ROAD TEST/Opel Astra Bertone Cabriolet: The four-seat Opel Astra Cabriolet offers smarter lines than its hard-top siblings. The result, says Michael McAleer, is an eye-catcher that has the look of something significantly more expensive - and the roof folds away by itself
Some say that four-seater cabriolets are the preserve of female motorists. We have long begged to differ. However, our views were challenged with the Opel Astra Coupe Cabriolet.
No sooner had we collected the car than we discovered a pair of lady's tights wrapped around the suspension coil on the left rear wheel.
We removed them with bewilderment, expecting to discover either a scantily-clad young female to emerge from under the wheel arch, or the suspension system to collapse. (Were these pair of tights integral to the ride quality?)
Thankfully it had no immediate impact on the car's performance. However, it did suggest that perhaps the more muscular lines of the Astra have been softened in this cabriolet to attract more feminine minds.
Regardless of gender, with the winter chill firmly biting on every inch of exposed flesh these days, it does raise questions about the sanity of those who would even consider a convertible at this time of the year. Imagine the chill from driving at 70 mph on the open motorway with the roof down. Blowtorches at the ready upon arrival, no doubt. Even with the roof up many convertibles have a tendency to let the heat escape through the canvas top.
Yet there is an inkling of intelligence in opting to buy a convertible in October or November. Consider the dealers. A cabriolet on the forecourt is about as useful as 20 bottles of sun-block in a snowstorm. Now is the time for the forward thinking motorist to try and do a deal for a cabriolet and accept that its true potential will not shine through until next summer (if we have one).
Convertibles have cachet and, as such, within their own market, can retain their value well. Be warned, however. Driving a convertible in the city can leave you open to abuse from passers-by and some scamps have been known to regard an open-top car as nothing more than a moving skip, happily depositing their wrappers in your back seat as you drive past.
However, for all the reasoned arguments and cautions about owning a convertible here, logic does not enter into motoring decisions as frequently as it does in other areas. Concentrate on thoughts of sunny days when you can roll down the roof and feel the wind in your face and brush the dead flies from your hair.
The Astra has always been a popular model in Ireland and, with the help of the Italian design and coach-building firm Bertone, the Astra Cabriolet offers smarter lines than its hard-top siblings.
The result is an eye-catcher that has the look of something significantly more expensive. The roof completely folds away in about 30 seconds (all electronically) and is an impressive engineering feat and fun to watch once or twice.
But be prepared to sacrifice on space, particularly in the height at the rear and in the boot where the folded roof is accommodated.
While it is a proper four-seater, rear-seat passengers need to keep their head tucked down when the roof is being raised or folded. During the impressive folding operation the roof struts and the structure have a tendency to come forward into the back seats.
It is surprisingly quiet for a convertible when the roof is up and there is little road noise penetrating the cabin. There was also little buffeting while driving with the roof down, thanks in large part to the shelter given by the windows. We were never worried about leakage even in the most vicious downpours, and there was little wind noise coming into the cabin at normal speeds.
Road noise was never so intrusive as to make conversation impossible. The design means even in the sharp October mornings front seat occupants are rarely left blue nosed or tearful in the cold. It was a different story in the back seats however, which is a no-go area for recent visitors to the hairdressers.
The 1.8-litre 16V 125 bhp engine we drove was quiet and smooth, with adequate torque to make you feel confident of getting up to speed and a 0-60 mph of just over 10 seconds. For that, consumption was just over 27 mpg.
There is also a 1.6-litre option available and while some may consider it too small for the job, this is not a performance car. Therefore, the lower engine size, with the resultant cheaper insurance and road tax, means you can spend the extra cash on increasing the specifications.
There was a rigid feel to the handling, thanks in part to the sports suspension and the steering offered up decent control, if a little understeer. The turning circle was nice and tight and the road imperfections were dealt with more than adequately. It was an enjoyable drive, particularly on the main road network.
Visibility was adequate, considering the required reinforcement of the main pillars as roll-over protection. It was greatly assisted by the lack of framing on the side windows and the solid rear window, admittedly common these days on most convertibles. Front airbags, ABS and side impact bars are standard, with the Bertone also coming with side airbags.
The leather interior trim was comfortable and added to that touch of excess over and above the regular Astra, though the rear headrests were so solid - due to their dual purpose as roll-cage - they were uncomfortable to rest against. The CD-radio comes with steering wheel controls on the Bertone. Overall, the cabin was rather dark with the hood up. However, the Opel dials remain very impressive and clear to read.
In the end, the Astra cabriolet is a good buy for those who seek the sporty roadster look but with more practicality than the two-seat/no-boot options. So, if you want to soak up some rays next summer, now may be the time to look for a bargain on a convertible.
FACTFILE:
ENGINE/TRANSMISSION: A 1,796cc 16-valve engine offering 125 bhp at 5,600 rpm and 170 Nm of Torque at 3,800 rpm, with a five speed close ration manual transmission.
PERFORMANCE: 129 mph and 0-60 mph in 10.5 seconds.
FUEL: Urban 25.7 mpg, extra-urban 47.1 mpg, combined 36.2 mpg, as tested 27 mpg.
SPECIFICATION: Front and side airbags, immobiliser, ABS, sports suspension, electronic stability control, CD/radio with steering wheel controls.
PRICE: €28,039 for the 1.6 litre; €31,880 for the 1.8 litre Bertone.
THE COMPETITION
Opel Astra 2dr Bertone 1.8 XE. 1796cc; 10.5 (0-60); 129 (max speed) 125 bhp; 36.2 mgp combined. €31,880
Peugeot 206 cabriolet 2.0 16v. 1997cc; 8.3 (0-60); 127 (max speed); 138 bhp; 35.3 mpg combined. €25,095.
Mazda MX-5 1.6i. 1597cc; 9.7 (0-60); 119 (max speed); 110 bhp; 34.9 mpg combined. €28,460.
BMW 318Ci. 1995cc; 10.2 (0-60); 128 (max speed); 143 bhp; 36.7 mpg combined. €46,200.
Toyota MR2. 1794cc; 8.7 (0-60); 127 (max speed); 140 bhp; 36.7 mgp combined. €35,795