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Pros: refinement, modern design
Cons: manual gearbox could be better, interior materials won’t age well
A well-known name in Ireland, the Opel Astra has been a stalwart of the hatchback segment for many years. Now part of the expansive Stellantis group, Opel is undergoing something of a resurgence and the all-new Astra is the latest product to showcase that.
Opel Astra Design
A clean-sheet design sees the Opel Astra shake off its conservative image favouring a modern look that echoes the form already seen in the Mokka crossover and updated Grandland SUV. Opel uses the same underpinnings as the Peugeot 308, which means hatchback and estate versions with a variety of engine options that will include a fully electric version time.
The bold design is a significant step-change from its predecessor with details such as the ‘Vizor’ grille design giving the Astra an instantly recognisable look. LED headlights feature, while top-end models come with Opel’s latest IntelliLux adaptive pixel lighting technology.
Sticking mainly to the same exterior dimensions as the last generation, the Astra comes initially as a five-door hatchback. All but base versions receive a contrasting black roof that adds to the design by visually reducing height and emphasising the C-pillar design, which itself is a nod to the Opel Kadett D.
Clean lines, taut surfaces and flattering proportions mark out the Astra as a distinctive looking car. Slender rear lights emphasise its width while also creating a compass-like lighting signature.
Opel Astra Interior
The rehabilitation of the Astra continues on the inside with a look that designers call ‘detoxed’. That means a simpler, cleaner look, including Opel’s Pure Panel dashboard layout comprising of a pair of 10-inch digital displays. The infotainment system is better to use than previously and offers Android and Apple devices wireless connectivity. Some models will include a wireless charging pad on the centre console, too. Material quality to a degree has also moved up a notch, but the use of glossy piano black in parts leaves it susceptible to scratches and fingerprints.
Rear passenger space is quite reasonable for the segment while the boot, at 422 litres, is larger than those of the Ford Focus and Volkswagen Golf. Plug-in hybrid models get a small boot capacity reduction to 352 litres.
Opel Astra Performance & Drive
The Astra will initially come in diesel and petrol flavours with the first of two plug-in hybrids set to come later in 2022. Diesel power may be waning in popularity for private buyers, but it remains popular for those that cover longer distances, and the 1.5-litre four-cylinder unit produces 130hp and 300Nm. The diesel puts in its best performance over longer journeys and when paired with Opel’s slick eight-speed automatic.
A turbocharged 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine matches the diesel’s 130hp output and has a more pleasant character. Gutsy and willing, it happily pulls the Astra along with an eager thrum. The manual gearbox has a slightly long throw between gears, but aside from that, it is quite a complete package and ideal for most buyers. Nicely tuned suspension soaks up big bumps with ease and provides a well-damped ride.
The fully electric Astra won’t arrive until next year, but the first of two plug-in hybrids showcases the Opel’s versatility. Using a 12.4kWh battery located in the rear, an 81kW (110hp) electric motor works in partnership with a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine to produce a combined output of 180hp with an electric driving range of 60 kilometres. When driving with only battery power the Astra is impressively hushed and yet sufficiently powerful to cope with most situations, including motorway cruising speeds.
Urban and town driving is where the Astra hybrid does its best work and even when the battery’s charge depletes, the hybrid experience remains quiet with the petrol engine only activating when required.
Opel Astra Pricing
Opel is still finalising pricing for the Astra ahead of the first cars arriving in June. Opel will offer three specification grades — SC, SRI and Elite — and expand the range later in the year with a pair of plug-in hybrids and an estate version called the Sports Tourer.
Carzone Verdict: 4/5
On looks alone, Opel is onto a winner with the new Astra. The interior layout and quality have taken an incremental step up while the available equipment ensures that it is adequately future-proofed. A long-time mid-pack car in the hatchback segment is now worthy of its place at the sharp end.