Astra 1.6 and 1.8

[Aspri]

Looking for a conti car as my next car so decided to go test the new Astra 1.8 as well as the 1.6.

 

Both have basically the same stuff except the engine so I won't go there. Things I like about the 1.6 is the fun gearbox (but I wasn't used to driving the Easytronic so it was a bit jerky and I overrevved it a couple of times). The Twinport engine also boasts excellent fuel economy.

 

The 1.8 is however smoother and easier to drive. The downside of course is the higher price I have to pay (not a lot more - just 4k) up front and for repairs and on-going cost (fuel and road tax, etc.). The gearbox is also "older" as opposed to the 1.6.

 

If you have to keep the car and drive it for at least 3 - 5 years, would you pick the 1.6 or 1.8? Or is there a better alternative (I know I'm opening a can of worms here but who cares? )

 

Prices for 1.6 is at 77k+ now. Quite attractive. Can anyone also comment on AE post-sales service?

 

Thanks!

[Plinius]

Hi,

 

what car u r driving now? How's the rear seating space, roomy?

 

Cheers......

[Aspri]

Driving Lancer at the moment. I find that the legroom and headroom for the Astra is very good and is definitely comparable to the Lancer. The bench is more comfortable as well and features 3 point seat belt for all 3 rear passengers. Headrests are also available for all 3 rear passengers as well.

[Acemundo]

i prefer the 1.6

[Magfocus]

If you dont mind the "old school" ecotec engine and a smoother tranny, go for the 1.8. If you want involvement and something more "fun" to drive generally, get the 1.6. The 1.6 has much better fuel economy too.

 

AE service has been great so far..definitely no complaints.

[Aspri]

Hello "old bird",

 

Maybe can you elaborate why? Thanks!

[Aspri]

Notice that you have an Astra as your avatar, are you currently driving one?

 

During the test drive for the 1.6, I was in the manual mode but I noticed that when I was in 5th gear, I floored the accelerator and did not hear a corresponding rise in engine note or a pickup in speed. I was stuck at 90km/h. The SE told me that I have to downshift to 4th gear, pick up and shift back to 5th gear again. Is that how it works or am I missing something?

 

Also, did you have any quirks that they cannot resolve for you?

 

Thanks!

[Magfocus]

Yes, i have one. Got mine since end Jan.

 

I never had that issue of being stuck at 90kmh in 5th. Its a pretty torquey car.

 

So far so good, very happy

[Acemundo]

hehe...i no expert lah......

 

for me, i prefer able to control the car. hence i definitely prefer the easytronic over a conventional auto.

 

also, i think the fuel consumption of the 1.8 shld be much more than the 1.6

 

as for the jerkiness, i think its just a matter of getting used to. i have driven the corsa easytronic before and now, actually the conventional auto gearbox jerks me more than the corsa easytronic.

 

i think the only worry is that will the gearbox of the 1.6 twinport be much more costly to replace than the 1.8 conventional auto?

[Aspri]

Hmm, now you got me wondering what went wrong when I was in the 5th gear during manual mode...

 

I wasn't entirely convinced by the SE's explanation. Perhaps another test drive is in order?

[Aspri]

Yeah. The ability to go back to manual gearbox (well somewhat manual) really attracts me. At least my wife will also be able to drive it by throwing it into auto while we can have the occasional fun of using the manual mode (thank god it's not the steptronic type).

 

One thing really disappoints me though: how come no armrest? Like that, my shoulder will get tired from supporting my flabby left arm one leh! The one that comes on the 1.8 is really low in quality and looks out of place with the rest of the cabin. One look already know it's locally fit and the workmanship is really .

[Magfocus]

You must remember also that it has very tall european gear ratios..its actually more economical and responsive at high speeds.. i think 90kmh at 5th is too low a speed. If you want meaningful pickup, you should be down at 4th So the SE was kinda right.

 

Try it again, take it hard on twisties..

[Acemundo]

yeah....imagine sometimes u wanna have fun or need a little bit more torque to climb the slopes fast?

 

but most times u r lazy and appreciate the car doing the mundane gear shifting for u? or u also want ur wife (assuming she's also one of those ladies that typically cannot drive manual) to drive the car?

 

hehe....i did not see the 1.8 unit at the showroom. but i think basically other than the concern of the cost of replacing gearbox, there's no reason to choose the 1.8 over the 1.6.......haha......but armrest not a must for me, otherwise ask them to throw in for u la

[Aspri]

Thanks for reminding me about the gearing ratios! I totally overlooked that. I also thought that being stuck at 2000 rpm at 90km/h is more reminiscient of a CVT type of transmission that a manual transmission. Too bad the Twinport doesn't have enough torque. The cabbies actually have been a bad driving model for me as they can do all sorts of stuff with their powerful diesel!

 

I did give it a little at the twisties. I actually had the opportunity to bring both cars onto the AYE. I wasn't able to do much on the tight round bend at NUS back to AYE as there's this extremely slow new A150 in front of me when I was in the 1.6. However, I was able to do it with the 1.8 and it certainly corners better than my Lancer and is right up there with the better handling cars I have tried in the past. I guess the wide tyres actually do help with the handling.

 

The suspension is actually MacPherson in front and torsion beam at the back. I was kinda expecting independent suspension all round so that's a little disappointing.

 

Also, do you agree with the 0-100 of 13.3s?

[Aspri]

Er better not let my wife see you saying that she cannot drive manual. She used to own a manual and is quite a demonic driver sometimes so she will be quite offended. Trust me - you want to get out of her way when she's demonic!

 

Thanks for your comments as it really helps. I really also like the fact that the Twinport is a fuel economic engine. It does help in reducing overall cost of ownership.

 

I think they can throw in the armrest for sure but then with such a lousy job done on the showroom car, I rather find my own means outside.

[Genie47]

I concur with this as well. The Chevy manual boxes at 5th are kinda standing still. On the E2, dropping to 4th makes the car reach its top speed at a phenomenal rate!

[Magfocus]

Actually for a 1.6, the twinport has 150nm of torque, quite alot better than most makes. its difficult to explain, but you have to drive awhile to get the best out of the gearbox, once you do, its a pretty satisfying drive.

 

 

Yeah, the rear is torsion beam, but i guess it has been refined. I had a focus before, and i dont think it loses out in any way to the focus, only the steering feel is not as talkative.

 

it definitely doesnt feel like 13.3!

[Magfocus]

I hardly ever use my 5th in SG, its mainly for cruising at european speeds..