Due to the nature of our job, the question that most people regularly ask us is - which is your most memorable car driven to date?
Cars today lack the 'soul' of cars before, and are so predictably similar in terms of features. The gadgetry and refinement arms race has lead to them being somewhat clinical that few truly stand out as memorable.
There are, of course, the brutal ones such as the A 45 AMG and smile-inducing joy machines such as the Mazda MX-5, which we'd never forget. But in terms of ordinary 'day-to-day' makes, the new Opel Astra 1.0 Easytronic is memorable, simply because it's an acquired taste.Up close and Personal
Most manufacturers set model trims apart by using contrasting bumper or rim designs, on top of interior specifications and features - think Golf 1.2 and 1.4 for example. Opel, however, hasn't shortchanged the Astra 1.0 in that respect.
Like its 1.4-litre sib, the 1.0 sports the same sporty and energetic exterior design. From sizeable arches and clean-cut lines to the multi-spoke 17-inch rims and a mature-looking face, the 1.0 Easytronic gets the whole shebang.
It's the same prescription on the inside. There's plenty of head room and the cabin is spacious by the standards of the segment.
The 1.0 Easytronic may be $15,000 cheaper (as of 21st July 2016) compared to the 1.4 Turbo but receives the same 'upmarket to the touch' finish, inclusive of the 7.0-inch CarPlay-furnished infotainment system and segment-leading safety features.
The Drive
Inside and out, the 1.0 Easytronic is a darling. But on the go, certain characteristics, which some drivers may not welcome, get exposed.
The car's turbocharged 1.0-litre, tri-cylinder engine is an absolute gem, producing 104bhp and 170Nm of torque, enabling the Astra to get from 0-100km/h in 12.7 seconds - though in reality, our bum sensors say the car is faster.
But here's the part that divides opinions - the Easytronic gearbox.
To understand the Easytronic, you must think of it as an 'automated manual' gearbox. Simply put, the gearbox is based on a manual and has an automated gear-shifting system - a cheaper substitute to a conventional autobox for compact cars.
In complete automatic 'D' mode, the Easytronic changes gears slowly, which may make for a frustrating driving experience.
Inside and out, the 1.0 Easytronic is a darling. But on the go, certain characteristics, which some drivers may not welcome, get exposed.
The car's turbocharged 1.0-litre, tri-cylinder engine is an absolute gem, producing 104bhp and 170Nm of torque, enabling the Astra to get from 0-100km/h in 12.7 seconds - though in reality, our bum sensors say the car is faster.
But here's the part that divides opinions - the Easytronic gearbox.
To understand the Easytronic, you must think of it as an 'automated manual' gearbox. Simply put, the gearbox is based on a manual and has an automated gear-shifting system - a cheaper substitute to a conventional autobox for compact cars.
In complete automatic 'D' mode, the Easytronic changes gears slowly, which may make for a frustrating driving experience.
However, drive the car as a manual and you get complete control over the five gears, changing the experience from frustrating to fun-tastic.
The advantage of the Easytronic is that not as much power from the engine is lost through the gearbox. Fuel economy is also decent - we averaged 15.8km/L throughout our two-day drive.
Powertrain aside, the 1.0 Eastronic's ride quality is compliant and the car turns in nicely. Even when driven quick, it remains quiet and comfortable, to the extent that few would suspect it's powered by a mere 1.0-litre engine.
Conclusion
Because costs are cut by using such a gearbox, buyers should be pacified by the notable amount of safety features packed into Opel Astra 1.0 Easytronic, including Lane Departure Warning.
Yes, the Easytronic may be a bit of a strange bird but it shouldn't dampen the bang-for-buck beauty of the Astra 1.0, and we won't consign the car to oblivion just yet.
