Opel Astra versus VW Golf: compact class duel with hybrid

VW Golf 1.4 eHybrid |
RRP EUR 39,985.00 |
||
Opel Astra plug-in hybrid |
RRP EUR 38,650.00 |

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
Engine type/cylinder
performance of the combustion engine
Installation position/displacement
Top performance electric motor
system torque
system performance
V max
transmission
drive
Brakes front/rear
test car tires
tire type
wheel size
Exhaust gas CO2*
Consumption*
fuel type
Battery capacity gross/net
Fuel cap/charging port
pass-by noise
trailer load used/unused
drawbar load
trunk volume
Length Width Height
wheelbase
basic price
Test car price (is evaluated)

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
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.

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.
acceleration
0-50km/h
0-100km/h
0-130km/h
0-160km/h
intermediate sprint
60-100km/h
80-120km/h
curb weight/load
Weight distribution v./h.
Turning circle left/right
seat height
braking distance
from 100 km/h cold
from 100 km/h warm
interior noise
at 50 km/h
at 100 km/h
at 130/160 km/h
At 160 km/h
consumption
Power consumption (extrapolated)
test consumption
(60% hybrid, 40% electric share)
consumption with an empty battery
CO2 (test consumption)
Range
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.

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.