Opel Astra 2022: Big Brother

How gladly would Opel have used the right of way and introduced the new compact class for the Stellantis Group, but somewhat grudgingly took note in Rüsselsheim that the Peugeot 308 should get the favor of the firstborn. The one and the other look chic, because like the compact Peugeot, the new Opel Astra is a successful and significantly better proportioned model than the current vehicle. Short overhangs, large wheels and a particularly remarkable C-pillar – the German creative department did a really good job there. The new Opel Astra is an impressive 4.37 meters long and 1.86 meters wide; This means that it is only four millimeters longer than before, with a wheelbase of 2.68 meters that is also only marginally changed. The load space holds a generous 422 liters.

From 2028, Opel only wants to sell electric models. It therefore looks as if the new Astra is one of the last completely new models with a wide range of drive systems from gasoline, diesel, plug-in hybrids and electric motors. Technically, the German-French relies on plug-in hybrids and an electric drive that will follow later, while the combustion engines are a rather tired number compared to the class leader from Wolfsburg and even compared to Ford Focus and Renault Megane. There are only 1.2-liter three-cylinder turbos with 81 kW / 110 and 96 kW / 130 PS. At least a 145 hp four-cylinder petrol engine is currently in the engine portfolio, but it will not have a future. Unchanged, the Opel Astra is neither available with a dual clutch transmission nor with all-wheel drive. Even high-performance sports versions such as the Golf GTI in its various expansion stages or even a more than 300 PS strong athlete such as the Golf R – Astra fans wait for all of this just as in vain as for a revival of the sporty OPC models.

Instead, there should be two plug-in hybrids by the start of the purely electric model in 2023, which, like the Peugeot 308, have either 180 or 225 hp. After all, there is still a diesel with a manageable 96 kW / 130 PS / 300 Nm, which is optionally available with a manual six-speed gearbox or an eight-speed automatic gearbox. The 1.5 liter diesel will probably lead a shadowy existence in the drive portfolio in the future, because when it comes to economical consumption, Opel relies on its two models with a plug for the Astra and the Peugeot 308 with the same drive. With the plug-in hybrids, the basic work is done by the well-known 1.6-liter four-cylinder turbo (150/180 hp / 250 Nm torque) from the Stellantis group shelf, which is powered by an electric motor installed on the front axle in its two power levels 81 kW / 110 PS / 320 Nm is supported. The lithium-ion battery hidden in the underbody has a capacity of 12.4 kWh. The golf competitor can cover distances of up to 60 kilometers in purely electric mode. The standard consumption is less than two liters of super per 100 kilometers, which means that the 52-liter tank volume of the pure combustion engine has been reduced to just 40 liters.

The Opel Astra comes with numerous driver assistance systems, LED headlights and animated instruments, as is standard in its class. The Stellantis technicians are particularly proud of the new, particularly comfortable seats, which can not only be adjusted electrically, but also air-conditioned or equipped with a massage function. The prices of the current Opel Astra 1.2 with 81 kW / 110 PS start at around 22,500 euros. In view of the tough competition, the new-generation Opel Astra, which will be available from the beginning of 2022, is unlikely to be more expensive.