Opel has reinvented the Astra and we find out if its segment-leading features and cabin space are enough to outdo the longtime crowd-pleasing Ford Focus.
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However, having owned and toyed around with a 'warm' hatch for a couple of years, he's come to realise that he's not so hot about the operating costs involved.
That said, he continues to believe that hatches are the best types of cars to own and because of this, the Editorial Team is on a continued pursuit to find one, which can be fun to drive yet cheap to run.
Last month, we conducted a twin test using the Peugeot 308 1.2 and the Volkswagen Golf 1.2. This month, the hatch match continues, with the Ford Focus Hatchback 1.0 Titanium and the Opel Astra 1.0 Easytronic.
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Exterior
Hatch owners tend to be younger so the cars' designs play a huge role in the deciding factor, and whether a design is nice or not, largely depends on individual preference.
In our eyes, the Astra checks in as the more detailed and stylish car, thanks to clever use of chrome strips and nicely pinched-out body lines.
The Astra also tapers nicely towards a fashionable rear end, emphasised by a pair of pop-out tail lamps, and its larger 17-inch rims also give it an aesthetic edge over the Focus' 16-inch set.
Price
: -
Engine Type
:
3-cylinder in-line 12-valve DOHC Ti-VCT Turbocharged
Engine Cap
:
999cc
Horsepower
:
92kW (123 bhp) / 6000 rpm
Torque
:
170 Nm / 4500 rpm
Transmission
:
6-speed (A) SelectShift
Acceleration (0-100 km/h)
:
12sec
Top Speed
:
192km/h
Fuel consumption
:
18.1km/L
Price
: -
Engine Type
:
3-cylinder in-line 12-valve Turbocharged
Engine Cap
:
999cc
Horsepower
:
78kW (104 bhp) / 6000 rpm
Torque
:
170 Nm / 4300 rpm
Transmission
:
5-speed (A) Easytronic
Acceleration (0-100 km/h)
:
12.7sec
Top Speed
:
200km/h
Fuel consumption
:
23.3km/L