Opel Astra 1.6T Sport: Where’s the sparkle?

The Opel brand logo features a circle intersected by a lightning bolt, suggesting a certain energy and dynamism. But in the performance hatchback context, the marque hasn’t had a real contender since the unruly, previous-generation Astra OPC.



The current, so-called K-Series Astra has had to do without a hot hatch flagship, focusing on more pragmatic virtues such as efficiency, refinement, safety and comfort instead. Admittedly, that’s where the interest of most hatchback buyers is probably focused.

However, it leaves the Astra range without a much-needed halo model – a performance flagship able to earn the brand in general, and the Astra nameplate in particular, some valuable bragging rights in a crowded, cut-throat market.

It’s a strategy that Volkswagen has used to great effect with its iconic GTI and R models. Ford has adopted a similar approach with its Focus STI and RS derivatives.



For now, the most athletic member of the Opel Astra clan is the 1.6T Sport. Yes, it’s only lukewarm by hot hatch standards, but don’t judge the German too hastily: there’s more to this five-door than meets the eye.

The Astra boasts clean, trim lines that are unassuming at first glance, but tend to grow on you over time. There’s enough brand identity to save it from the anonymity of generic design, but it’s not exactly a head-turner, either.

Instead, it’s handsome in a crafted, chiselled kind of way, with smooth contours and well-balanced proportions that suggest wind-cheating aerodynamics. A case of form following function then – and that’s always a more enduring foundation for design than fast-fading fashion.



The interior continues that unassuming theme. Nothing stands out as immediately impressive, but the execution does exude a strong overall sense of cohesion and ergonomic continuity.

The primarily charcoal colour scheme is smart, rather than overtly luxurious or aspirational, with ease of use taking centre stage. But the Astra’s occupants aren’t left wanting for anything, either.

Fine leather seats ensure comfort and support, the instrumentation is tidy and clear, and there’s an integrated touchscreen for the infotainment system that delivers everything from foot-tapping multispeaker sound to Bluetooth, satnav, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.



There’s also a plethora of active and safety systems, including a variety of driver assistance systems and parking aids. However, I found the latter to often border on the intrusive.

It’s fine to have an electronic nanny that keeps you on the straight and narrow, but the Astra’s systems operate so pre-emptively that you often wonder what the fuss is about. The temptation is to switch them off, which defeats the whole object.

The line between constructive assistance and spurious warning is a fine one, and the Astra oversteps that line too often.

Interplay of light and shadow: A horizontal crossbar above the brand logo links the rear lights of the new Opel Astra.