Corrupted by a little bit of power.
Discussion
I started a new job at the beginning of this month. I had the misfortune (or rather I initially looked upon it as a misfortune)to be given an Astra (inherited) as my company car.
Last Astra I had was a base spec model (plastic hubcaps, doom black solid paint and a very cheap and nasty interior) which I swapped for a Fiesta van mainly because it drove better.
This Astra is a lot more palatable. It's an SRI powered by a 165BHP Diesel unit and a considerably cheerier interior. I'll be the first to admit it's not as able, sophisticated or refined as either a Focus or Golf but it's not as far behind as most would imagine.
On balance I quite like it and what I like in particular is the punch from the not particularly refined 165BHP diesel engine (0-60 in 8.5 secs). And here's the rub. That punch would lead me to choose the Astra if alternative choices of Golfs or Focuses were models only developing around 100-115BHP.
Like they say, Power Corrupts.
Last Astra I had was a base spec model (plastic hubcaps, doom black solid paint and a very cheap and nasty interior) which I swapped for a Fiesta van mainly because it drove better.
This Astra is a lot more palatable. It's an SRI powered by a 165BHP Diesel unit and a considerably cheerier interior. I'll be the first to admit it's not as able, sophisticated or refined as either a Focus or Golf but it's not as far behind as most would imagine.
On balance I quite like it and what I like in particular is the punch from the not particularly refined 165BHP diesel engine (0-60 in 8.5 secs). And here's the rub. That punch would lead me to choose the Astra if alternative choices of Golfs or Focuses were models only developing around 100-115BHP.
Like they say, Power Corrupts.
The current Astra is much closer to the Focus and the Golf than the last generation. It's not as nice to drive as the Focus, and it's interior is slightly worse than the Golf, but it's a decent car now (the Astra H was not). It's also far better looking from the outside. If I had one complaint, it's that outward visibility is pretty poor. The A pillars are f
king massive, the B pillar not inconsiderable and the rear window is fking tiny.
king massive, the B pillar not inconsiderable and the rear window is fking tiny.Baryonyx said:
If I had one complaint, it's that outward visibility is pretty poor. The A pillars are fking massive, the B pillar not inconsiderable and the rear window is fking tiny.
Not an exclusive Astra fault. When I was a young driver A pillars could hide a bike. I've driven cars in recent years where they could momentarily hide a Transit van.king massive, the B pillar not inconsiderable and the rear window is fking tiny.Damn you to Hades. We're not allowed the 165bhp SRi because the CO emissions are too high. I currently have the previous 1.7 CDTi & will only be allowed the "Design" spec or something. Drove the 1.6 petrol before that but only hate the diesel a little less... This after telling us the company car line up would be extended to VW, BMW & Audi. Bah.
PinkRinse said:
I currently have the previous 1.7 CDTi & will only be allowed the "Design" spec or something
We had a couple of those as estates at work as our old fleet cars. The 1.7 CDTi with a five speed, whilst still being a complete load of crap, was at least a bit better than the 1.3 CDTi with a six speed. It was rough and unrefined, but at least it had a smidgin of puff whereas the 1.3's were completely crap and completely flat. I bought one of these as a daily hack for 10k at year old last year. Original list price was around 22k so I think it was a bit of a bargain. I prefer its looks to the focus and I think its a nice car to drive. Ive put about 13k on it in 10 months and its been fine, enough poke for safe overtaking etc.
Are the 100bhp cars petrol
I would prefer a 100bhp petrol over a 165bhp diesel if I'm honest
I've driven some small engined petrol cars over the years and they are a hoot. I much prefer them to a run of the mill diesel. They aren't fast and I never took one on the motorway but they are more engaging and rewarding to drive on some twisty roads than a diesel.
I would prefer a 100bhp petrol over a 165bhp diesel if I'm honest
I've driven some small engined petrol cars over the years and they are a hoot. I much prefer them to a run of the mill diesel. They aren't fast and I never took one on the motorway but they are more engaging and rewarding to drive on some twisty roads than a diesel.
bp1000 said:
Are the 100bhp cars petrol
I would prefer a 100bhp petrol over a 165bhp diesel if I'm honest
I've driven some small engined petrol cars over the years and they are a hoot. I much prefer them to a run of the mill diesel. They aren't fast and I never took one on the motorway but they are more engaging and rewarding to drive on some twisty roads than a diesel.
They aren't a hoot any more. They are slow to rev, totally gutless throughout the rev range and don't reward pushing them even slightly. An underpowered modern petrol astra is about as far away from the fun of thrashing a Panda 1000 as you can get. Think more along the lines of trying to thrash an old NASP diesel and you're closer to the mark.I would prefer a 100bhp petrol over a 165bhp diesel if I'm honest
I've driven some small engined petrol cars over the years and they are a hoot. I much prefer them to a run of the mill diesel. They aren't fast and I never took one on the motorway but they are more engaging and rewarding to drive on some twisty roads than a diesel.
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