km - wheel bearings ($213 parts + $55 replacement), ball joints ($110 parts + $45 labor) and shock absorbers ($340 parts + $100 labor). Silent blocks are quite durable. There are often not unreasonable complaints about the steering. Leaking or knocking racks are a popular phenomenon. A new rail costs $720 plus $100 for labor. With diesel engines, the suspension dies faster. They weigh more, hence the wear and tear.
The Astra has always been better than the Golf in terms of suspension reliability. So it is in this generation. The service life of Opel suspension parts is higher. For those interested in the reasons: the ball joint for the Astra G is identical to that of the Omega B! No comments needed. In general, the picture is similar to the “Golf” one. Every 30-40 thousand - replacement of stabilizer struts ($20 parts + $20 labor), every 100 thousand - steering rods ($40 per 1 piece + $65 replacement), tips ($35 per 1 piece + $17 labor) , after 120-130 thousand - ball joints, shock absorbers and wheel bearings ($250 per 1 piece + $50). The common belief about the unreliability of rear springs is not entirely true.
The steering mechanism uses an electric hydraulic booster. A barely audible whine during its operation is the norm, and there is nothing wrong with that.
On Astra, as on Golf, there are replacement steering racks ($1000 + $100). But less often.
There was a bad story about brakes back in the day. The Bosch rear calipers turned sour after a short run, so they were urgently replaced with Lucas ones. If for some reason the car did not pass the replacement campaign, get ready to carry it out yourself.
"Sweet" options
For exotic lovers, Opel produces two options: Astra Coupe and Astra Cabriolet. Both cars are assembled at the Bertone plant in Italy. They are distinguished by rich interior decoration, an extensive list of standard equipment and a spectacular appearance. Performance meets efficiency: the 2.0-liter Turbo develops 190 hp. This is enough to accelerate the Astra Coupe to 245 km/h.
There was another extreme: Astra Eco 4. The 1.7-liter diesel engine develops 75 hp. and is content with 4.4 l/100 km in the combined cycle.
Golf has many more interesting modifications. For example, a sedan based on it has a proper name: Bora. Original optics and nuances of equipment “separate” both cars into different classes. Bora is not just a Golf with a trunk. The Bora is a standalone small sedan with very big ambitions. Therefore, its interior trim is richer and it is better equipped.
There is a Bora station wagon. A rarity on the market: most buyers could not see the difference between the Bora Variant and the Golf Variant. There were few people willing to overpay for nameplates.
All-wheel drive is a long and very good VW tradition. Instead of a viscous coupling, the Golf 4 uses an electronically controlled Haldex coupling. This did not make the Golf 4Motion drive like the Subaru Impreza, but it did improve the predictability of reactions. There is no need to be afraid of the all-wheel drive system. It is much more important that the rear suspension on all-wheel drive versions is independent and has nothing in common with the conventional one in design. Spare parts for it are more expensive, and there will be problems finding them.
The Golf GTI is another, no less successful VW tradition. GTI cars are distinguished by sports suspension, seats and decorative details. The car drives and looks great.
But the fastest Golf is the Golf R32. V6 3.2, 240 hp Behind these reductions lies 250 km/h and 6.5 seconds. up to 100 km/h. The “gun” from which VW fired towards the Alfa GTA and other “charged” ones... There was another athlete. The one at the gas station is in the same row with the trucks. 150 hp from diesel 1896 cm3 - only VW achieved this.
Level of nuance
Choosing a used car is always a bit of a horse race. You can bet on a proven leader, but the winnings will be small. Or you can take a risk, bet on a dark horse and win a fortune. The Astra G is the dark horse that brought Opel to victory. The previous model was no worse than the VW Golf. The only problem was in the body: it rusted quickly. Astra G is no worse than VW Golf 4. And it does not rust. Any questions? Yes, I have. The high quality of Astra G is known not only to a narrow circle of Opel station workers. Therefore, it costs not much less than the Golf. Taking this factor into account, a clear picture emerges. If you need a solid European car with a spacious interior and trunk, inexpensive to maintain and durable in operation, this is the Astra G. Especially with the 8-valve 1.6-liter engine. In addition, prices for original spare parts and service stations for Opel are lower than for VW.
When the requirements for a car are higher (powerful engine, high-quality interior trim) and the comfort of rear passengers is not very important - this is a Golf. By the way, climate control was not installed, only mechanical air conditioning. For some this will be a big minus.
As for diesel engines, the choice is similar. The Astra G with a 1.7-liter turbodiesel acts as an unpretentious workhorse. Golf TDI - as a street racer. Keep in mind that the running costs of a powerful TDI are higher.
Of all the cars that are on the market, it is better to choose those purchased at one time from official dealers in Russia. In most cases, they have the same mileage, and the suspension is adapted.
And finally - about choosing a class. If someone is tormented by: Golf/Passat or Astra/Vectra, feel free to take the “younger” ones. They are simpler in design and cause much less hassle in operation.
Happy shopping!
Golf's polished perfectionism looks provocative: the prospect of beating a benchmark on its own course is extremely motivating! And yet, perhaps you shouldn’t try to surpass the ideal in all respects? What if we simply offer a reasonable alternative, playing on the protest sentiments of those who do not want to think in stereotypes?
Sworn friends
Already the sixth Golf, it gives the impression of a car devoid of any shortcomings. Some people are attracted to such refinement, but others may find it boring. And indeed, from generation to generation, “Golf” carefully carries the valuable genetic code, improving it both successfully and carefully. He would rather force himself to be respected in the process of getting to know each other than to arouse love at first sight: producing spontaneous emotions at a distance is clearly not his path. Volkswagen is hampered by its innate restraint and pedantry, bordering on tediousness. He is not very interesting in appearance, but he is able to surprise with his intelligence and skills, which you would not immediately suspect in him.
“Astra” clearly relies on appearance: if we awarded for design, “Opel” would immediately snatch valuable points for itself. However, taste is an individual category: some people love the priest, while others love the priest’s daughter. And yet, I’m sure, unlike the Golf with its deliberately neutral appearance, the Astra tries to make eyes at the very moment of acquaintance, promising unforgettable moments of passion. Even the 5-door hatchback looks very seductive, showing off the impressive plastic sidewalls, and the three-door GTC tries to openly seduce with its appetizing shapes. Beauty is a terrible power!
Kinesthetic or visual?
The interior of the Golf seems simple at first glance, but only compared to the background of the Astra. It would be more correct to call it laconic. However, visual contact does not complete the picture: the Volkswagen feels much richer to the touch than it looks. The space is organized flawlessly: mutual understanding with the machine occurs on an intuitive level. The steering wheel, upholstered in silky leather, fits perfectly in the hands, information from the instruments is read by peripheral vision, and climate control control does not raise any questions. Everything you touch seems perfect: buttons, keys, and knobs are placed in their rightful places and are in combat readiness. You haven’t yet thought about what exactly you want to adjust or configure, but everything has already been done.
Manipulations with the basic RCD-310 audio system do not require thoughtful study of the interface, and even the more complex “head” of the RCD-510 allows you to work with it without first studying the instructions - especially since the touch screen solves many questions. The only thing I can find fault with is the sound stage: it seems that the music is coming from the left. However, this can be easily compensated for by adjusting the balance.
But the most noticeable step towards the ideal was the driver's seat. Perhaps tall drivers will not experience problems, but for short me (170 cm), it seemed that the seat was too high even in the lowest position, forcing me to move closer to the steering wheel. This ergonomic feature is even more noticeable against the backdrop of the Astra, whose front seats seemed more hospitable. In addition to the standard set of adjustments, the seats are complemented by a movable cushion segment, which allows you to make it longer. An extremely useful bonus!
From a design point of view, the Opel's interior looks much more attractive and modern: it is easier to fall in love with the eyes than a Volkswagen. At first, the quality of the finish seems no worse than that of the Golf, but upon closer examination the intensity of delight weakens: in some places they still saved on materials. And the ergonomics give reasons for criticism: the instruments are not so transparent to perceive, the interface of the multimedia system is more confusing, and the flickering of buttons on the center console causes brain cancer. Finally, the Astra has noticeably worse visibility, which is rather spoiled by stupid triangular windows near the front and rear pillars and a small rear one.
Beauty requires sacrifice
Obviously, the Golf was built not on design, but on function. It’s enough to look at both cars in profile to understand: the Volkswagen is much “squarer” than the Astra. Convenient access to the rear row of seats is provided by the rear doors of a more regular shape, which form a wide opening. The sofa is not hidden behind the pillar, and this minimizes the risk of hitting your head during landing. You can arrange an armrest in the center of the back row by pulling it out from the back; and its kinematics are such that it stays quite high, without forcing you to reach for it with your elbow. But this is an option.
By default, the Astra does not have an armrest either. In terms of space on the sofa, the Opel resembles a Volkswagen, but is inferior to it in terms of space in the leg area. “Astra” also loses in terms of seating comfort: the lowered window line encroached on the rear door opening, and the back of the sofa was hidden behind a massive pillar.
Addition with subtraction
In the basic configuration, the Golf does not have a sofa divided into two unequal parts: it can only be folded entirely. But for an additional fee, it becomes what a practical hatchback should be, and also comes with a ski hatch. But if the rear row is left entirely at the disposal of passengers, then the Volkswagen truck will turn out to be mediocre: the trunk volume is very modest.
"Astra" copes better with the transportation of goods. Not only does it have a more spacious trunk, but the back of the sofa folds out even in the basic version. For an additional fee, you can get an armrest with a hatch - however, the ski hatch itself will be noticeably smaller than that of the Golf. But as an option, Opel offers the Flex-Flo organizer, which allows you to organize an underground space in the trunk, experimenting with the floor level. And this is good.
Blow harder!
Despite the fact that the price lists of both “Germans” include naturally aspirated power units, cars with turbo engines look the most attractive. The optimal Golf is the 1.4TSI modification, which can be equipped with either a manual or an automatic transmission. The engine was a great success: despite the modest 122 horsepower, it easily carries even the relatively heavy Passat and Tiguan, and even handles the light Golf with ease! “Volkswagen” picks up speed recklessly - and it doesn’t matter what gearbox the engine has to work with: controlling acceleration is equally pleasant both on cars with “mechanics” and on “automated” versions with a DSG “robot”. The engine's character is smooth, and the thrust is evenly spread over the entire speed range - just what you need in the city! I can’t recommend more modest units: the 105-horsepower 1.2TSI is not much cheaper, and with even weaker engines the Golf will significantly lose in dynamics.
“Astra” also starts with naturally aspirated engines, but flourishes only with a 1.4-liter turbo engine with 140 horsepower. True, having a horsepower advantage over the Volkswagen, such an Opel does not drive as fun: it pulls worse from the bottom, and begins to throw force only when it is no longer necessary. And the 6-speed automatic transmission charges a bribe for its services. Even the 180-horsepower 1.6-Turbo version feels no better than its 1.4-liter rival! “Mechanical” modifications accelerate faster, but the Volkswagen still leaves a more pleasant impression: it realizes its potential an order of magnitude higher.
Fewer doors - more fun
The Golf's chassis is one of the best (if not the best) in the class: the very first turns confirm this. The steering wheel is extremely informative, roll is moderate, and the tires stick to the asphalt so tenaciously that it seems as if the hatchback can easily drive up a steep wall. Confidence in the car grows in proportion to the speed. The larger the numbers the speedometer needle measures, the more you become inspired by the car’s capabilities: the Volkswagen firmly holds the straight line and is absolutely reliable in corners. The brakes are perfect: the pedal is sensitive, but hard; and the pressure in the system is controlled not by moving the pedal, but by pressing force. Super!
"Astra" leaves a less complete impression. The brake pedal is too flexible: compared to the Golf, its travel seems too long. However, this in no way affected the efficiency of the system - you just need to get used to the nature of the slowdown. But an overly light and empty steering wheel is a more serious drawback: when turning, you have to grope for the trajectory. The maximum capabilities of the Opel are no worse than those of the Volkswagen, but this can only be understood by thoroughly rolling into the car - while the Golf immediately reveals its charms. In any case, Astra does not so clearly strive to share the joy of driving with the driver.
But this is only true for the 5-door hatchback. The spectacular three-door GTC drives in a completely different way! The reason lies in the Hyper-Strat front suspension, in which the steering knuckles rotate separately from the swinging “candle”, allowing you to get rid of power steering. The GTC's steering wheel is also light, but much more accurate and informative than that of the regular Astra. And therefore the 3-door hatch handles no worse than the Golf.
Flying gait
The Volkswagen is assembled with precision care and does not make a single extraneous sound while driving. Even the voice of the engine, little by little breaking through the thickets of noise insulation, speaks exclusively to the point and does not irritate the ears. But only as long as there is smooth asphalt under the wheels. The road deteriorates and the car begins to get nervous, and the hard edges of the holes and tram rails come into the cabin through the plaintive clatter of the suspension, which is clearly not happy with deviations from the norm. The car goes through uneven surfaces harshly, forcing you to seriously slow down before potholes.
“Opel” behaves much more restrained: you won’t scare it with broken asphalt. The Astra rolls more gently over most road artifacts and does not bother you with comments from the suspension. The glamorous version of the GTC, which is entitled to larger shoes, also very steadfastly takes on the hardships of our roads: even when shod in custom 19-inch “bast shoes”, the three-door demonstrates a better ride than the Golf on 17-inch wheels.
Assets and liabilities
In 2009, EuroNCAP experts successfully crashed both the Golf and Astra: both cars received five stars. Nevertheless, in relation to our reality there are several important nuances. In any Golf you will find seven airbags: front, side, window, plus an airbag for the driver’s knees. In addition, Volkswagen can add a couple more side airbags for rear passengers.
“Astra” by default offers only four pillows (front and side), and inflatable “curtains” cost an additional 9,500 rubles - inexpensive, but still. But Opel even added a dynamic stabilization system to the basic versions, while Volkswagen requires 22,710 rubles for ESP.
It is also appropriate to mention here that EuroNCAP representatives twice awarded Opel for innovation, noting the Opel-I road sign recognition system and the AFL adaptive light, which can also be ordered in Russia.
The hum of turbines, snatches of sleep
This year, “people’s motorists” took the Golf with its stunted naturally aspirated 1.4-liter engine out of circulation; and now the price list for a three-door with a 1.6 engine (102 hp) in the “Trendline” configuration starts at 603,000 rubles - three thousand more expensive than the most affordable “Astra” in the “Essenshia” version with a 1.4-liter engine power 101 hp With. This Golf, in addition to the above-mentioned safety features, has front electric windows, heated electric mirrors, and central locking with remote control. By default, air conditioning is included only in versions with TSI and TDI engines, and separately costs 43,240 rubles. For a 5-door body you have to pay an additional 22,850 rubles. In general, due to poverty, such a car will be only a pale shadow of a real Golf.
Cars with turbo engines start at 616 thousand for 1.2TSI (85 hp), and with the optimal 1.4TSI engine, the Golf will cost 676 thousand on hand. For DSG you have to pay an additional 66,000 rubles, which is quite immodest. But you still have to select expensive options individually: rear doors (22,850), ESP (22,710), multifunction display (2000), audio system (7020), fog lights (6730), steering wheel with music control buttons (10,860 ) - this is at least. If we add everything up, we get “Golf-1.4TSI-DSG” for 814,170 rubles.
A similarly equipped Astra with a 140-horsepower turbo engine and an automatic transmission in the Engoy configuration will cost 763,900 rubles. Significant difference! And if you set yourself the goal of purchasing the cheapest car for 600 thousand, then it will be quite suitable for life: it will have air conditioning and “music”.
The spectacular GTC is 12,900 rubles cheaper than the five-door, and it can also be had with a 140-horsepower naturally aspirated 1.8-liter engine. In addition, the GTC has 1.4 (140 horsepower) and 1.6 (180 horsepower) turbo engines on hand, while on a regular hatchback an automatic transmission is required in addition to these power units.
Volkswagen Golf is a real legend, because for almost four decades this model has been the most popular of the entire range of the German concern. However, other automakers do not want to remain outsiders; everyone is making efforts to create serious competition for this hatchback; some, admittedly, do not succeed, while others, such as the Opel Astra, are more fortunate. But which car is better?
Let's start by assessing the appearance of both cars.. Undoubtedly, old familiar features are visible in the exterior of the Golf, conservatism of lines and shapes, strict optics; there is, of course, a touch of modernity, but it is too insignificant. What cannot be said about the Opel Astra, this car can truly be called the most stylish in its class - fancy shapes, original headlights, smooth lines and aesthetics in every detail. Of course, it is quite difficult to evaluate the appearance objectively, so we admit that in our opinion, the Opel Astra looks prettier.
Now it's time to look into the salon and take an expert look at the interior hatchbacks that arrived to us from Germany. We are the first to sit in the Volkswagen salon; it is immediately worth noting the comfortable fit and high-quality finishing materials; the interior is not devoid of ergonomics; the space that gives additional comfort also deserves special attention.
The interior of the Opel Astra will also delight you with comfort, excellent finishing and quality of materials. The interior is not without modern details; we are now talking about chrome inserts. And of course, the ergonomics are top notch.
Now the most interesting thing is what's hiding under the hood, the inner potential that cars demonstrate only to a select few.
The Volkswagen Golf engine line includes three types of engines: 85- and 105-horsepower 1.2-liter engines, as well as a 1.4-liter engine with 122 hp. The manufacturer also offers three transmissions: 5- and 6-speed manual and 7 - range automatic.
The Opel Astra is again available with three types of engines: a 140-horsepower 1.4-liter engine, as well as a 1.6-liter engine with a capacity of 115 horsepower. and 180 hp. The choice of transmissions is not so wide - the buyer can purchase this model with either a 5-speed manual gearbox or a 6-speed automatic.
Naturally, we must admit that the Opel Astra not only looks sportier on the outside compared to the Golf, but also on the inside, since its dynamic characteristics exceed those of this Volkswagen model many times over. Therefore, if you love sports and speed, then you will like Opel, and conservative people who value, first of all, comfort and coziness will be able to appreciate all the advantages of the Golf.
It would not be superfluous to note that The basic Opel Astra costs slightly more than the Volkswagen Golf in a similar version - 649,900 rubles versus 599,000 rubles.
Of course, we only gave the dry facts of Volkswagen Golf and Opel Astra, gave subjective assessments, naturally, it’s up to you to choose the best!
As part of the opening of the automobile exhibition in the capital of Switzerland - Geneva (Geneva Motor Show 2019), the results of the annual competition - Car of the Year - were traditionally announced. The main award this year went to the Opel Astra hatchback, which is a representative of the General Motors concern.This hatch was able to score more than 309 points based on the voting results, being 15 points ahead of its closest pursuer, the Volvo XC90 crossover. The top three in the Car of the Year competition in Europe was completed by the Mazda MX-5 roadster with 202 points.
The following also reached the final of this annual car competition in 2019: Audi A4, which scored 189 points, Jaguar XE with 163 points, Skoda Superb with 147 points, as well as the new generation BMW 7-Series sedan - 143 points.
The main prize for the Opel Astra model was received by the head of the company, Karl-Thomas Neumann.
Let us remind you that according to the results of last year’s “Car of the Year” competition in Europe, the winner in the main category was the Volkswagen Passat. Previously, this prestigious award was won by the Peugeot 308, Volkswagen Golf, as well as the Opel Ampera, Nissan Leaf and Volkswagen Polo.
Tags: Which is better Opel Astra or Volkswagen Polo sedan which is better
It’s just a consumer approach to a car, I don’t go crazy for goodies and goodies, but I use it stupidly...
Tell me which is better and why: Volkswagen Polo or Opel Astra H? The cars are new. | Topic author: Lydia
Nikolay Comparing these cars is actually incorrect, since Polo belongs to class “B” Boris, and Astra belongs to class “C” Yaroslav. That is, in general, the Polo should be compared with the Corsa, and the Astra with the Golf, and in such a comparison the FV models win, since with equally high maintainability, the FV is more reliable and pays more attention to issues of comfort. Accordingly, FV will be more expensive.
If you still compare Polo and Astra, I would advise, firstly, that you personally take both cars for a test drive. Secondly, look at the Astra with a 1.6 engine - it is better suited for this model. Well, thirdly, if you plan to drive mostly alone, then you can take the Polo, and if with a company/family, then the Astra rules.
Victor monopenesuale, IMHO!
Lyudmila is, of course, an aster - a higher class, and a proven one...
Inna Astra.... for sale
Elena Taste and color, as they say... Both cars are Economy class. My friend now has a New Polo Sedan - I know about its shortcomings. It seems to me that there is not much difference, it’s a matter of taste.
Kirill Oh, of course Astra.
Olga Personally, I didn’t like Astra - I looked at a lot of different ones in the salon...
In addition to the Polo, I really liked the Cerato and Lancer 10, but that’s different money...
Artem is a Volkswagen, of course, even though they are both German, but Volkswagen has a higher reputation on the market in Russia, and they are more reliable
Anna Astra is 100 times more beautiful in appearance)
I don’t understand anything about “internal”)
Ruslan I want to take the Astra myself... just not H, but G. H is a great car
Egor Given the current promotion - the cost of these cars, the Astra Family is definitely better. It’s already better, and considering that with similar configurations for the same money, the Astra sedan also has a more powerful 140 hp engine. With. versus 105 and, even more so, a large interior and trunk.
Comparison: Astra and Polo - logbook Opel Astra COSMO+ 1.8 ...
Opel Astra sedan 1.8 automatic, luxury equipment, new price - 770 thousand. ... The Astra has a noticeably better audio system - 7 speakers versus 4 in the Polo.
