2016
OPEL ASTRA
Opel
and compact class cars - this specific success story starts with the Kadett in
1936 and will be continued with the new Astra, the eleventh generation of an
Opel compact class car. So far, 24 million Kadett and Astra compact class
models have left the plants. And now 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, will only be driven by latest generation engines
and offers features previously only known from higher segments. The lean design
makes the new Astra look more athletic than ever before. To put it briefly, the
new Astra combines efficiency with elegance and will redefine the compact class
segment with its innovations. The Opel Astra will celebrate its world premiere
at the 2015 International Motor Show in Frankfurt (September 17 to 27).
"Three
values are decisive for the new Astra - efficiency, innovation and dynamic
performance," said Opel Group CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann. "Our
engineers developed it from the proverbial white sheet of paper. The new Astra
is up to 200 kilograms lighter than its predecessor - and its athletic design
makes this outwardly visible. Its dimensions are smaller but both spaciousness
and comfort have been increased considerably. Under the hood the Astra will
only feature engines of the latest generation. Numerous technologies and
assistance systems from higher segments increase the comfort and safety of the
Astra passengers, with our personal connectivity and service assistant Opel
OnStar, ultra-modern phone integration and the ground-breaking new adaptive
full-LED matrix light IntelliLux leading the way."
Lighter,
more frugal and agile and at the same time even more comfortable - the new Opel
Astra meets all of these demands thanks to its successful fitness program. The
visionary Monza Concept, unveiled at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show, was the
role model for the eleventh generation Opel compact class car. According to Dr.
Karl-Thomas Neumann, every element and every design feature of the Monza
concept reflects efficiency. The new Astra follows this vision rigorously.
Depending on the model and trim level it will be up to 200 kilograms - at the
very least 120 kilograms - lighter than its predecessor. The completely new
vehicle architecture plays a major role in the weight reduction. Every
component was checked for compact design and lightweight materials. The
bodyshell weight alone was reduced by 20 percent from 357 to 280 kilograms.
Additional, chassis-related measures resulted in another 50 kilograms of weight
reduction; these include high-strength and ultra-high-strength low-weight
steels, compact subframes as well as weight reductions to the front and rear
axle.
The
end result of this fitness program: agility and driving comfort are improved in
the new Astra. It is more responsive, corners better and gives a much more
direct overall driving experience. In a nutshell, the new Astra is more fun to
drive than ever before.
The
engine in the new Opel Astra supports this claim. Under the hood of every new
Astra a member of the completely new engine portfolio can be found. Outputs
range from 70 kW/95 hp to 147 kW/200 hp. The diesel and gasoline engines with a
displacement of up to 1.6 liters all have three things in common: they combine
highest efficiency with excellent responsiveness and running smoothness.
The
1.6 CDTI with a wide range of outputs starting at 70 kW/95 hp covers the diesel
offer whereas the 1.0 ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo (77 kW/105 hp) is the base
level gasoline engines. The highlight in the Astra engine portfolio is the
all-new 1.4 ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo, a four-cylinder unit from the same
family as the smaller but nonetheless powerful one-liter, three-cylinder
engine. The all-aluminum engine will make its debut with 107 kW/145 hp. It
impresses with dynamic responsiveness and high performance while curbing fuel
consumption. The engine delivers maximum torque of up to 250 Nm very early.
Maximum power is available between 1,800 and 4,000 rpm - perfect conditions for
driving pleasure in combination with efficiency. Based on its construction, the
new 1.4 ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo also adds less weight to the car. The
aluminum engine block alone weighs ten kilograms less than the forged steel
block of the current 1.4-liter turbo.
The
design of the new Astra also depicts efficiency and once again the Monza
Concept was the role model. The evolution of the Opel design philosophy
'Sculptural Artistry meets German Precision' ensures that the new Astra catches
the eye with a lighter, more athletic appearance instead of a muscular look.
The Opel Blitz in the center of the chrome bar on the grill and the
characteristic 'blade' raising towards the rear make the new Astra immediately
recognizable as a member of the Opel Family. The front headlamps melt into the
radiator grille to form a graphic unity. 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 centimeters shorter than
its predecessor. With a height of 1.46 meters it is also 2.6 centimeters
smaller. The dimensions obviously have an impact on aerodynamics and efficiency
with the new Astra boasting a drag coefficient below 0.30.
Smaller
on the outside but bigger on the inside -Opel engineers are responsible for
successfully squaring this circle. The wheelbase may have been reduced by two
centimeters but the amount of space inside increased. In combination with newly
designed seats, the passengers in the rear can enjoy an additional 35 millimeters
legroom. Furthermore, the distance between the front and rear seats was
increased - this improves travel comfort and sense of space. 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 color touchscreen in the center stack.
The
is an absolute novelty and safety highlight in the new Astra. The
ground-breaking, Opel patented full-LED matrix light of the next generation
enables driving with glare-free high beams and will be available in the compact
class for the first time in the Astra.
The
all-new Opel Astra is therefore not only safer, more comfortable, more
attractive and more modern than ever before, it is also lighter, more agile,
more aerodynamic and more efficient in every sense of the word. It is Opel's
road to the future.
