Comparison:Opel Astra 2019 Vs. Renault Clio 2023 (new)

Dimensions

When it comes to dimensions, the Opel Astra strides confidently with a longer body at 4374 mm, a more generous wheelbase stretching 2675 mm, and a wider profile measuring 1860 mm (2062 mm including mirrors). This Grandmaster of space clearly outshines the Renault Clio, which measures 4053 mm in length and 1798 mm in width (1988 mm including mirrors). However, the two are nearly identical in height with the Astra at 1441 mm barely eclipsing the Clio's 1440 mm. Interestingly, the Clio boasts a tighter turning circle with a nimble 10.40 m against the Astra's range of 10.50-10.70 meters, indicating it might be the more agile contender in urban environments. And for those treks less traveled, the Clio is greener on the other side with a higher ground clearance at 142 mm. In essence, the Astra commands a more imposing road presence while the Clio is better suited for the bustling city life and the odd kerbside hop.

Boot/interior

Looking into the rear of these vehicles, we find that the boot space in the Opel Astra dances between 352 liters to a cavernous 597 liters, depending on whether you opt for the 1.6 Turbo Hybrid Edition with an automatic transmission or the sprightlier Sports Tourer 1.2 Turbo. The Renault Clio, with its boot capacities ranging from 301 to 391 liters, doesn't quite match the Astra's flexibility. Nevertheless, the Renault efficiency shines through with a peak space of 1069 liters when seats are folded bottom to roof, although still short of the Opel's impressive 1339 liters. Seats, doors, and convenience features like Isofix come equally stocked in both models. To conclude, the Astra establishes itself as the pack mule of luggage carriers, with the Clio offering respectable, if not slightly lesser storage metrics.

Engines/drivetrain

Drivetrain options reveal the Astra's broad horizons with gear counts ranging from a single speed in its Electric GS variant to an eight-speed spectacle in models like the 1.2 Turbo Elegance automatic. The Clio keeps it more conventional, stretching from five to six gears across its range. When it steers into the engine cylinder territory, both hatchbacks offer a choice between punchy three and more robust four-cylinder engines. The Astra's heartbeats can oscillate from a calm 170 km/h minimum in the Electric GS to a fluttering 235 km/h in the GSe automatic. The Clio, whilst more modest, also puts up a respectable performance envelope between 160 km/h and 174 km/h. Power metrics favor the Astra yet again, with a broader range between 81 kW and a mighty 165 kW, whereas the Clio's powerplant options generate between 49 kW and 105 kW. However, the Clio could have a slight edge in urban agility, with its quicker acceleration time of 9.3 seconds (E-Tech Hybrid 145) in comparison to Astra's 10.0 seconds in a similar playing field. Taking all this into account, the Astra exhibits greater top-end dynamism, while the Clio focuses on serving the needs of the everyday urbanite.

Consumption/ecology

When we look at the unseen but highly impactful world of consumption and emissions, the cars exhibit distinctive traits. The Astra's tank can gulp down between 42 to 52 liters, depending on the model. In contrast, the Clio's thirst is quenched with 32 to 42 liters. As for carbon footprints, the Astra displays a broad spectrum, emitting as low as 22.0 g/km for the Hybrid Edition and up to 131.0 g/km for petrol-hungry variants. The Clio displays narrower confines with a green minimum of 96.0 g/km and topping out at 122.0 g/km – a commendable figure indeed. Lastly, these vehicles remain neighbor-friendly; you'd strain to hear the difference between the quietest Astra and the Clio, only distinguishable in silent reverie. In summary, if you're eco-conscious, the Clio has shown its ability to charm Mother Nature more effectively. However, for a longer adventure without the recharge pit stops, Astra's larger tank might just be your vessel of choice.

Weight/towing

The scales tell an interesting tale where the Opel Astra's weight varies significantly from 1332 kg to a hefty 1760 kg, compared to the lighter Renault Clio which tips anywhere between 1124 kg and 1331 kg. Public roads bestow upon the Astra the capacity to support a total weight between 1820 kg and 2200 kg, overshadowing the Clio's limits of 1530 kg to 1730 kg. When it comes to lugging a load, the Astra flexes its muscles by offering to tow braked trailers weighing between 1200 kg and 1550 kg, leaving the Clio in the dust with a 900 kg capability. Conversely, when the trailers are unbraked, the Clio exhibits great heart, with abilities close to the Astra's 660 kg minimum and 750 kg maximum, versus its own range of 560 kg to 665 kg. The climax of this towing narrative has the Clio sporting a higher max roof load and towbar load, albeit by slim margins. To encapsulate, the Astra may bear the crown of the heavyweight with broader carrying capacity, yet the Clio asserts a lighter touch suitable for less burdensome adventures.

EV