Opel is transferring the new-generation Astra compact upscale with two ranges of plug-in hybrid power, an all-digital dashboard and improved driver-assistance strategies.
The Astra has moved to a Stellantis platform, the third-generation EMP2 construction for compact and midsize autos, from a Widespread Motors one.
Manufacturing for Opel and Vauxhall variations begins this autumn at Opel’s manufacturing unit in Reusselsheim, Germany, with the first deliveries firstly of 2022. The current Astra is inbuilt Gliwice, Poland, and Ellesmere Port, England.
A station wagon version will adjust to the launch of a five-door hatchback.
The model new Astra – the sixth know-how of the model – is 4 mm longer than the sooner model, nevertheless the wheelbase is 13 mm longer, rising inside space.
Opel did not launch prices or full technical particulars on Tuesday, nevertheless the Astra’s drivetrain decisions are anticipated to be similar to these of the sibling model Peugeot 308. Interior-combustion-only choices embrace gasoline and diesel engines with power ranges between 110 and 130 hp. Plug-in hybrid output is 180 or 225 hp.
Peugeot has said it’s going to assemble a full-electric mannequin of the 308 for 2023, nevertheless Opel has not confirmed that an Astra EV is inside the works.
Opel says the Astra’s driving dynamics have been optimized for high-speed journey on Germany’s autobahns, with the development’s torsional rigidity 14 p.c higher than the current know-how.
The Astra is the first Opel to attribute the all-digital Pure Panel cockpit, which has two 10-inch reveals, a central show and the instrument panel that are positioned side by side with an built-in air vent.
There is not a hood over the reveals to defend in opposition to glare or reflections, which Opel says are prevented by a “shutter-like layer.”
A head-up present will be accessible.
Driver assist and safety choices embrace adaptive cruise administration, energetic lane positioning and rear cross-traffic alerts.
The Astra is the third Opel model to utilize the mannequin’s new horizontally oriented “Vizor” grille after the model new Mokka small SUV and face-lifted Grandland compact SUV.
Opel will be hoping the Astra builds on the product sales success of two totally different fashions developed given that mannequin was bought by then-PSA Group in 2017, the small Corsa and the Mokka. CEO Michael Lohscheller told Automotive News Europe in an interview in April that the model new Astra is a cornerstone of Opel’s plans to increase amount, notably as a result of the mannequin expands exterior of Europe.
It will compete with the Volkswagen Golf, the longtime chief inside the mainstream compact part. The Astra ranked ninth in European product sales last yr inside the part, with 70,008 product sales, a 48 p.c decline from 2019, in response to figures from JATO Dynamics market researchers. The Golf led the part with 283,651 product sales.
The Golf is adopted by the Skoda Octavia, Ford Focus, Toyota Corolla, Seat Leon, 308, Kia Niro and Renault Megane, which moreover has a plug-in hybrid selection.
Fairly a number of fashions have plug-in decisions, each hybrid or full-electric: The Citroen C4 returns to the part this yr with a full-electric selection; the Niro has every plug-in hybrid and full-electric decisions; and the VW e-Golf full electrical has been modified by the marginally greater ID3 EV, nevertheless a plug-in selection stays with the Golf GTE.