Opel Astra 2016, presentation and test drive in Madrid

The Opel Astra 2016 has just arrived and it is stronger, more connected, more technological, safer and more efficient than ever. The fifth generation of the model that represents the backbone of the brand based in Rüsselsheim has been on sale since last November, and I travelled to Madrid to get to know in detail all the strengths of the new Astra.

By way of a preview, I can tell you that the German company, part of General Motors, has pulled out all the stops with the Astra 2016. Its focus on technology and the various safety assistants it includes, its connectivity, the newly developed chassis, a considerable weight reduction and the new IntelliLux technology of its matrix headlights are a true first in the segment and, without doubt, the feature that will allow it to stand out from the fierce competition in the market.

Exterior design

The new Opel Astra 2016 debuts a new design language for the brand. Its basis is the Opel Monza Concept, presented several years ago at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Starting at the front, we find a new double grille with the brand’s latest logo in the centre; the bumper is now more pronounced, with two fins that separate the fog lights from the rest of the lower grille, as well as the IntelliLux LED matrix headlights, a first for the brand and for segment C.

Moving to the side, where, with its five-door bodywork, we find a roofline that rises progressively along the A-pillar to create a floating roof effect at the C-pillar. This is achieved thanks to a trim piece finished in glossy black that separates the bodywork from the roof at that pillar, while the B-pillar is finished in the same colour.

The new Opel Astra features the design language of the Monza concept

The design line joins the side indicators with the rear light cluster of the Astra 2016. At the same time, it runs through both door handles, while in the lower part of the doors we find a second double design line. The overhangs are narrow, and the wheel arches allow us to choose from a range of wheel designs in 15 (steel wheel with trim), 16, 17 and 18-inch sizes.

We arrive at the rear of the Opel Astra 2016. The drop of the rear window is not very pronounced, it incorporates an integrated upper spoiler, the tailgate is minimalist, it features the new brand logo, which protrudes and includes the boot opening mechanism. The rear light cluster can feature LED lighting technology, while the bumper includes a rear diffuser that houses two oval exhaust outlets, depending on the engine and trim.

But the main novelty in its design is the significant weight reduction it has compared with its predecessor. Up to 77 kilograms are saved in the bare body and structure alone, another 50 kilograms have been gained in the design and components of the chassis, the exhaust is lighter, the overhangs are shorter and the wheels weigh up to 11.5 kilograms less. The rest of the weight saving, ranging between 120 and 200 kilograms, is achieved thanks to the new engines.

But the new Astra is also now 5 cm shorter, with a length of 4.37 metres, its height has been reduced by 2.5 cm to 1.48 metres and its width is 0.5 cm less, measuring 1.81 metres. These dimensional adjustments mean it obtains an improvement in aerodynamic drag coefficient, standing at 0.31 Cx.

Interior design

We move on to the interior, where the lightning bolt brand has taken a major step forward in terms of finish quality and design. As well as being more connected than ever, it debuts a new design language with better materials, advanced seats, an infotainment system with a seven-inch touchscreen and greater roominess thanks to its increased size.

The steering wheel of the Opel Astra 2016 is newly designed but inherited from the new Opel Corsa; the instrument panel includes a digital screen for the on-board computer and the IntelliLink infotainment system features another seven-inch touchscreen. The brand claims it has tried to reduce the number of buttons and switches as much as possible, although we still find perhaps too many, which can cause confusion.

Another of the main novelties, and bets, of the German firm for the new Opel Astra are the AGR ergonomic seats with massage function. In the top trims, the seats are electrically adjustable and the driver’s seat has a memory function. In addition, thanks to the new exterior dimensions, the interior has gained usable space, which is noticeable in the legroom for rear-seat passengers, with 35 mm more, and in the driver’s headroom, with 22 mm extra. Furthermore, the boot’s load capacity is 370 litres, expandable to 1,210 litres with the rear seats folded down.

Driving dynamics

The Astra 2016 is presented with six new engines, four petrol and two turbodiesel, with a third option to come shortly. Starting with the small 1.0-litre three-cylinder ECOTEC with 105 CV and 170 Nm of torque, followed by the 1.4-litre Turbo with outputs of 125 and 150 CV (230 and 245 Nm of torque respectively), and the most powerful in the range for now, a 1.6-litre ECOTEC Turbo of 200 CV and 280 Nm of torque (300 Nm with overboost).

The CDTI turbodiesel engine is the familiar 1.6-litre with outputs of 110 and 136 CV, and torque figures of 300 and 320 Nm respectively. As the people at Opel confirmed, the new Astra will add a third twin-turbo 1.6-litre CDTI option with 160 CV to its diesel engine range in a few months.

During my test drive of the Opel Astra 2016, I was able to get behind the wheel of the most powerful petrol engine, the 1.6-litre ECOTEC Turbo of 200 CV, an engine that feels smooth and progressive in normal driving, but is capable of delivering its full potential when the accelerator pedal is pressed hard. Fuel consumption is moderate given its configuration, with an official figure of 5.9 litres and a real-world figure achieved during the test of just over 7.0 litres per 100 kilometres.

Following this first contact, I was able to appreciate the qualities of the 1.4-litre ECOTEC Turbo of 150 CV, an even more docile engine but limited in its ability to rev at high speeds. Responses are somewhat slower and it can even feel coarse at times. Fortunately, it is a real economiser thanks to the six-speed manual gearbox and fairly long gears, which allow driving at low revs and achieving consumption of 6.3–6.7 litres per 100 kilometres (the official figure is 5.1 litres).

The 1.6-litre ECOTEC Turbo of 200 CV is the most interesting option in the new Astra

All engines send power to the front wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox, except for the 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol, which has five speeds in both the manual and the Easytronic automatic. As for the six-speed automatic options, the 1.4-litre Turbo of 150 CV and the 136 CV 1.6 CDTI diesel are the only ones to offer them.

As for the new-generation chassis and the work Opel has done to reduce weight in the new Astra 2016, I came away with a very good impression. The agility on twisty roads and the lightness of the whole package allow fast cornering and a fairly energetic exit from corners, especially with the turbocharged petrol options.

Technology

One of the main bets of Opel for the new Astra is the IntelliLux LED matrix headlights. These headlights include autonomous anti-dazzle technology that combines a powerful 16-segment LED light beam with maximum visibility without dazzling other road users. The system works based on information received by the Opel Eye front camera, and the experience has been very satisfactory. The most interesting aspect is the price: 850 euros as an option across the whole range.

Technology, connectivity and safety systems are Opel’s major bets for the new Astra

The Opel OnStar system is another novelty in the Astra, a driver assistance system in the event of an accident or theft, among many other functions, which allows the vehicle to be located at all times. Another function allows this position to be hidden to maintain privacy. The first year the OnStar service is free, and thereafter it costs 100 euros a year. It also features Wi-Fi 4G connectivity free for the first year, as well as compatibility with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

As for the battle of safety assistants, we find the Opel Eye front camera, the collision-mitigating braking system, lane keeping assist, front collision and blind-spot alert, unintentional lane departure warning, autonomous emergency braking and parking assistant with an advanced free-space detection function.

Versions and price

The Opel Astra 2016 is, for now, sold in four different trims — Expression, Selective, Dynamic and Excellence — with starting prices of 18,800 euros for the 105 CV 1.0 Turbo ECOTEC engine, while the 110 CV 1.6 CDTI diesel engine starts at 21,200 euros in the Selective trim. The 200 CV 1.6 Turbo variant, meanwhile, costs 24,700 euros and represents the top of the range. However, thanks to discounts and the PIVE scheme, you can purchase the new Astra from 14,500 euros.