Opel’s fifth-generation Astra was updated a little
over two months ago and is now celebrating its public debut at the 2019
Frankfurt Motor Show.
Changes aren’t very broad, with the
exterior only gaining a revised bumper and new alloy wheel designs. It’s OK to
be surprised by that, especially since the Astra isn’t selling as well in
Europe as rivals such as the Seat Leon and Peugeot 308, and is nowhere near as
popular as the Skoda Octavia, Ford Focus or VW Golf.
What Opel have done instead is fit their compact
model with new PSA-sourced 1.2-liter three-cylinder petrol and 1.5-liter
four-cylinder diesel engines, as well as a new 9-speed automatic transmission –
resulting in a 19% overall efficiency increase. he 1.2-liter unit can be had with
either 109 HP, 128 HP or 143 HP, while the new
1.5-liter diesel boasts two stages of tune: 103 HP and 120 HP.
The German automaker also gave the Astra a grille
shutter system for improved airflow, an engine compartment cover and
deflector-shaped rear axle control arms in order to boost aerodynamic
efficiency. The result is a projected WLTP average fuel consumption figure of
4.4 l/100 km (53.4 US mpg) for the diesel and 5.3 l/100 km (44.3 US mpg) for
the petrol option.
As for its interior, there is the option of
inductive wireless charging for smartphones, a BOSE sound system and heated
windshield, while the 8-inch Multimedia Navi Pro infotainment system now works
alongside a more powerful rear-view camera and a new digital front camera that
can recognize vehicles, pedestrians and traffic signs. Also new is the gauge cluster which now features a
digital speedometer.
