Last time, talked about the fully motivated Opel Astra G. The mainstream market has also experienced six years of experience, and it is time to start normal updates. Therefore, the third-generation Opel Astra was released in March 2004. According to the usual naming rules, we can call the third-generation model Astra H, with the frame code A04.
This generation of Astra is also a generation of models that many friends remember deeply. Opel officially introduced to the domestic market. Although this generation of models has not been optimistic in China, the GTC three-door hatchback with a panoramic windshield in the car series was really amazing back then. Unlike the panoramic sunroof on many models now, the panoramic front glass more realistically interprets the word "panoramic"; from the front windshield to the top of the driver's head, all of which are made of high-strength tempered glass (so you don't have to worry too much about weight), allowing the driver to experience a different driving feeling. Perhaps only if you really drive this feeling can you feel its charm.
Picture: The unique panoramic front glass on the Opel Astra H GTC model is very different from the panoramic sunroof on most cars at present. This open design that looks straight to the top of the head makes the wide view feel that it is not comparable to ordinary models. In Europe, the benefits are bound to outweigh the disadvantages. But in our country, especially in the hot southern summer, passengers are like boiled fish in goldfish tanks.
Opel Astra H In addition to the major changes in appearance design, Opel Astra H also has many innovations in technological configuration, such as the electronic continuous shock absorption control system (CDC), adaptive IDSPlus chassis system, induction lighting (AFL) headlight system with dynamic arc lighting, etc., which we can see on many high-end models. Meanwhile, Opel Astra H won five stars in Euro NCAP's occupant safety protection test. It was also recognized at the time as one of the safest sedans in the compact class.
Opel Astra H is built on the completely redesigned Delta platform, which is dedicated to General Motors for the creation of compact front-wheel drive vehicles and crossover SUVs, and is a follow-up product of the GM T platform. The Astra H series includes a four-door RV, a three-door and five-door hatchback, a station wagon, and a hardtop convertible.
Figure: Unsurprisingly, as the foundation of the Astra model, the five-door hatchback model was first launched on the market in March 2004.
Picture: As for this four-door and three-box version that most of our domestic consumers prefer, it did not appear at the Istanbul International Auto Show until 2006, which roughly reflects the differences in consumption habits between the European market and our domestic market.
Picture: However, the Astra three-door hatchback version of this generation, Opel gave the name GTC, and the optional panoramic front glass has been widely praised by consumers.
Picture: The design of the front windshield extends to the top of the head is amazing, but don’t worry, it won’t let you get sunbath all the time. It has a guide rail to pull down a sunshade, which is an ordinary car, which is very practical.
Picture: Opel Astra Caravan, which is the Wagon model of Astra, was released at the end of 2004 and undergoes a minor facelift in 2007.
Picture: Opel Astra Van, compared to ordinary Wagon models, it is the raised roof.
Figure: Of course, there is also a commercial version of closed carriages. Such a design is very common in station wagons in major European car manufacturers. After all, Wagon's role is not simple.
Picture: The previous generation Astra has a two-door Coupe model and a traditional soft-top convertible version. But on the Astra G, it has been cancelled, and replaced by the Opel Astra TwinTop, which is the hardtop convertible version.
Figure: In terms of power system, TwinTop uses a 200-horse 2.0L turbocharged gasoline engine (Z20 LER), or a 150-horse 1.9 CDTI diesel engine. Needless to say, diesel will definitely be more popular in Europe, and the huge torque output is irresistible.
In the introduction before , we also mentioned OPC, a department that specializes in helping Opel "do things". In 2005, Opel released the GTC OPC (for sale in the UK astra VXR). The OPC model is quite sporty. It uses a sports enclosure kit in appearance, and it is also supported by Recaro seats. In terms of power, the GTC OPC version uses a 2.0 L Ecotec turbocharged engine (the same Z20 LEH), with a maximum power of 240 horsepower and 326 Nm. The power performance is a little higher than the Volkswagen Golf fifth-generation GTI of the same period, and it is equipped with a standard six-speed manual wave box, xenon headlights, and 18-inch wheels.
Picture: What kind of scene would have been if General Motors could introduce this OPC to the domestic market back then? GTi?
Picture: Many car owners in China will order original accessories or OPC upgraded parts from Germany Opel through certain channels, such as Recaro sports seats, Brembo brake kits, aerodynamic kits, etc.
Figure: The OPC version of the third generation of Opel Yatte uses a 2.0 L Ecotec turbocharged engine, and its power output also reaches 240 horsepower and 32.6 kg meters of torque output.
Picture: Opel Astra OPC Nürburgring Edition is a special model released in 2008 to pay tribute to the achievements created by Manuel Reuter in 2005, with a limited edition of 835 units. The hood, roof and rear are rally patterns, and there are 19-inch wheels and electronic chassis control IDS-Plus2 (second-generation version).
Figure: In addition to high-performance models, this generation of Astra has also made attempts in hybrid power. For example, this diesel hybrid version of GTC was launched globally at the 2005 Detroit North America International Auto Show. Based on the mass-produced version of Astra GTC, it is equipped with a dual-mode full-hybrid system and a 1.7-liter CDTI engine.
Figure: A 1.7-liter diesel turbocharged engine with a maximum horsepower of 125 horsepower and a maximum torque of 280 Nm. Combined with the motor integrated in the transmission, the fuel consumption per 100 kilometers is less than 4 liters, and the acceleration time per 100 kilometers is less than 8 seconds.
Astra H total sales exceed 2.7 million units, but the sales in the domestic market are really average, largely because Astra H has a variety of "mutated cars" in the overseas market. However, only 1.8L naturally aspirated and 4AT gearbox introduced to the domestic market is a combination of 1.8L naturally aspirated and 4AT gearbox. In addition, the price is not low, so it is not very outstanding for a number of models of that year. In 2009, the Astra J was launched, and this model was introduced to China for production and sales by General Motors, that was the Yinglang XT of that year.
