The focus is on regular maintenance, identifying and eliminating possible malfunctions and caring for various vehicle components.
Opel Astra second generation car (Astra G) first went on sale in 1998. He became the new representative of Opel in the most dynamic and attractive segment C of the passenger car market (according to European classification). The car was offered with four types of bodies: three- and five-door hatchback, sedan and wagon (Opel Astra Caravan). Later, Astra was introduced with coupe and convertible bodies, but they had very significant differences from the base model.
The cars had a front-wheel drive layout with a transverse engine, independent suspension of the front and semi-independent suspension of the rear wheels, rack and pinion steering, a brake system with a diagonal separation of circuits and ABS (on car parts). Structurally, the car is made quite traditionally for this class, so you can’t expect any frills from it in terms of driving and operation, everything is moderately comfortable, convenient and dynamic. The only unusual solution is the use of an electric pump to pressurize the power steering system. This allows not to take engine power unnecessarily, for example when driving in a straight line, and also to reduce the number of pipelines by installing an electric pump with a reservoir directly on the steering rack. It should be noted that the location of the power steering reservoir on the steering rack makes it difficult to control and, if necessary, adjust the fluid level in the system.
A large number of options for bodies, engines and additional equipment provides the buyer with ample opportunities to choose according to his needs and financial capabilities. However, this diversity, combined with the constant modernization of manufactured cars by Opel, causes certain difficulties in repairing and purchasing spare parts. Unfortunately, the Astra is not among the most reliable cars, especially with increasing mileage, but given its lower cost than competitors, good maintainability and the availability of most spare parts, it can be called a very reasonable choice.
In 1999, the first generation single-volume Opel Zafira was created on the Astra G platform (Zafira A). The presence of a common platform ensured the identity of the chassis and aggregate parts of these vehicles. Zafira was created primarily as a family car, and in this capacity it does not have many competitors. With modest external dimensions, it can accommodate up to seven passengers. The third row seats are foldable. However, it is worth noting that with both third-row seats unfolded, there is practically no room for luggage. All of the above about the advantages and disadvantages of the Astra model can be safely attributed to the Zafira model, given that the choice in the class of such cars is much more limited.
In addition, the cars in question were also produced under other brands and names for the markets of individual countries, some of which can also be found in Russia. Traditionally, most right-hand drive Opel vehicles are Vauxhall branded and made in England, with model names corresponding to those of the Opel brand. At the same time, with the exception of the location of the controls and the minor changes associated with this, the cars are completely identical to those under consideration. Subaru Traviq was produced for the Japanese market. This car is completely similar to the Vauxhall Zafira model, but was equipped only with the most powerful 2.2-liter engine. Some time ago SP «GM AvtoVAZ» produced Chevrolet Viva cars for Russia, which are nothing more than an Opel Astra with a sedan body, equipped with a 1.8-liter engine.
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