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This is the new Opel Astra, which is expected in Ireland early in 2022. Now in its eighth generation, this is the first Astra to feature electrification, although as yet there will not be a full battery-electric version, just plug-in hybrids to go with the usual petrol and diesel options.
It marks a radical design departure for the Astra, adopting what Opel calls its ‘Vizor’ face that already exists on other models. The rest of the design is also more dynamic than on previous generations, with strong lines and a more premium look.
The new Astra has grown slightly in stature too, with a few millimetres’ extra width and length, but more importantly a full 13mm extra between the wheels. This means more interior space and even the boot volume has increased by 52 litres.
What will its rivals be?
The Astra was once a top-seller, but these days it has fallen way behind its rivals. To claw its way back up the sales table it will need to beat traditional competitors like the Ford Focus and Volkswagen Golf. More importantly though, it needs to beat crossovers and small SUVs including other Opels, such as the popular Mokka and Grandland. No matter how good it looks and how great the tech is, the Astra is going to have a hard time.
Any tech info?
Yes of course, because these days tech sells and Opel knows this, which is why the new Astra has a cool ‘Pure Panel’ dashboard comprising two 10-inch screens, one a central touchscreen and the other a digital instrument panel. Between them they cover most of the functions, but there are still a number of buttons for things like volume and climate control. It’s all very smartphone generation, but without going too far for those who have only just upgraded from their Nokia.
There’s also the option of Opel’s Intelli-Lux LED Pixel headlights, which allow some of the 168 LEDs to switch on or off depending on driving needs. Driver assistance systems include Intelli-Drive, which is an advanced driver assistance package that can control acceleration, braking and lane keeping on the motorway.
What will the range be like?
Opel has not yet confirmed the exact models for Ireland, but the full range includes traditional petrol and diesel models producing between 110- and 130hp. Then there will be the plug-in hybrids, offering power up to 225hp. The new Astra sits on the same platform from within the Stellantis group as the Peugeot 308, so we should see some peppy turbocharged engines that also provide good fuel economy.
Expectations?
The new Astra is a revolution for the model and should see it continue for many years to come but it’s unlikely to return to its sales heyday. Even so, it’s a very exciting new generation, especially in design and technology and, while it might have a hard time attracting attention away from some rivals, it promises to deliver all the things that have made previous Astras great.