What to look for when buying a used Opel Astra J. Replacements according to service life

Here we will talk about replacing the timing chain transmission on the Opel Astra j 1.4. It will be about self-replacement of this consumable. Yes, you can contact the service center, they will do the work with guaranteed quality, but our whole interest is to carry out this repair independently, without the involvement of professionals. This procedure cannot be called simple, but still many car enthusiasts cope with it quite well. The main thing is to follow detailed instructions, which will be given below, and show diligence.

Replacement Regulations

The timing chain drive on an Opel should be changed after 150,000 km. Although the manufacturer does not regulate the frequency of replacement in any way, experts recommend exactly this interval. But the chain can exhaust its life a little earlier. Therefore, it is very important to carry out diagnostic procedures from time to time. If you don’t do this, you may miss the moment when the chain stretches. And this can happen ahead of schedule. There may be several reasons for this. Firstly, the life of the chain drive can be significantly reduced if the vehicle is constantly experiencing increased loads, if you often use a trailer, for example. Using the machine primarily in urban areas also does not help to increase the service life of the chain. Some drivers practice aggressive driving, and this also wears out the chain prematurely. Bad oil is another cause of premature chain drive wear. Oil generally requires special attention. Use only high-quality products in your cars. motor oil, and also monitor its level. The chain is lubricated through a whole system of nozzles. Its quality should be very good. In addition, you could simply buy a low-quality consumable, and it would serve its purpose ahead of time.

If the chain is worn out, this can be determined both audibly and visually. If the engine no longer makes a pleasant rustling sound when operating, or if unusual noise and grinding noises are heard while the engine is running, then it’s time to think about the condition of the chain drive. As a rule, this is precisely the reason why drivers decide to look over the hood of their iron horse. If there are chips on the chain, then it's time to replace it. If regular gear tension no longer gives the desired results, this also indicates the need to replace the chain.

So, if you determine that the chain drive needs to be replaced and decide to replace it yourself, the first step is to prepare everything you need. Go to the store and buy a new chain there. In addition to it, you need to buy related consumables, such as tensioner and dampers. You should also buy a set of seals. Experts recommend replacing the gears along with the chain. But this should only be done if they are really worn out. They may still be quite usable. If you do not really rely on your competence, then it is better to invite a specialist who will carry out the necessary diagnostics and tell you whether only the chain needs to be changed or the gears also need to be replaced.

The process of replacing the chain yourself

1. Drain the antifreeze liquid and dismantle air filter along with all its connections.
2. Raise the engine with a jack and unscrew the first mount. There are many connectors and all kinds of pipes mounted on the cover. They will also need to be removed.
3. The engine support is attached to the cylinder block using 3 bolts. Unscrew them and remove the support.
4. Now you need to discharge the automatic tensioner. The belt will loosen if we turn the tensioner clockwise. This is done using the E14 head.
5. Now the tensioner needs to be fixed. To do this, you can use a regular nail or drill.
6. Now unscrew the antifreeze pump pulley. You will have to try hard here, as this requires unscrewing 9 bolts. After this, remove the pulley. Be sure to remember where the long and short bolts were installed. This will greatly help you during assembly.
7. We remove the tensioner. To do this you will have to remove 2 bolts.
8. Remove the crankshaft pulley. But here you will have to remove 6 bolts.
9. Remove the casing protecting the valve.
10. We turn the crankshaft by its mounting bolt. You need to scroll to the right. The slots at the ends should be located in one line. This way we will determine the top dead center.
11. Now we need to fix the camshafts. To do this, use a 45mm corner. It happens that it is impossible to insert the corner. This can only mean one thing - the chain is stretched to its limit. In this case, further repairs will have to be continued without fixing the camshafts.
12. The marks on the timing case and the crankshaft pulley must match.
13. Unscrew the bolt that secures the crankshaft pulley. We remove the bushing of the oil supply pump.
14. Now remove the timing case. To do this you will have to unscrew a lot of bolts. The location of the chain must be marked. Moreover, this must be done when replacing it and when removing it for other purposes. You need to put 1 mark on each camshaft. 2 marks are placed on the crankshaft.
15. After setting the marks, the chain tensioner is discharged. You need to press the tensioner with your finger until the plunger goes in completely. After this, it should be fixed. To do this, we use any object that will fit in diameter. Now we unscrew the 2 bolts and remove the tensioner.
16. We remove the dampers, and then proceed to remove the chain drive.
17. A new gasket must be installed on the timing case.
18. Now let's start installing the new chain. Before this, we place the old and new chains side by side and move the marks to the gear being installed. After installing the chain, install the tensioner and dampers. We remove the fixing object from the tensioner, after which the chain will tighten.
19. We install the pump.
20. We check the crankshaft mark and begin to adjust the timing phases.
21. This is done as follows. Unscrew the plug from the timing case. Use a thin object to press the tensioner shoe until the plunger is completely recessed. Insert the retainer into the hole in the casing. To do this, you will have to loosen the bolts securing the gears and install the clamp in the camshafts. We use a metal corner as a fixing object. When we remove the tensioner clamp, the chain will be tensioned. We look at the crankshaft mark. We adjust it if necessary. Now you should take a protractor and install a master disk on it. The beginning of the window should be located at 60. We take out the clamps and tighten the bolts securing the gears. Scroll the crankshaft 2 times to the right and check the alignment of the marks. If everything is fine, the remaining parts are installed in reverse.

Modern automobile manufacturers are making incredible efforts to improve powertrains in order to improve their operational indicators. One of the advanced methods of innovative modernization is engine turbocharging.

Let's look at what technical features A similar engine is characterized using the example of the Opel Astra J 1.4 mechanism. Also available to inquisitive motorists: brief description internal structure power unit.

Opel Astra J 1.4 Turbo engine, design features and main performance indicators

Equipment for vehicles using domestic automotive market sometimes differs from the original products of foreign manufacturers. Russian version The Opel Astra is equipped primarily with naturally aspirated units that run on gasoline. Diesel engines or engines supplemented with a turbine are much less common. It is the latter type of motor that will be considered in the upcoming article.

The A14 power plant has been equipped with GM cars since 2010. New versions of the Opel Mokka, intended for domestic consumers, are equipped with this unit. You can also find such a device among Chevrolet Cruze mechanisms. The Opel Corsa runs on an engine enhanced by a turbine. Let’s try to figure out what attracts car enthusiasts to such a motor.

Design Features

Manufacturers of the Opel 1.4 power unit have made a real breakthrough in civil engine construction. Using turbine boost low pressure Helps improve fuel efficiency of a small engine. This means that, despite reduced fuel consumption, its power increases.

The timing drive uses a chain mechanism with hydraulic tensioners. Both camshaft available in the design power plant, equipped with a phase change system.

The useful work is performed by a four-cylinder, 16-valve unit over four strokes. The electronic system is responsible for fuel injection. For cylinders in engine compartment longitudinal arrangement is provided. Two camshafts are located at the top of the mechanism.

The engine is cooled by forcedly circulating liquid in a closed-type system. Lubricant is supplied to the moving components and parts of the motor using a combined method. Simultaneously with the injection of oil under pressure, it is sprayed.

The cylinder block of the Opel engine in question is made of high-strength cast iron. Undoubtedly, the use of such material increases the wear resistance of the functional unit.

The extreme simplicity of the design explains why many brands of cars from the Opel family are equipped with similar engines. In addition to Astra, such power units are installed on Opel Mokka, Corsa and other models of the popular series.

It should be noted that in this section, the turbocharging mechanism was briefly mentioned. Such a rather complex system requires separate consideration.

Description of the turbocharging mechanism

The A14NET engine uses a special device to supply air inside the system. The basis of the design is a turbocharger. Let's explore its internal structure in more detail:

• turbine impellers are driven by exhaust gas pressure;
• the turbine is connected to the compressor via a special shaft;
• The compressor supplies the cylinders of the power plant with pre-compressed air from the environment.

Due to the absence of a rigid connection between the compressor rotor and the crankshaft of the Opel Astra J 1.4 turbo engine, their rotation speeds can vary significantly.

The turbocharging process can be described as follows:

1. through the air supply hose, air enters the turbocharger through the filtration system;
2. the rotation of the compressor blades compresses the air, causing its temperature to rise;
3. cooling occurs in the radiator (intercooler). Air enters there through the supply hose. The need to reduce the charge air temperature is justified for two reasons. First of all, cooled air prevents detonation. In addition, the increased density of cool air contributes to better saturation of the internal space of the power unit with oxygen;
4. from the intercooler, cooled air enters the throttle assembly through the supply hose;
5. after execution with air mixed with a certain amount of fuel useful work, it turns into exhaust gases and is supplied to the exhaust manifold;
6. Exhaust gases enter the exhaust system, bypassing the turbine wheel of the turbocharger, giving it rotational motion with its energy.

Separately, we note that elevated temperatures and excessive dynamic loads during operation of a turbocharger require a thorough approach to its repair or replacement.

Therefore, you should not risk the serviceability of the engine; it is better to leave this to the professionals of specialized workshops.

Operational features of the Opel 1.4 turbo power unit

A14 engines are used in cars of the current generation J. Also, the Opel Astra 1.4 engine, additionally equipped with a turbocharger, can be found among the mechanisms of cars of the previous version N.

Let's take a closer look at the main operational characteristics of the unit as set out by the manufacturer in the technical documentation:

• the cross section of each of the four cylinders is 72.5 mm;
• the fuel mixture is supplied to the combustion chamber by an injector;
• the internal engine volume is characterized by 1.364 liters;
• useful work is performed by the piston when passing 82.6 mm;
• when the crankshaft rotates at a speed of 4900 rpm, the power unit is capable of comparable power to 143 horses;
• The recommended fuel is gasoline with octane number not lower than 95;
• the environmental safety of the engine is confirmed by compliance with Euro-5 standards;
• The efficiency of the engine is justified by reduced fuel consumption. During leisurely, measured driving within the city, it consumes only 8.1 liters of gasoline required to cover 100 km.

Conclusion

Despite the undeniable advantages represented by the extreme efficiency and high environmental safety of the power unit Opel Astra J 1.4 A14NET, there are also certain disadvantages inherent in the turbo engine. First of all, availability additional equipment somewhat complicates repair activities, making access to functional units difficult.

And, in addition, naturally aspirated gasoline engines have a much longer service life than the 350 thousand km unofficially declared by the manufacturer for turbocharged engines.

Also, certain features of lubrication of turbocharger shaft bearings require the adoption of certain safety measures when stopping the vehicle. It is not recommended to immediately turn off the engine, allowing it to operate at idle speed for some time.

This will protect the bearings from damage caused by the continued rotation of the turbocharger shaft after the machine has come to a complete stop. Such destruction is explained by a single lubrication system that simultaneously supplies the engine and the turbocharger shaft. By turning off the engine, the oil supply to the bearings is stopped, which leads to their damage.

Good day everyone. I want to tell you about the 2011 Opel Astra. Maybe it will be useful to someone.

When I was thinking about what to buy, I didn’t consider the Opel brand at all for some reason... I didn’t drive them much and didn’t know much. I just happened to be in the salon. My wife and I came to look at the Chevrolet Cruze and I saw it. I liked everything right away, except the price...))) It cost 920 thousand and was a little outside the budget. But then the manager came up, we started talking and she offered to go for a ride. I naturally agreed. Yes, just for fun. To put a tick, so to speak... I really liked the machine. The design is simply superb, the engine is peppy, the noise level is on point. And besides, cars from last year are available at a discount of 100 thousand rubles. Here all doubts disappeared and the issue was resolved)

Machine in maximum configuration with a maximum 1.6T engine 180 horses. 6-speed automatic tiptronic with torque converter (this was a condition for the selected cars). Standard alarm with immobilizer, crankcase protection. Among the additional features I installed a pinless lock on the box, floor mats and trunk. Casco, insurance, winter tires (I’ll get ahead of myself), mudguards - everything turned out to be close to a million...

When my wife and I left the cabin, it felt like you were riding on a spaceship))) The cabin is very quiet. The design is just great. It still makes me happy) When the running-in was going on, I didn’t turn it more than 3 thousand revolutions. But you really notice that you start faster than the flow. This makes me happy) The car is very fast, just like a bullet) If you need to quickly accelerate, no problem) Especially on the highway. But you can’t play checkers on the road. If only not in manual mode, which you still need to learn how to use. But these are already features of the machine)

I read other reviews - some criticize the electronic gas pedal. Like she's stupid... yes, she's a little thoughtful and you have to get used to her. Reap slowly, not all at once. If you press sharply, the car will shoot. And there is a chance you simply won’t be able to cope with it. At least at first. At first it was very unusual for me. Plus the fact that I haven’t driven an automatic before... but I got used to it quickly and enjoy it) It’s clear that the driving style is changing here, it’s not a manual. But I really like it, I'm satisfied. Comfort is important to me, and here it is at its best.

The car is a little harsh, but the handling is five stars. It takes turns like it's on rails. Zero roll. The rut is not felt at all. I couldn’t get used to the fact that I couldn’t feel the speed and it was quiet in the cabin. Many times in the city I caught myself driving 110 km/h, and once I looked at the roundabout, and there it was 154 km/h. Now I’m used to it and try not to drive too much. Although the car loves speed and it feels like it’s rushing forward. Provokes you, so to speak...

In winter I had to buy spikes. here a surprise awaited me in the form of tire prices) 17th wheels... I found the cheapest of the normal ones at 6200 per wheel. bridge 7000. in short, tires plus tire service almost 30 thousand... but pleasant surprise there was silence in the cabin. difference between winter spikes and summer tires I hardly felt it. I’m used to the fact that when you ride on spikes, it’s like flying on an airplane. The hum is annoying. And it’s quiet here)) Cool))

I still really like everything about the car and I don’t see an alternative for myself yet (everyone who gets into the car is delighted). Particularly pleasing is the heated steering wheel. Actually a song)) The machine is configured very intelligently. The same can be said about everything else) The two-zone climate is pleasing. The seat heating is set as it should. I've come across that there are only two heating modes. So on the first one it does not heat well, but on the second one it burns...))) This is on a Nissan. A friend’s Toyota Avensis also scorches shamelessly... it’s not comfortable to drive for a long time. Here you immediately turn it on full, and even if you forgot to turn it down, the ride is comfortable. In short, everything works as it should. Everything is worthy) Germans))

I'll try to find the cons. The first is rear visibility. It is difficult to see due to the nature of the body. The hatch has wide rear side pillars. The parking sensor saves. Liquid on windshield It does not splash, but sprays, which makes washing glass at speed a difficult procedure. The liquid hardly gets on the glass. Cleaning on site is a pleasure. I’ll probably also include the expensive maintenance and the price of tires as a minus... but you have to pay for the pleasure... you have to be careful with the turbine, change the engine oil a little earlier than required by regulations, but it’s worth it). I can't think of any other negatives. It’s not something you can pull out of thin air...)))

Eats 95 gasoline. Consumption on the computer in the summer is 11.4, in the summer 12.8. I didn’t specifically measure it myself, but that’s how it turns out somewhere. Driving style is moderate. Sometimes I like to start, but if you drive like this all the time, then just fill the tank... she will also eat a lot accordingly) I try not to work only on gasoline, but sometimes I can’t resist, to be honest...

It’s too early to say anything about reliability. While the mileage is 7000 km, nothing has broken, everything works like a clock) Five points for safety. Four pillows, beams in the doors, a directionally crushable body, even the pedals are unfastened upon impact). Electronic systems security. In short, there is everything you need. The main thing is not to relax... music in the car makes you happy too. 7 speakers. The sound is quite decent. There are a lot of settings, so anyone can make it for themselves as they like) Two car keys with memory. If a couple of people (husband and wife) use the car, then he remembers the radio stations and some car settings for each driver. Such a convenient feature)

It seems like he said everything and didn’t miss anything. If you have any questions, ask, I will answer with pleasure)

30.11.2016

Opel Astra) is the fourth generation of the popular model, which many consider not only the most beautiful, but also the most successful car in the golf class. Smooth shapes, large wheels, muscular arches and excellent optics with diode eyelashes - such a car is simply bound to attract attention, because marketers worked on it no less than design engineers. And these efforts were not in vain, since the car was one of the leaders in sales in many countries of the world. More than six years have passed since the start of sales, which means it is already possible to draw certain conclusions regarding the reliability of the car.

A little history:

In 1991, to replace the Opel Cadet, a new generation of golf class models was released with sonorous name"Astra" (translated from Latin "Astra" » means star). Three generations have changed since then. The premiere of this model took place in 2009 at the Frankfurt auto show, but the car debuted on the market only in 2010. Starting in 2011, a sports version of the hatchback became available to buyers, which received the “GTC” index. After a minor facelift, the Astra J sedan appeared in 2012. Opel Astra J, 2010 model year, was developed in Rüsselsheim, Germany, and shares the same platform with .

The new product was created from scratch, the manufacturer relied on an unconventional design for the Opel brand, spacious salon, increased safety, comfort and controllability, as well as advanced technologies. New wheelbase, combined with increased track distance and successful design rear suspension, gave the car controllability, excitement and stability on the road, while maintaining a decent level of comfort. The list of equipment also includes a mechatronic chassis with electrical adjustments, adaptive lighting, a system for monitoring markings and recognizing road signs. The Opel Astra J was assembled in Germany, Poland, Great Britain, as well as in Russia at the Shushary plant.

Weaknesses and disadvantages of the Opel Astra J with mileage.

Previous Opel models are very much criticized for their poor body protection against corrosion; a very popular statement among car enthusiasts was: “If you put an Opel in a quiet place, you can hear how it rusts.” The manufacturer took this drawback into account and completely galvanized the car body, but, unfortunately, this did not give the desired result. It cannot be said that the body rots as before, but the appearance of bugs on it after winter is a common occurrence (it is worth noting that the manufacturer provides a 12-year warranty on the body). Upon examination special attention Pay attention to: sills, wheel arches, tailgate and door edges.

Power units

The Opel Astra J engine line consists of naturally aspirated 1.4 (100 hp), 1.6 (115 hp) and turbocharged 1.4 (140 hp), 1.6 (180 hp) gasoline power units. Also available and diesel engines 1.3 (85 hp), 1.7 (110-170 hp), 2.0 (160 hp). As operating experience has shown, power units are very reliable and rarely cause trouble. In terms of dynamics, turbocharged engines look preferable to outdated naturally aspirated engines, but you need to understand that such engines will be more expensive to maintain and repair. So, for example, every 180-200 thousand km a turbine needs to be replaced, and this is not a cheap pleasure (700-900 USD, including work).

Common engine problems include: short thermostat life - 30,000 km (many owners solve this problem by installing a more reliable thermostat from Cruise) and failure of the coolant level valve in the tank. The 1.6 engine uses a variable valve timing system on two shafts, this not only increases the power of the unit, but also makes the engine less reliable, weak point – solenoid valve phase regulator. Once every 60,000 km, valves need to be cleaned or replaced; a noise reminiscent of a diesel rumble will signal the need for this procedure. If you neglect this procedure, then expensive engine repairs are inevitable. The car is equipped with an electronic throttle, the complex design complies with Euro 5 eco-standards , but its resource, unfortunately, is not great, 60-80 thousand km. To extend life throttle valve and injectors, they need to be washed as soon as you feel a deterioration in traction; also, try to refuel the car with high-quality gasoline.

Diesel engines with fuel system Common Rail (TDCI) systems are very sensitive to fuel quality. And if previous owner If you refuel with low-quality diesel fuel, you will have to replace the fuel injectors, injection pump, EGR valve and catalyst (repair cost 2000-3000 USD). When choosing a diesel version of the Opel Astra J, imported from Europe, carry out detailed diagnostics of the power unit. The fact is that these cars are very economical, and abroad they put hundreds of thousands of kilometers on them, but here they are often sold with a mileage of 50-80 thousand km.

Transmission

The Opel Astra J is equipped with a five- and six-speed manual transmission, as well as a six-speed automatic transmission. As operating experience has shown, mechanical boxes transmissions have proven themselves to be the most reliable, but things with automatic transmissions are worse. So, in particular, owners complain about an extraneous unpleasant sound when stopping the car, and jerks are also felt when changing gears. The service explains the reason for this behavior of the transmission as a software failure in the transmission control unit. Reflashing the unit slightly improves performance characteristics, but does not completely solve the problem. At each maintenance, check the oil level in the box, as it often leaks due to the manufacturer using low-quality oil supply pipes to the cooling radiator. If you neglect the operating rules of the automatic transmission, the transmission will last no more than 150,000 km (replacement will cost about $2,000).

Problem areas of the Opel Astra J chassis

This model is equipped with a MacPherson-type front independent suspension and a rear suspension, traditional for all generations. German mark, a semi-independent torsion beam with springs and shock absorbers is installed on the axle. Design feature The problem with the suspension of the Opel Astra J is that at sub-zero temperatures it begins to tap when driving on uneven roads. Often, the cause of a knock in the suspension is a torn off shock absorber boot. This problem can be solved quite simply - you need to install the boot in place and secure it with sealant or clamps. Another source of knocking noise from a working suspension can be brake calipers; the problem can be eliminated by installing special gaskets between the calipers and brake pads. If, on dashboard the “BRAKE” indicator lights up, most likely you need to reinstall the software.

Traditionally, for most cars, the stabilizer struts most often become unusable; they need to be replaced every 30,000 km. Support bearings do not last much longer; their service life is 40-50 thousand km; at approximately the same mileage, the stabilizer bushings will need to be replaced. The service life of original shock absorbers does not exceed 100,000 km; non-original shock absorbers can last less than 50,000 km. Ball joints, wheel bearings and the shock absorber springs are well adapted to our roads, and with careful use they will last 100-120 thousand km. Silent blocks of levers, on average, last 120-150 thousand km. Steering quite reliable, the disadvantages include: wear of the rack bushing (knocking when driving over uneven surfaces, play in the steering wheel, oil stains on the rack) and a short service life of the steering tips (30-50 thousand km).

Salon

The interior finishing materials are of average quality, as a result, the appearance of crickets is a matter of time. The main sources of sound are: the decorative trim on the center console, the plastic trim around the door windows, the ceiling light, and the front seat adjustment mechanisms. Opel boldly integrated a lot of modern electronics into the Astra, unfortunately, the problems were not long in coming. The most significant ones are random rebooting of all on-board equipment (the reason has not been established), failure of the standard alarm system, spontaneous lowering of the windows and failure of the air conditioning compressor.

Result:

Opel AstraJ– inexpensive, economical and reliable vehicle for everyday use. Thanks to the combination of modern appearance, decent dynamics and good handling, the car will be a good option for young and practical car enthusiasts.

If you are the owner of this car model, please describe the problems that you encountered while using the car. Perhaps your review will help the readers of our site when choosing a car.

Best regards, editor AutoAvenue

➖ Large doors / Problem parking
➖ Rigid suspension
➖ Maneuverability (large turning radius)
➖ Visibility

Pros

➕ Design
➕ Quality of finishing materials
➕ Comfortable salon
➕ Controllability

Advantages and disadvantages of the Opel Astra J GTC 2012-2013 identified based on reviews real owners. More detailed pros and cons of the Opel Astra GTC 1.4 turbo, 1.6 and 2.0 petrol and diesel with manual and automatic can be found in the stories below:

Owner reviews

On at the moment I've covered 12 thousand km, I'll try to describe the sensations... Living in the outback, I still clearly feel how people glare and turn their heads. Yes, it's an Opel, but a damn good one appearance leaves no one indifferent.

When I bought the car, many people said how can I live with a three-door car. However, the rear seating position is quite normal, and sitting in the back is quite normal for an average height person. My wife and I are no taller, and the seats are set back quite a bit, so there's a decent amount of space in the second row up to the front seats. The back also has its own lighting, speakers, places for glasses, bottles or something else, and hooks for clothes.

In general, what I like about this car is that, for all its “youth”, it provides a very adult level of comfort and equipment. Rain and light sensors work adequately. Adaptive bi-xenon is beautiful at night, the diode eyelashes framing the headlights looks cool.

The engine only lasts from two and a half thousand revolutions, before that it’s just a vegetable. In sixth gear at 3,000 rpm, the speed is exactly 130 km/h. My consumption is mainly on the highway, and in summer the average does not exceed 8.4 liters (naturally, with the Conder, and the loss of power from the Conder is minimal), in winter the consumption is a little more, somewhere up to nine liters. Engine 180 hp moderately playful, or rather the car is very heavy (1613 kg). In addition, the wheels are large, so there is no breathtaking acceleration here.

Review of Opel Astra GTC 1.6 (180 hp) with manual transmission 2012

Video review

A month after the purchase, my girlfriend and I set off on a trip to Altai in a GTC. During the trip I had to travel about 2,000 km. And then I realized how comfortable this car is for long trips on good roads. Active light, cruise control, rain sensor, good music - this helps a lot on a long trip. Then there were many other trips out of town - and each time the car brought true pleasure.

It handles confidently on the track and has enough dynamics to confidently overtake. Once you shift to 4th or 5th gear, you're off. It’s comfortable to drive on highways at 125 km/h. Discomfort is caused only by unexpected bumps on the road - a more or less serious bump can “break through” the suspension with a characteristic sound.

At first, the appearance drove me crazy; I enjoyed everyone’s attention. He constantly turned around when he got out of the car, looking at his beauty. Now I’m more or less used to it, but Astra still gives me aesthetic pleasure.

And now honestly about the cons:

1. Large turning radius. Compensated by beautiful large wheels.

2. The rear of the car quickly gets dirty due to the lack of mudguards, and their presence greatly spoils the appearance.

3. Driver's seat. After adjusting for rollout, the seat is not always fully fixed, and you need to use additional force to insert the seat into the groove until it clicks. In addition, after a bad road in the city, the lower back begins to ache.

4. Electronic handbrake. There were a couple of cases when I didn’t put the handbrake on the car, and the car started to slowly roll back. A sharp click does not always work. Therefore, you need to press the button with emphasis.

But I won’t classify large doors as a disadvantage. Yes, when parking you need to calculate the distance to the next car, but what a pleasure it is to swing open and slam a large and heavy door!

Review of the Opel Astra GTC 1.4 turbo (140 hp) manual, 2012 model year.

The comfort of the front sports seats, you sit like in a “capsule”;
+ good sound insulation (only the muffler hums at high speed);
+ good information content of the instrument panel, a lot of buttons (feels like being on an airplane);
+ the interior is beautifully illuminated (door handles, panel near the gear shift knob).

— it’s uncomfortable to sit in the seats, and it’s also very uncomfortable to get out of them (especially for those who have a large 5th point);
— disease of the combined seats (after 30 thousand km, the lower side support of the leatherette seat, on which they usually sit when landing, cracks; for some, it is completely torn into rubbish);
— visibility is lost due to the wide front pillars.

Next let's move on to the body. The body is the calling card of this model. Due to the large standard 18-inch wheels and the design features of the car, the steering angle is small, which is very inconvenient, especially in a large city. It’s also inconvenient with the huge doors, which although they open almost 90 degrees, you can even jump in with a run, but because of this it’s difficult to find a parking space, because... With doors opening this way, you need a lot of space.

Suspension:

With its weight and wheels it moves along the highway like a tank.

— even though it’s on 18 wheels, it’s tough, you can feel every joint and bump, it shakes noticeably!

Manual transmission:

I think that the manual transmission of the GTC is a weak point. I was faced with the fact that the input shaft bearing whistled during the original mileage of 75,000 km. The problem turns out to be widespread, many people drive with it anyway, so when accelerating over 40 km/h a whistle appears in the gearbox (everyone thinks that this whistle is somewhere else). I also found information on the Internet that at high speeds there is strong heating in the box, and then the oil overheats, and then the consequences are clear to everyone...

Engine:

The 1.4 engine is a stifled engine with a small turbine, which, as they say, does not need to be cooled even after a trip, but I’m still used to cooling it for a minute on long trips. It doesn’t like racing, nor does it like high speeds; if you stomp on it, something will definitely happen somewhere, so the only word from the SPORT package is the exhaust system.

Review of Opel Astra GTC 1.4 turbo manual transmission 2012

In the parking lot next to the GTC, all the other cars seem faceless and unsightly. When you start the engine, turn on the music and start smoothly (although you could have turned it on), you forget about all the problems and worries that tormented and haunted you. You turn on the heated steering wheel and feel the vibration throughout your body. low frequencies audio systems. Well, you have to!!! I ride without gloves, my hands don’t get cold. It's just some kind of holiday!

I let others pass, I get into the line with full confidence that they will let me through, and this happens. I can easily pass any car that I consider necessary to pass, and I feel a huge reserve of power under the hood.

But at the same time, I don’t want to drive at all. It’s nice for me to engage fifth gear at 80 km/h and, barely touching the pedal, to see a message out of the corner of my eye: 4.5 liters per 100 km. But with this smooth movement, I know that at any moment, staying in the same gear and lightly pressing the pedal, the car will accelerate from 80 to 120 km/h with the growl of a cheetah in a couple of seconds.

All small and natural bumps on the GTC Russian roads, you perceive it as a slight vibration. But if you run into a serious pothole at speed, the impact will be strong. And at this moment you realize how stiff the car’s suspension is. As a result, you have to work with the steering wheel, driving around all this disgrace.

We drive up to the office and look for a parking space. I find my usual space of 4.5 meters and understand that my car is exactly that long, so I can only park in such a spot with the help of a crane. I find a place a meter larger. It seems that it should be enough.

I start to back up, and then I hear the scream of the chamber. I get out of the car. My God, there’s still about a meter of crawling and crawling. It would seem that turn off the parking sensors and calmly back another 50 centimeters, but it’s set high rear window does not allow you to see the hood rear car. As a result, you have to maneuver while clinging to the front of the car, fortunately there are no problems with visibility in the front.

Konstantin, review of Opel Astra J GTC 2.0d diesel (130 hp) MT 2012

Someone may disagree, but personally I think that today, of all Opels, the most beautiful and harmonious is the GTC.

There were no problems with adaptation; my wife got used to the car very quickly, which is not surprising. The steering wheel is very pleasant, light, the pedals are also very soft, getting into the car is comfortable, the steering wheel is adjustable both in height and reach, there is powerful lateral support and a bunch of settings for the seat itself.

The finishing and quality of materials in the interior are also high, the seats are combined, and in the place where they have fabric, the fabric itself is very dense, I think it will be very difficult to kill it. Everything else is car leather with stitching. Overall, everything was done very well.

The engine sound is very pleasant, so bassy with a rumble, and the noise insulation is at a level for its class, and it’s interesting that on winter tires The car became generally very quiet.

The car holds the road excellently, and overall excellent taxiing - this is the most striking impression from this car. The ground clearance for a car of this class is also quite satisfactory, almost 16 cm. winter tires so generally 17 cm.

So, what is impractical and inconvenient about this car... Firstly, these are huge doors, so when parking you need to think about this first of all; it is better not to drive into a narrow place, because the door span is no less than a meter. Secondly, the left stance - it really bothers me. You can’t see a damn thing through the rear window either, but there’s actually nothing to see there, since there are parking sensors.

Review of Opel Astra GTC 1.4 automatic 2013