New Opel Astra: Lean athletic design
The next generation Astra is based on an all-new lightweight vehicle architecture
Opel and compact class cars. This specific success story starts with the Kadett in 1936 and will be continued with the new Astra, the eleventh generation of an Opel compact class car.
And now Opel is ready to add a new chapter to the history of its bestseller. The next generation Astra is based on an all-new lightweight vehicle architecture, will only be driven by latest generation engines and offers features previously only known from higher segments.
The lean design makes the new Astra look more athletic than ever before. To put it briefly, the new Astra combines efficiency with elegance and will redefine the compact class segment with its innovations. The Opel Astra will celebrate its world premiere at the International Motor Show in Frankfurt this spring, 17 to 27 September.
Lighter, more frugal and agile and even more comfortable, the new Opel Astra meets all of these demands thanks to its successful fitness program.
The visionary Monza Concept, unveiled at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show, was the role model for the eleventh generation Opel compact class car.
Depending on the model and trim level, it will be up to 200 kilograms, at the very least 120 kilograms, lighter than its predecessor. The completely new vehicle architecture plays a major role in the weight reduction. Every component was checked for compact design and lightweight materials.
The end result of this fitness programme: agility and driving comfort are improved in the new Astra. It is more responsive, corners better and gives a much more direct overall driving experience. In a nutshell, the new Astra is more fun to drive than ever before.
Under the bonnet of every new Astra is a completely new engine to be found. Outputs range from 70 kW to 147 kW. The diesel and fuel engines with a displacement of up to 1.6 litres all have three things in common. They combine highest efficiency with excellent responsiveness and running smoothness.
The 1.6 CDTI with a wide range of outputs starting at 70 kW covers the diesel offer whereas the 1.0 ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo 77 kW is the base level for the fuel engines. The highlight in the Astra engine portfolio is the all-new 1.4 ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo, a four-cylinder unit from the same family as the smaller, but nonetheless powerful, one-litre, three-cylinder engine.
The all-aluminium engine will make its debut with a 107 kW power output. The engine delivers a maximum torque of up to 250 Nm. Maximum power is available between 1 800 and 4 000 rpm. Based on its construction, the new 1.4 ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo also adds less weight to the car. The aluminum engine block alone weighs ten kilograms less than the forged steel block of the current 1.4 litre turbo.
The evolution of the Opel design philosophy ‘Sculptural Artistry meets German Precision’ ensures that the new Astra catches the eye with a lighter, more athletic appearance instead of a muscular look.
The front headlamps melt into the radiator grille to form a graphic unity. The most significant design cue is the divided C-pillar, creating the impression of a floating roof. The interplay of light and shadow is emphasized by the horizontal crossbar above the brand logo linking the rear lights. The Astra does not just look smaller, it is smaller.
Smaller on the outside but bigger on the inside, Opel engineers are responsible for successfully squaring this circle. The wheelbase may have been reduced by two centimeters, but the amount of space inside increased.
The high-quality cockpit and the instrument panel seamlessly transfer the characteristic and visual exterior design to the interior, thus ensuring that a new interior design generation is introduced in the new Astra.
The next generation of the IntelliLink infotainment system will celebrate its debut in the new Astra. As it is compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay (when Apple and Google make these systems available in South Africa), it will facilitate bringing the world of smartphones into the car, a premiere in the compact class segment.
Each system builds off of the features smartphone users rely on most. Android Auto is built around Google Maps, Google Now and the ability to talk to Google, as well as a growing audio and messaging app ecosystem that includes WhatsApp, Skype, Google Play Music, Spotify, and podcast players.
A full list of supported apps is available at Android.com/auto. Apple CarPlay takes the iPhone features you’d want to access while driving and puts them on the vehicle’s display in a smart, simple manner.
That allows drivers to make calls, send and receive messages and listen to music right from the touchscreen or by voice via Siri. Apple CarPlay supported apps include Phone, Messages, Maps, Music and compatible third party apps.
A full list of those apps can be found at Apple.com/ios/carplay. The functions can be controlled via the large, up to eight-inch touchscreen located high on the centre stack, via remote control on the steering wheel (volume) or via voice control.
Future Astra owners (in some markets) can look forward to a string of further safety, driver assistance and comfort systems.
These are:
• Traffic Sign Assistant
• Lane Keep Assist
• Lane Departure Warning
• Following Distance Indication
• Forward Collision Alert
• Collision Imminent Braking
• Cruise control with speed limiter
• Advanced Park Assist
• Rear view camera
• Side Blind Spot Alert.
The all-new Opel Astra is not only safer, more comfortable, more attractive and more modern than before, it is also lighter, more agile, more aerodynamic and more efficient in every sense of the word. This is Opel’s vision to the future.
The new Opel Astra is under consideration for introduction in South Africa in 2016. The model range, specification, and pricing will be announced closer to launch.
