Since the first generation that the van of the Opel Astra continues to be preferred in many markets — even in the unusual 2020, 51% of total Astra sales were from the van (source JATO).
You wouldn't expect anything other than a van also in the new generation of the Astra — recently and officially presented and which we've already been able to try out, albeit as a test prototype. This is despite the threat posed by the SUV/Crossover, which is putting enormous pressure on the sales figures for this bodywork.
However, with Opel Germany as “home” which, in addition to being the biggest European market, is also the biggest world market for vans, both in absolute and relative terms, it could do nothing but go with it.
Camouflaged but unmistakable
Once called Caravan, now called Sports Tourer, a name that should remain in this sixth generation, the spy photos of the new Opel Astra van show a partially camouflaged test prototype that manages to disguise the contours of the elongated rear volume, despite hiding effectively your stylistic details.
It is from the B pillar that the saloon and van diverge. On the side we can see a new tailgate and the addition of a third window, while behind it is the new, large tailgate that stands out. However, the rear optical groups, at first glance, do not appear to be different in shape from those used in the saloon.
Moreover, in addition to the expected greater load capacity, not many more differences are foreseen for the known saloon.
The new Opel Astra van will use the same mechanics and, of course, the unprecedented plug-in hybrid variants that we've seen on the five-door saloon. It remains to be confirmed whether the future Opel e-Astra, the 100% electric variant announced during the official presentation of the model and which will be launched in 2023, will also be accompanied by the van.
When will we see her without camouflage?
If the new Opel Astra is scheduled to start production later this year in Rüsselsheim, Germany, it is expected that in early 2022 the van will be unveiled.