The new Opel Astra, which made its world premiere last year in Frankfurt, has now arrived in Malta.
The new model is nothing less than a quantum leap for the compact class in terms of efficiency, connectivity and premium features, packed in a new, athletic design.
Lighter, more frugal and agile while offering even greater comfort, the new Astra reflects efficiency with every component. It consistently realises this vision: depending on the model and trim level, it is up to 200kg lighter than the outgoing model, mainly due to its completely new vehicle architecture. The result of this weight reduction is improved agility and driving comfort. Tis means that the new Astra is more fun to drive than ever before.
The Astra powertrain line-up also plays a big role in this enhanced driving experience: each new Astra features a member of the completely new engine portfolio with outputs ranging from 70kW/95hp to 147kW/200hp. The petrol and diesel engines with a displacement up to 1.6 litres all combine highest efficiency with excellent responsiveness, running smoothness and low noise generation. The all-new 1.4 ecotec direct injection turbo engine makes its premiere in the Astra. The four-cylinder unit with weight-saving all-aluminum design delivers 92kW/125hp or 110kW/150hp and up to 245Nm maximum torque.
The new Astra is also a trailblazer in terms of connectivity, comfort and safety technologies
Depending on the output version, consumption in the combined cycle decreases down to 4.9 litres per 100km. The three-cylinder 1.0 ecotec direct injection turbo engine with 77kW/105hp is the most frugal engine in the petrol line-up, with consumptions that can be as low as 4.2 litres per 100km. And all versions of the 1.6 CDTI whisper diesel with 70kW/95hp, 81kW/110hp and 100kW/136hp and a manual six-speed transmission have CO2 emissions below 100g/km.
The styling of the new Astra also radiates pure efficiency. The evolution of the Opel design philosophy ‘Sculptural Artistry meets German Precision’ ensures that the new Astra conveys a lighter, more athletic appearance. In front the newly designed double grille bar and radiator grille flow seamlessly into the sharply defined matrix headlights. The most significant design cue is the breakthrough C-pillar, which creates the impression of a floating roof. With this leaner, streamlined body, the standard version of the new Astra currently already boasts an outstanding drag coefficient of 0.285.
Opel engineers get the credit for successfully squaring this circle. Rear-seat passengers benefit from a whopping 35mm more legroom than before. The cockpit also embodies the efficiency maxim: the number of knobs and buttons has been reduced to a minimum and most infotainment functions transferred to the touch-screen. Control ergonomics remain outstanding while clarity has been dramatically improved.
The award-winning IntelliLink infotainment system is located in the middle of the centre console, where the driver has an excellent view of the display and ideal access to its operation.
The new Astra is also a trailblazer in terms of connectivity, comfort and safety technologies: it is the first new Opel model that is available with the personal connectivity and service assistant Opel OnStar from its launch. In addition, two new IntelliLink versions celebrate their debut in the Astra, enabling top smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The intelligent IntelliLux LED matrix light in the new Astra, which automatically ensures maximum use of high beam lighting efficiency without glaring other drivers is another absolute novelty and safety highlight. There are also many innovative assistance systems based on the latest-generation Opel Eye front camera that further support the driver: more extensive and accurate traffic sign assist, lane keep assist now with automatic steering correction and front collision alert with autonomous emergency braking.