ஓபெல் அஸ்ட்ரா [2000-2003]

  Exterior : Nice design (Shape) Aerodynamic. Nice and decent looks.   Interior (Features, Space & Comfort) : I am 6.3 tall and huge man. This is the only car in this segment I found comfortable to get in and out. Very good Leg & Head Room at every seat. Has very good space, also trunk is also huge. Car loaded with great features like Power Mirrors, Power Windows, Power Antenna, HVAC, Stereo, All accessories & Controls are easy to access, Suspension is absolutely SUPERB, can handle any kind of terrain, No vibrations, jerks, or body noise. Super smooth drive is ensured by German Engineering. AC is more than enough to handle heat up to 45 C (Outside Temp) Power steering can handle this huge car just on one finger. When AC is on and all windows are up, no outside traffic noise can enter the cabin, its like your own private space on road.   Engine Performance, Fuel Economy and Gearbox : Engine is very good and responsive. Gear ratio is very well calculated helps minimum gear change even in heavy city traffic and AC on. Engine and Gearbox are matching very well. Gear shifting is very smooth without any play. Fuel efficiency is little low compare to the same segment competitors. Vehicle performance with the AC on and full passengers on board, the comfort and feel is better and you don’t have to regret for low fuel efficiency. Also this vehicle is very heavy offers great safety, so I think I can compromise with the fuel economy for the safety & comfort. My car gives between 10-12 in city & 12-14 on Highway (On LPG) on petrol it gives slightly higher. The best efficiency I got was 15.5 with Continues AC on (Even while repairing the punctured wheel), all passengers on board, and on konkan roads, full with ghats.        Ride Quality & Handling : I challenge no other vehicle in this segment can give you pleasure, feel, & comfort like this car. Ride quality is excellent, No vibrations, no body noise, no traction (Road & Tyre) noise, no outside traffic noise inside the cabin when windows are closed. Handling is also very good, vehicle has great control, and braking is excellent. Even on turns (Ghats) vehicle is always in full control. Tyre provides great road grip. Again this is also another point Astra beats its rivals.    Final Words : ASTRA is a great car to own. I don’t know why it is called as high maintenance vehicle. My car is 1997 make and I am using this car for more than 6 Years, I have done almost 40 K Kms, and I am doing only routine maintenance. (Oil, Filter, and Wheel Alignment) other than this, Once I replaced Water pump (Original lasts for 12 Yrs), Battery (4 Years), and tyres. (Tyre did 45 K), Exhaust muffler box and AC Gas refilling & servicing. This additional maintenance costs me only @ 22 K I don’t think this is huge.   Areas of improvement : Now there is no point to suggest any improvement plan as this vehicle is no more manufactured, and more refined and improved vehicles like OPTRA, CRUZ are already on road.  Very high Comfort, Gret Suspension, Good Handling, Control, Safety, Feel, AC, Durable, Safe, RigidLow ground Clearence, Else all is well !!!