About two months ago we had already driven it, in Rüsselsheim, Germany, but only now we have seen it for the first time in Portuguese “lands”. Here is the new Opel Astra, which arrives in Portugal in the first quarter of 2022 with a new design, more technology and new engines.
Opel has a long tradition when it comes to compact family members. It all started in 1936, with the first Kadett, which would eventually change its name — to Astra — in 1991. Since then, the Astra has sold around 15 million units, a number that clearly shows the importance of this model for the German brand.
And this new Astra has everything to continue this success story. For the first time it leaves General Motors' technical base and adopts the same mechanical base as the new Peugeot 308 and DS 4 (EMP2). Added to that is the fact that it is the last Astra to use combustion engines (Opel will be 100% electric from 2028), as we explained to you in our latest YouTube video:
striking image
But talking about the new Astra forces us to start with the image, as this is where this new German compact starts to stand out. The front end with the Vizor signature — which we already know from the Mokka — doesn't go unnoticed and gives the new Astra a huge presence on the road.
Along with the torn luminous signature, which is always in LED on all versions (optionally you can opt for Intellilux lighting with 168 LED elements) and with the very pronounced crease on the hood, the front grille of this Astra, which hides all sensors and driving aid system radars give this model a special character, but always in line with the brand's visual language.
In profile, it's the very sloping rear pillar, the heavily muscled shoulder line and the short front and rear overhangs that stand out the most.
digital interior
But if the Astra has changed a lot on the outside, believe me the changes on the inside were no less impressive. A commitment to digitization and ease of use is notorious.
Only physical controls are indispensable, the instrumentation is always digital and the multimedia central screen allows integration (wireless) with a smartphone via Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. These two screens can have up to 10” each and are integrated in a single panel, creating a kind of continuous glass surface — Pure Panel — that works very well visually.
The very clean dashboard with very horizontal lines is complemented by a center console that is also much simpler, although it hides several storage spaces and a charging compartment for the smartphone.
The seats — with AGR ergonomics certificate — are very comfortable and allow a very satisfying fit. At the back, in the second row of seats, in addition to two ventilation outlets in the center and a USB-C port, we have enough space for two adults to be able to accommodate themselves comfortably.
In the trunk, and because of the slightly larger dimensions, the Astra now offers 422 liters of capacity, 50 liters more than the current generation model.
Overall, the interior of the new Astra feels a lot nicer and there's a noticeable leap in terms of quality, even though the version that Opel showed journalists in Portugal is “pre, pre, pre, pre production”, as those responsible for the German brand explained.
But this was only noticed by some flaws in joins and some noise, something that will certainly be fixed in the final production version.
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Hello Electrification!
Opel is committed to electrification and has already confirmed that it wants to have electric versions of all its models by 2024, four years before the complete transition to “zero emissions”, which will take place from 2028.
And for that very reason, this new Astra presents itself for the first time with plug-in hybrid versions (PHEV) and in 2023 it will receive an exclusively electric variant (Astra-e). But despite everything, it continues to offer Diesel and petrol engines, with the German brand defending — for now — the “power of choice”.
Starting with the plug-in hybrid versions, which are two, they are based on a 1.6 turbo gasoline engine, an 81 kW (110 hp) electric motor and a 12.4 kWh lithium-ion battery. The less powerful version will have a combined maximum power of 180 hp and the more powerful 225 hp.
In terms of autonomy, and although the final number has not yet been homologated, Opel expects the Astra PHEV to be able to cover 60 km free of emissions.
As for the combustion versions, they will be based on just two engines: the 1.2 turbo three-cylinder gasoline engine with 130 hp and the 1.5 turbo diesel with 130 hp. In both cases, they can be combined with a six-speed manual transmission or an eight-speed automatic transmission.
And the van?
As it should be, at least in the Portuguese market, where this type of bodywork still has some fans, the Astra will also hit the market in the more familiar variant (van), called the Sports Tourer.
The reveal is scheduled for the next December 1st, but the launch is only expected in the second half of 2022.
Prices
The five-door version, which we have just seen live, arrives at Opel dealers in our country in the first quarter of next year, but can be ordered from next week. Prices start at 25 600 euros.