Opel would have liked to be the first brand in the new Stellantis Group to introduce the new generation of compact-class models with the new Astra. But this honor now goes to the Peugeot 308. Whatever the case, one or the other looks chic. Like the compact Peugeot, the new Opel is a successful and significantly better proportioned model than the current Astra.
With the short body overhangs, the large wheels and the pretty C-pillar (the area behind the side windows), the German creative department has made a good hit. In numbers: the new Astra is 4.37 meters long and 1.86 meters wide. It is only four millimeters longer than before. However, its load space has a capacity of 422 liters – spacious for this vehicle segment.
Petrol, diesel, plug-in …
Since Opel only wants to sell electric models from 2028, the new Astra is likely to be one of the last completely new models with a wide range of drives consisting of gasoline, diesel and plug-in hybrids. Above all, however, the two plug-in drives are to be accelerated. Probably for this reason there are only the small 1.2-liter three-cylinder petrol engines with 110 or 130 hp and the 1.5-liter diesel with 130 hp and either a six-speed gearbox or an eight-speed automatic.
… not a pure Stromer and …
Despite rumors to the contrary, there will be no pure Astra electric version. According to Stellantis insiders, the space to accommodate the corresponding battery packs in the vehicle underbody is simply too little. And so the two plug-in hybrid versions of the new Astra will have to be addressed, which are available with 180 or 225 hp like the Peugeot 308. The basic work is done by the well-known 1.6-liter four-cylinder turbo gasoline engine from the corporate shelf, which is supported by an electric motor with 81 kW (110 PS) installed on the front axle.
The lithium-ion battery hidden in the underbody for the electric motor has a capacity of 12.4 kWh. The new Astra can thus cover distances of up to 60 kilometers on a purely electric basis. And because the possible average fuel consumption is less than two liters per 100 kilometers, the 52-liter tank volume of the pure combustion engine has been reduced to just 40 liters for the plug-in variants.
… no sport variants
As is customary in its class, the new Astra is equipped with various driver assistance systems, LED headlights and animated instruments. The Stellantis technicians are particularly proud of the new, particularly comfortable seats, which can not only be adjusted electrically, but also air-conditioned or equipped with a massage function. Double clutch transmissions or all-wheel drive, on the other hand, will not be available for the new generation either. Astra fans also have to wait in vain for high-performance sports versions à la VW Golf GTI or the revival of the sporty OPC models.
The prices of the current Opel Astra 1.2 with 110 hp start at 25,410 francs. In view of the fierce competition in this hard-fought segment, the new-generation Astra, which will be available from the beginning of 2022, is unlikely to be much more expensive.