The Astra range starts the year in strength, thanks to the renewed range of engines and the new line of OPC Line equipment (in the pictures).
Building on the national and international success of the 10th generation of the Opel Astra, the German brand debuts in 2017 two new top-of-the-range engines for its best-seller: 1.6 Gasoline turbo with 200 hp and 1.6 BiTurbo CDTI diesel with 160 hp (check the price list at the end of the article).
In the gasoline version, the most powerful in the range, the brand's engineers implemented numerous optimizations in the intake and exhaust systems, with the aim of substantially reducing noise levels. In this version, the 1.6 Turbo ECOTEC engine is capable of delivering 200 hp of power and a torque of 300 Nm, allowing the Astra to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 7.0 seconds, before reaching a top speed of 235 km /H.
In the Diesel version, the main trump card of the 1.6 BiTurbo CDTI engine is its responsiveness even from very low engine speeds. More than 160 hp of power, the highlight goes to the maximum torque of 350 Nm available as early as 1500 rpm.
These two units thus join the range of the latest generation of Opel engines, which also includes the 1.0 Turbo (105 hp), 1.4 Turbo (150 hp), 1.6 CDTI (95 hp), 1.6 CDTI (110 hp) and 1.6 CDTI (136 hp). But that's not all.
OPC Line
In terms of aesthetics, Opel is now proposing a new OPC Line series, as we have already mentioned (see here), which is exclusive to the new 1.6 Turbo and will appear as an option in other engines. On the outside, this version is distinguished by new side skirts and redesigned front and rear bumpers, for an even lower and wider appearance. At the front, the grille (which reinforces the dynamic look) and the horizontal lamellae, which take the theme from the main grille, stand out. Further back, the rear bumper is bulkier than the other versions, and the number plate is inserted in a deeper concavity limited by creased lines.
Inside, as usual in OPC Line models, the lining of the roof and pillars takes on darker tones. The standard equipment list includes sports seats, light and rain sensors, automatic mid/high switching, traffic sign recognition system, lane departure warning system (with autonomous steering correction) and imminent forward collision warning (with autonomous emergency braking), among others. When it comes to infotainment and connectivity, IntelliLink and Opel OnStar systems are also standard.
TEST: 110hp Opel Astra Sports Tourer 1.6 CDTI: wins and convinces
The OPC Line is available in two tiers: the OPC Line I package, with bumpers and side skirts, and the OPC Line II package, which adds 18-inch alloy wheels and tinted rear windows. In both variants, the interior has black linings on the roof and pillars, instead of the traditional light tone. The first level will be available in the Dynamic Sport and Innovation equipment versions, while the more complete package is fitted as standard with the new Astra 1.6 Petrol Turbo, available from €28,260.Check the prices of the Astra range for Portugal:
