New Opel Astra 2022: for the first time, available with hybrid engines

The pre-sale phase will not start until the end of this year, and deliveries will begin in early 2022. But Opel already gives us a full look at the new Opel Astra, the sixth generation of a model whose origins go back three decades, to the Kadett.

The new Opel compact, which is initially presented in the five-door bodystyle variant, shares its platform with the also new Peugeot 308. Later, estate versions could arrive, as well as a variant with a slightly off-road approach, the Opel Astra Cross. Both models from the Stellantis group, together with the new Citroën C4, will compete for the crown in the compact category. A leadership position that is getting very expensive, with cars that keep moving up a level, always with the Volkswagen Golf in their sights. In the compact Top Sellers ranking with the best-selling models so far in 2021, the leader is still the Seat León, with the Toyota Corolla and the Renault Mégane on the podium.

Design of the new Opel Astra: following in the footsteps of the Mokka

Outwardly, the new Opel Astra makes no secret of its inspiration from the new Opel Mokka, the first model to introduce the brand’s new design language based on the Vizor concept, and which has since been joined by the Crossland and Grandland SUVs. Its exterior dimensions are 4,374 mm long, 1,860 mm wide and 1,470 mm high, with a wheelbase of 2,675 mm.

While the wheelbase increases by 13 mm, the length grows by only 4 mm, thanks to very short overhangs, especially at the front. This, together with the combination of straight lines and the characteristic front end, gives the new Astra a very dynamic appearance. In addition, it will be available in versions with a two-tone finish and a contrasting roof. And it won’t lack the latest evolution of the Intelli-Lux LED Pixel headlights, which have already become a hallmark and a symbol of technological leadership for the brand, and which are currently available on the Opel Grandland.

The longer wheelbase has a direct impact on the cabin and the boot, where Opel promises more room for passengers and more luggage volume. Versions with combustion engines offer a boot capacity of 422 litres, which will be slightly smaller in the hybrid versions.

Digitalised interior: up to 20 inches of screens

At the driver’s position, the dashboard repeats the angular design of the bodywork, embracing digitalisation with a new generation of the Pure Panel system debuted on the Mokka. The top versions feature two 10-inch screens, one behind the steering wheel and another in the centre of the dashboard angled towards the driver, both with a special coating to prevent reflections. Of course, the system offers connectivity with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, now without the need for a cable.

Below the central screen there is a panel of physical buttons for some main functions, although they are very “camouflaged” in the design. In automatic versions, the console between the seats is much more open, as it dispenses with the usual gear lever, replacing it with a “by wire” control with buttons to select the gear.

Engines of the new Opel Mokka: petrol, diesel and two plug-in hybrids

The first electrified Opel Astra in history will continue to offer combustion engines, both petrol and diesel, all already familiar within the brand… and the group. The three-cylinder 1.2 Turbo petrol will be split into 110 and 130 CV versions, while the turbodiesel will be the four-cylinder 1.5 with 130 CV. All will come as standard with a 6-speed manual gearbox, and the two most powerful ones can optionally be fitted with an 8-speed automatic gearbox.

But the absolute novelty comes with the two plug-in hybrid versions, based on the propulsion system combining the 1.6 turbo petrol engine in 150 or 180 CV versions with a 110 CV electric motor. The power outputs are those this powertrain already offers in other group models: 180 or 225 CV, with a electric-mode range that should clearly exceed 50 km, thanks to the 12.4 kWh battery.

Later, towards the end of 2022 or early 2023, a fully electric version could arrive, since the platform is prepared for it.

New Opel Astra image gallery