Why didn't Opel Astra do as good (or better) than the Mits Lancer

btirthankar · 3rd October 2007, 20:26

Friends I am sure u have seen still many Travel Agency Operators using Lancer.

But by far the Opel was a more richer in finish and ride quality. Then why was the Lancer so successful?

Is it that Opel Spares that are available in grey market are dubious?
Is it that there were not many Opel sold in the first place to create a fleet?
Is it that Lancer had better fuel economy and TCO (total cost of ownership)?

I have an Opel Astra and I swear by its comfort and perfections. It has really made me a tough critic on other cars. I can assess other cars better in terms of quality: suspension, body roll, aerodynamics, driving comfort and NVH are hi-speeds....all of which are really poor in SX4, Esteem, Lancer, Accent, Indigo, Fiesta.

I feel that an Opel comes closest to a Merc in terms of comfort. So the closest cars are Ford Mondeo, Elantra and Corolla and Camry.

On feedback I would want from you all: I confess I have not ridden in a Sonata. How does it stand?

1100D · 3rd October 2007, 21:55

When you bring the Sienna in the equation the story will be different. However that didn't sell either. But Astra in my opinion was a pretty numb car. I am speaking from using the Astra generation sold in India in both India and UK. Escort was more agile, but yes never felt as solid. Sienna 1.6 however was my darling it was solid as well as provided whatever masala some of us look for. The Indian Opel engine was pretty unresponsive too, what prompted them to go for Single point fuel injection one shall never know.

Nitin · 3rd October 2007, 22:00

'I feel that an Opel comes closest to a Merc in terms of comfort. '

I second that!
My dad had an Astra for good couple of years,and it tops the list of cars we've had in the family.I love the heavy and secure feel. I recollect telling my dad that it felt so much like a Merc..
I think it phased out since the parts were very expensive, and services were quite costly. The newer versions got quite expensive,and most people opted for the Lancer since it worked out better in the long run.

We had a Corsa ,after the Astra. I have to say, I don't think the Corsa comes anywhere close to the Astra in most areas.

FERRO · 3rd October 2007, 22:45

Fiat Siena 1.6 rulz in comparision when it comes to comfort but lacks good FE

anyone know which RTO approved CNG kit fits into Siena 1.6

drpullockaran · 3rd October 2007, 23:54

This is if you intend to go in for an LPG kit. I have been using the Stargas kit in my GTX without the emulator for the past three years and neither the car in its four years and the kit in its three years has given me any trouble. I get about 9 in the city and 9.5 km per liter of LPG on the highway. Could get more but when you have 98bhp; one usually tends to use at least 80 percent of the torque and 70 percent of the BHP available and mind you with the LPG there is more torque available up to about 4200-4500rpm. Its only after 4200rpm that petrol diet pummels the LPG diet into the dust.The only thing changed in the car in the past 4 years is the wiper blades and all fluids periodically.The front wheel bearings will need changing shortly. Personally though I suggest you go for the kit from BRC which I believe has a better and more responsive mixer. If you can splurge more you can go in for the sequential kit but that costs a bomb and I doubt its approved by the RTO.
Bye and wear your seat belts.

abhibh · 4th October 2007, 00:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nitin

'I feel that an Opel comes closest to a Merc in terms of comfort. '

+3 very good build car... i must say...

Nitin · 4th October 2007, 01:10

If only the Astra came with more peppy engine. It scored 10/10 in almost all segments except the engine,which was a bit sluggish. Apart from that,I think its quality was outstanding. No other car came close it for a long time.

Mpower · 4th October 2007, 02:39

We have an Astra Club with 50K on the odo. The car is a pain to drive in traffic..heavy clutch, heavy steering peaky engine.

On highway it feels great. Lancer has featherlight controls and is more suited for Indian conditions.

esteem_lover · 4th October 2007, 08:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mpower

We have an Astra Club with 50K on the odo. The car is a pain to drive in traffic..heavy clutch, heavy steering peaky engine.

On highway it feels great. Lancer has featherlight controls and is more suited for Indian conditions.

Mpower has hit the nail on the head. It is laborious to drive the astra.

Another point is it is easier to buy than maintain.

btirthankar · 4th October 2007, 09:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by esteem_lover

Mpower has hit the nail on the head. It is laborious to drive the astra.

Another point is it is easier to buy than maintain.

Thumbs up to u both for the quote

. The reason is that Astra may have had the hard controls for longevity. The gear lever is just so nimble and has no play even after 1.1 lakh kms. Talk about advanced plastics.

Yes I drive it everday so I know. But on the highway it just feels like an airplane taking off.

I infact asked an Opel owner in Europe abt longevity (esp. how will I see my car die) and he said that I need not worry for another 1 lakh kms as then only (@ 2lakh kms) the engine rocker shaft etc. starts making noises and I will get the signals.

I also feel just becos it had SPFI that it never spluttered even in last 3 years of me felling from any fuel station and never using additives at all.

To conclude, I am not being able to fancy another car easily with my Opel.

nsbhagwat · 15th October 2007, 12:23

I agree with you btirthankar.

I own a 2004 corsa sail 1.4, rock solid build quality, fantastic suspension. Superb NVH.

After you get used to driving an Opel, you feel jittery to drive other cars.

Nikhil

vasudeva · 15th October 2007, 13:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by nsbhagwat

I agree with you btirthankar.

I own a 2004 corsa sail 1.4, rock solid build quality, fantastic suspension. Superb NVH.

After you get used to driving an Opel, you feel jittery to drive other cars.

Nikhil

I also own a Opel Corsa 1.4 GSI 2003 and so can second that. I also have recently bought a Corolla. Perhaps you should qualify you feel jittery to drive other cars to say feel jittery to drive other cars in the nearabout price segment.

Nitin · 15th October 2007, 22:46

Quite true. I used to drive the Astra for over 3 years,and I loved the solid feel of the car. We got an Accent after that,and it felt very light & easy to throw around. Until last year,we had a 2003 Corsa,and I must say that it figured nowhere close to the feel of the Astra. Maybe just me,but I'd prefer the Astra anyday.

15th October 2007, 23:47

i also agree. after driving opel corsa i don't like driving my dads honda city zx.. it feels i am driving a toy car whereas opel feels so rock solid i really love the car.. excellent ride quality and build quality..

Sparkie · 15th October 2007, 23:53

Ya the proof of the Astras build can best be observed in the second hand car market, where you can still see them in great condition!

3rd October 2007, 20:26	#1
btirthankar BHPian Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Some Moving Vehicle Posts: 816 Thanked: 128 Times View My Garage	Why didn't Opel Astra do as good (or better) than the Mits Lancer Friends I am sure u have seen still many Travel Agency Operators using Lancer. But by far the Opel was a more richer in finish and ride quality. Then why was the Lancer so successful? Is it that Opel Spares that are available in grey market are dubious? Is it that there were not many Opel sold in the first place to create a fleet? Is it that Lancer had better fuel economy and TCO (total cost of ownership)? I have an Opel Astra and I swear by its comfort and perfections. It has really made me a tough critic on other cars. I can assess other cars better in terms of quality: suspension, body roll, aerodynamics, driving comfort and NVH are hi-speeds....all of which are really poor in SX4, Esteem, Lancer, Accent, Indigo, Fiesta. I feel that an Opel comes closest to a Merc in terms of comfort. So the closest cars are Ford Mondeo, Elantra and Corolla and Camry. On feedback I would want from you all: I confess I have not ridden in a Sonata. How does it stand?
	() Thanks

3rd October 2007, 21:55	#2
1100D Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Calcutta Posts: 4,390 Thanked: 4,117 Times View My Garage	When you bring the Sienna in the equation the story will be different. However that didn't sell either. But Astra in my opinion was a pretty numb car. I am speaking from using the Astra generation sold in India in both India and UK. Escort was more agile, but yes never felt as solid. Sienna 1.6 however was my darling it was solid as well as provided whatever masala some of us look for. The Indian Opel engine was pretty unresponsive too, what prompted them to go for Single point fuel injection one shall never know. Last edited by 1100D : 3rd October 2007 at 21:56.
	() Thanks

3rd October 2007, 22:00	#3
Nitin Senior - BHPian Join Date: May 2006 Location: Houston, Texas Posts: 3,294 Thanked: 22 Times View My Garage	'I feel that an Opel comes closest to a Merc in terms of comfort. ' I second that! My dad had an Astra for good couple of years,and it tops the list of cars we've had in the family.I love the heavy and secure feel. I recollect telling my dad that it felt so much like a Merc.. I think it phased out since the parts were very expensive, and services were quite costly. The newer versions got quite expensive,and most people opted for the Lancer since it worked out better in the long run. We had a Corsa ,after the Astra. I have to say, I don't think the Corsa comes anywhere close to the Astra in most areas.
	() Thanks

3rd October 2007, 22:45	#4
FERRO BHPian Join Date: May 2007 Location: Mumbai Posts: 313 Thanked: 2 Times	Fiat Siena 1.6 rulz in comparision when it comes to comfort but lacks good FE anyone know which RTO approved CNG kit fits into Siena 1.6
	() Thanks

3rd October 2007, 23:54	#5
drpullockaran BHPian Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: ERNAKULAM Posts: 961 Thanked: 388 Times	Stargas Kit This is if you intend to go in for an LPG kit. I have been using the Stargas kit in my GTX without the emulator for the past three years and neither the car in its four years and the kit in its three years has given me any trouble. I get about 9 in the city and 9.5 km per liter of LPG on the highway. Could get more but when you have 98bhp; one usually tends to use at least 80 percent of the torque and 70 percent of the BHP available and mind you with the LPG there is more torque available up to about 4200-4500rpm. Its only after 4200rpm that petrol diet pummels the LPG diet into the dust.The only thing changed in the car in the past 4 years is the wiper blades and all fluids periodically.The front wheel bearings will need changing shortly. Personally though I suggest you go for the kit from BRC which I believe has a better and more responsive mixer. If you can splurge more you can go in for the sequential kit but that costs a bomb and I doubt its approved by the RTO. Bye and wear your seat belts. Last edited by drpullockaran : 4th October 2007 at 00:03.
	() Thanks

4th October 2007, 01:10	#7
Nitin Senior - BHPian Join Date: May 2006 Location: Houston, Texas Posts: 3,294 Thanked: 22 Times View My Garage	If only the Astra came with more peppy engine. It scored 10/10 in almost all segments except the engine,which was a bit sluggish. Apart from that,I think its quality was outstanding. No other car came close it for a long time.
	() Thanks

4th October 2007, 02:39	#8
Mpower Senior - BHPian Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Bangalore Posts: 10,399 Thanked: 1,735 Times View My Garage	We have an Astra Club with 50K on the odo. The car is a pain to drive in traffic..heavy clutch, heavy steering peaky engine. On highway it feels great. Lancer has featherlight controls and is more suited for Indian conditions.
	() Thanks

15th October 2007, 12:23	#11
nsbhagwat BHPian Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Pune Posts: 425 Thanked: 288 Times View My Garage	I agree with you btirthankar. I own a 2004 corsa sail 1.4, rock solid build quality, fantastic suspension. Superb NVH. After you get used to driving an Opel, you feel jittery to drive other cars. Nikhil
	() Thanks

15th October 2007, 22:46	#13
Nitin Senior - BHPian Join Date: May 2006 Location: Houston, Texas Posts: 3,294 Thanked: 22 Times View My Garage	Quite true. I used to drive the Astra for over 3 years,and I loved the solid feel of the car. We got an Accent after that,and it felt very light & easy to throw around. Until last year,we had a 2003 Corsa,and I must say that it figured nowhere close to the feel of the Astra. Maybe just me,but I'd prefer the Astra anyday.
	() Thanks

15th October 2007, 23:47	#14
aks316 Posts: n/a	i also agree. after driving opel corsa i don't like driving my dads honda city zx.. it feels i am driving a toy car whereas opel feels so rock solid i really love the car.. excellent ride quality and build quality..
	() Thanks

15th October 2007, 23:53	#15
Sparkie BHPian Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Chennai-not at home now Posts: 101 Thanked: 2 Times	Ya the proof of the Astras build can best be observed in the second hand car market, where you can still see them in great condition!
	() Thanks