Details were released regarding the all-new Opel Astra, the great, great, great grandson of the original Kadett. The Astra, now in its eleventh generation has become lighter, more frugal and even more agile while at the same time even more comfortable. Should Volkswagens Golf be worried? We think so.
Opel is ready to add a new chapter to the history of its bestseller. The next generation Astra is based on an all-new lightweight vehicle architecture and will be powered by an array of their latest generation engines. However it is undoubtedly the looks of this new car that draws your attention.
The new Astra sculptural artistry catches the eye with a lighter, more athletic appearance instead of a muscular look. At the front, the striking new design seems as if it is focused on the road. It looks down right sexy according to us. What’s more is that the front headlamps seem as if they melt into the radiator grille to form a graphic unity. The also is a safety highlight in the new Astra with regards to the ground-breaking, Opel patented full-LED matrix light. The next generation LED matrix headlight enables driving with glare-free high beams and will be available in the compact class for the first time in the Astra.
The most significant design cue is the divided C-pillar, creating the impression of a floating roof. The interplay of light and shadow is emphasized by the horizontal crossbar above the brand logo linking the rear lights. The Astra does not just look smaller – it is smaller. With a total length of 4.37 meters it is almost five centimetres shorter than its predecessor. With a height of 1.46 meters it is also 2.6 centimetres smaller.
At the rear things remain stylish and to our eye resembles that of the Alfa Giulietta, which isn’t a bad thing. There are numerous curves and lines which attract your eyes and we see more passion in the design than on previous models.
Inside the new Astra the passion continues. The high-quality cockpit and the instrument panel seamlessly transfer the characteristic and aesthetic exterior design to the interior, thus ensuring that a new interior design generation is introduced in the new Astra. It is characterized by an especially clear look, also reflected by the reduced amount of control switches and buttons along with the large colour touchscreen in the centre stack.
Despite its smaller proportions, passengers in the rear can enjoy an additional 35 millimetres legroom. Furthermore, the distance between the front and rear seats has been increased – this improves travel comfort and sense of space.
Under the bonnet of the new Astra a member of a completely new engine portfolio can be found. Outputs range from 70kW to 147kW. The diesel and gasoline engines with a displacement of up to 1.6-litres.
By Autodealer
