The 11th generation of the Opel Astra presents itself with a more compact design, but greater habitability. Innovative technologies such as opel onstar and intellilink introduced into the range.
Few current production models have a history with the longevity of the Opel Astra. The brand's familiar compact now returns to the spotlight with its 11th generation and with a new philosophy, embodied in a new chassis and architecture, in a range of more powerful and efficient engines and also in technological content , one of the main calling cards of the new Astra. “The new Astra will continue our policy of making innovations available to a very wide audience that are only available in higher segments.The Astra will simultaneously mark the beginning of a new era at Opel, constituting a true quantum leap. Our engineers developed this model from a blank sheet, always with three main goals in mind: efficiency, connectivity and dynamics,” explains Opel Group CEO Karl-Thomas Neumann.
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To meet these goals, Opel has developed a family-friendly five-door compact that is 200 kilograms lighter than the previous generation, enhancing the level of safety equipment, comfort and connectivity with new generation systems like the Opel OnStar and Intellilink: “The new Astra is based on an entirely new lightweight architecture, powered exclusively by engines of the latest generation and guarantees total connection with the outside world through the innovative OnStar roadside and emergency assistance services , and the integration of 'smartphones' into the infotainment system.” Another technological innovation of the latest generation of the Astra is the integration of the IntelliLux LED array headlamps.
Despite its more compact dimensions, which translate into more efficient aerodynamics, the habitability and comfort on board have increased. One of the new features in the cabin are the Ergonomic AGR seats with massage, ventilation and more adjustments.
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All new Opel Astras are equipped with “air conditioning, leather-covered steering wheel, four electric windows, central door closing with remote control, rear-view mirrors with electric regulation and heating, on-board computer, speed controller with limiter, radio with USB port, Bluetooth system and integration of 'smartphones', and tire pressure monitoring system, among others. In terms of safety, standard equipment includes ESP Plus electronic stability control, ABS with EBD, front 'airbags', side 'airbags', curtain 'airbags' and Isofix fastenings for child seats.”
To fulfill the objective of offering a more dynamic and efficient model, Opel has endowed the Astra with a complete range of gasoline and diesel engines. "In Portugal, the line consists of engines with displacements between 1.0 and 1.6 liters. All thrusters have three characteristics in common: they combine high efficiency with excellent response and refinement.”
The version proposed for competition in this edition of the Essilor Car of the Year/Trophy Volante de Cristal is equipped with a 1.6 CDTI engine of 110 HP, a diesel engine that announces average consumption of 3.5 l/100 km and is offered for 24 770 euros in Innovation equipment level.
Text: Essilor Car of the Year Award / Crystal Steering Wheel Trophy
Images: Gonçalo Maccario / Car Ledger