Cars

Opel Astra versus VW Golf: compact class duel with hybrid

He is an absolute evergreen, held since 1991 duel between Opel Astra and VW Golf. In the past, the man from Wolfsburg wobbled from time to time, but so far he hasn’t fallen. To change that, the Astra L is now breaking new ground. Expressive design, technical relationship to the Stellantis brothers (Peugeot 308, Citroën C4, DS 4) and for the first time in the model history a plug-in hybrid – is that enough to become a golf club in 2022?
Selected products in tabular overview

VW Golf 1.4 eHybrid

VW Golf 1.4 eHybrid

RRP EUR 39,985.00

VT Opel Astra VW Golf

Opel Astra plug-in hybrid

RRP EUR 38,650.00


In the first row we actually sit first class – with both. The space available also convinces tall drivers of almost two meters, the same applies to the seating position, which is wonderfully integrated into the car. The cushions with proper lateral support and extendable leg rests are both recommended by the “Healthy Back Campaign”, but only the Astra bears the official seal. Thanks to the pleasant padding and good body contours, we still get out of the Golf very relaxed (and by no means tense) even after many kilometers at a time. That was not always so.
VT Opel Astra VW Golf

Narrower at the back: Although the Astra is longer and wider than the Golf on the outside, it offers less space in the second row.


The larger Astra offers less space

In row two there are more differences, especially in terms of space. Although the Astra is a few centimeters longer than the Golf in terms of length, width and wheelbase, while at the same time being just one centimeter flatter, the rear of the Opel is more cramped. We determine slightly less air around the head, knees and shoulders. Because the rear bench in the Astra was also mounted three centimeters lower above the ground than in the Golf and the backrest of the Rüsselsheimer is also a little steeper, guests prefer to get in the back of the Golf.
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Engine type/cylinder

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performance of the combustion engine

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Top performance electric motor

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system torque

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system performance

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V max

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drive

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Consumption*

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drawbar load

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Length Width Height

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wheelbase

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basic price

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Test car price (is evaluated)

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Four-cylinder, turbo, + electric motor

110 kW (150 hp) at 6000 rpm

rear right/rear left

Four-cylinder, turbo, + electric motor

110 kW (150 hp) at 5000 rpm

Bridgestone Potenza S005

rear right/front left (fender)


Incidentally, the dynamic design of the Opel also means that the very wide base of the C-pillar in conjunction with the flatter window surfaces restricts rear view a little more than in the VW, which is also not optimally clear to the rear. Forward, the contoured hoods provide better prospects for both.
VW Golf 1.4 eHybrid

Significantly smaller: The battery of the drive takes up a lot of trunk space for the Golf. He swallows up to 139 liters less than the Astra.


In the Golf, the battery takes up more trunk space

When you open the tailgate then double the surprise. On the one hand, Opel is now also using the logo as an opener. On the other hand, there is obviously a lot of external format in the trunk of the Astra. As a plug-in, it loses around 70 liters of storage space (Golf even around 100 l), but it swallows significantly more luggage than the Wolfsburg. If the two-part rear backrest with hatch is folded down, 139 liters more disappear in the Astra – that corresponds to two medium-sized pieces of luggage or a real XXL suitcase.

The loading sill of the Astra is higher

However, if it is to be balanced into the car, the Astra with its 70 centimeter high loading sill is a little more difficult than the Golf with its 67 centimeter high rear end. Also due to the Doppelherz drive: Both have to do without a height-adjustable loading floor and with a tank capacity that is ten liters less. In the Astra it shrinks from 52 to 42 liters, in the Golf from 50 to just 40 liters. Much sacrifice for the electric assistance.

VW Golf 1.4 eHybrid

In principle, the cockpits of the Astra and Golf (image) are the same. However, the Wolfsburg resident relies even more on touch operation.


Both are touched a lot

The cockpits then appear surprisingly similar – at least at first glance: steering wheel flattened at the bottom, two large monitors, small automatic selector lever on the center console. Basically, the operation is similar to the tablet style. In detail, the Astra can be controlled with more real buttons (e.g. for volume) and a little less touch but with fewer distractions. If you use the spoken word as an operating tool, you will notice few differences.

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(60% hybrid, 40% electric share)

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consumption with an empty battery

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Range

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590 km + 53 km electric

630 km + 59 km electric


Both react to free formulations (I’m cold/I’m hungry) and fulfill specific wishes (temperature at 21 degrees) quite reliably. In response to the instruction to regulate the seat heating, the Opel now and then pointed out that this was not possible. He also does not distinguish whether the driver or front passenger is talking to him. The driver’s bottom is always warmed up, and the Golf also listens to the freezing passenger.

VT Opel Astra VW Golf

Goes well: The hybrid drive of the Astra works smoothly, it takes the car to 100 km/h in 7.7 seconds.


Opel’s plug-in works inconspicuously

The 180 hp plug-in hybrid in the Astra runs wonderfully smoothly. The driver does not really notice changes in the drive line, the eight-speed automatic transmission is always attentive and well-oriented, the brisk driving performance also offers sporty natures no cause for nagging.

The VW DSG is not error-free

Yes, the Golf with its 204 hp gets off the starting blocks a little better, but shows other problem areas. For example, the six-speed DSG, which acts quickly and usually attentively, but does not reach the smoothness of a converter automatic, especially when starting and maneuvering. In addition, the noise comfort in the VW is audibly worse than in the Opel. The Golf rolls very bumpy, sometimes annoying with a clear roar – as if it were traveling with three bar air pressure. More details about the test can be found in the picture gallery.

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Opel Astra Plug-in Hybrid vs. VW Golf 1.4 eHybrid


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