Vauxhall has released the first photos of the 2020
Astra and the accompanying press release makes no mention of any design tweaks.
A close look at the pictures reveals why: the only changes we could identify
include the revised front bumper and new alloys.
So what is really new about the facelifted Astra
then? Well, Vauxhall says the new model is up to 19 percent more efficient
courtesy of new PSA-sourced 1.2-liter three-cylinder gasoline engines and
1.5-liter four-cylinder diesels, as well as a new nine-speed automatic
transmission. Furthermore, the Astra gains class-leading technology and
equipment.
Starting off with the engines, the big news is the
addition of the new 1.2-liter three-cylinder turbocharged petrol unit from PSA,
available in three states of tune: 110 PS and 195 Nm, 130
PS and 225 Nm, and 145 PS and 225 Nm. Each version is mated to a new PSA-sourced six-speed
manual gearbox as standard and preliminary WLPT fuel consumption data shows a
combined fuel economy as low as 53.3 mpg UK (5.3 l/100 km) with corresponding
CO2 emissions of 120 g/km CO2.
Moving on to the diesel range, the facelifted Astra
will be available with a new 1.5-liter three-cylinder common rail diesel engine
available in two states of tune. There’s an entry-level unit that makes 105 PS and 260 Nm of torque and a more powerful version producing
122 PS and 300 Nm of torque.
The base engine only comes with a six-speed manual
while the range-topping one also offers the option of a nine-speed automatic —
in which case peak torque is 285 Nm. Unsurprisingly, the diesels
are the most economical, with a projected WLTP average fuel consumption as low
as 64.2 mpg UK (4.4 l/100 km) and 117 g/km CO2.
Vauxhall says the gains in efficiency are also due
to development in the wind tunnel, making the Astra five-door the most
aerodynamic car in its class with a 0.26 Cd. The Astra Sports Tourer ranks
among the most aerodynamic compact wagons with 0.25 Cd. Measures include a
grille shutter system (both for the upper and lower grilles which open and
close independently) for improved airflow, an engine compartment cover,
deflector-shaped rear axle control arms, and underbody optimization.
Opel and Vauxhall also improved the Astra’s comfort
levels by fitting new shock absorbers and options such as inductive wireless
charging for smartphones, a high-end Bose sound system, and a heated
windscreen. As for the tech part, the 2020 Astra gains a new
digital front camera that recognizes vehicles, pedestrians, and traffic signs,
as well as a more powerful rearview camera that works in conjunction with the
new Multimedia Navi Pro infotainment system.
Speaking of which, Vauxhall says the multimedia
interface is smarter, faster and more intuitive while offering Apple CarPlay
and Android Auto compatibility. Customers can choose between three versions:
Multimedia Radio, Multimedia Navi and Multimedia Navi Pro, the latter with an
eight-inch touchscreen. A new instrument cluster with a digital speedometer has
been added as well.
