These are first pictures and details of Opel’s new Astra. The re-invented sixth-generation family hatch will have petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid powertrains.
By Eddie Cunningham
It is due here early next year. Prices and equipment levels will not be announced until nearer the launch date.
Described as a “sporty five-door2, it is just 4mm longer than the outgoing model. That means it is 4,374mm long and 1,860mm wide.
Short overhangs keep its length to similar current model dimensions despite a 13mm increase in the wheelbase (now 2,675mm).
The boot, with its adjustable floor, has 422 litres of luggage room.
The car also looks wider thanks to the Opel Blitz emblem stretching across the front.
At the rear the rear, the emblem also acts as a latch for the tailgate.
The chassis is 14pc stiffer than the current model, so handling and ride should be good.
Inside there is the next generation of the Pure Panel digital cockpit (first introduced in the Mokka). This comprises two 10-inch integrated horizontal displays.
Important settings such as climate control can still be operated via crafted keys – that’s a relief.
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Opel’s new sixth-generation Astra, described as a ‘sport 5dr’
Opel says you do not need cables any more as the new generation of infotainment systems can be connected as standard to wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto – operated by voice control or by touch.
Automated driver assistance systems include the multifunction camera in the windscreen, four body cameras (one front, one rear, each side), five radar, and a number of ultrasonic, sensors front and rear.
Inclusion of some other features depends on trim and transmission choices. These include hands-off detection, rear cross-traffic alert, long-range blind-spot detection, active lane positioning and adaptive cruise control.
The plug-in hybrids, with up to 225hp on tap, will go on sale at the same time as the petrols and diesels (ranging in power from 110hp to 130hp).
A six-speed gearbox is standard on petrols and diesels but you can opt for the eight-speed automatic transmission (electrified on the plug-ins) with the more powerful engines.
Details of the new Astra come after Opel recently announced it will only produce electric cars from 2028.
As a step towards that end it is building several models such as the new Astra with electrified variants.
It says it will already have nine ‘electrified’ models on sale this year. ‘Electrified’ usually means hybrid or plug-in. Opel claims all its models will be ‘electrified’ by 2024.
Significantly, on the global front, it is also to set up in the world’s largest automobile market, China, as a ‘purely electric’ brand.
Opel Manta-e Concept, which the company plans to start making by mid-decade
Making the announcement, Opel chief Michael Lohscheller said the future of the automotive industry is electric.
China is the largest automotive market in the world and they expect to “grow profitably” there.
And, forget about business for a moment: it would do your heart good to hear the Opel Manta name will celebrate its comeback as a purely electric car.
After huge feedback the brand got when it proposed an Opel Manta GSe ElektroMOD, it decided to start making the model by mid-decade.
Originally published at Independent