Opel Astra 2022: we get behind the wheel of the compact that wants to overshadow the VW Golf

There are still a few months before it reaches dealerships, but Opel has announced that it is opening orders for the sixth generation of the Opel Astra. Deliveries will begin in early 2022. And to mark the announcement of the first prices for the Spanish market, we have had the chance to sit behind the wheel during a static presentation.

New Opel Astra prices: subject to discounts

For such an important announcement, I missed more details from Opel that would allow us to judge whether the new Astra’s price is competitive against its rivals. But, at least for now, we are left wanting more.

That’s because Opel has only revealed that the price starts at 22,700 euros for the entry-level version of the range, the 1.2 Turbo petrol with 110 CV in Edition trim, but without specifying the discounts. The entry price of the 180 CV plug-in hybrid version has also been disclosed: from 32,100 euros, likewise before discounts.

A first comparison with its “cousin”, the new Peugeot 308, with which the Astra shares its platform and engines, gives us some clues. Before discounts, the 308 Active Pack with the 110 CV 1.2 engine starts at 23,200 euros, while the equivalent PHEV version is priced at 34,700. Both currently carry a discount of 1,700 euros.

The Astra is, therefore, cheaper than the French model if we consider list prices. But it will need to offer significant discounts to take on cars such as the Seat León, the Ford Focus or the Hyundai i30.

Design and features of the new Opel Astra

In this article about the new Opel Astra 2022 we already detailed its most important technical features and engine range. To recap, the new compact, which will also be offered with an estate body, has dimensions practically equivalent to those of the model it replaces, at 4.37 metres long, 1.86 wide and 1.43 high.

The engine range will include the 1.2 Turbo petrol with 3 cylinders in 110 and 130 CV variants and the 1.5 diesel of 130 CV, plus two plug-in hybrid versions, with 180 and 225 CV, and an electric-only range of up to 60 km.

There will be four equipment trims: Edition, Elegance, GSI and Ultimate. The last two, with a sportier approach, are identified externally by a front end with a different design and other styling details.

Among many other novelties, this new generation brings elements such as Intelli-Lux Pixel headlights, which multiply the number of LEDs per headlight by 10. There is also a new infotainment system, a head-up display with augmented reality functions, an Intelli-Vision parking assistance system based on images from 4 cameras, and the Intelli-Drive 2.0 system, which includes advanced adaptive cruise control with lane-keeping assist.

First impressions behind the wheel of the new Astra

The impressions in the flesh are very good. It’s true that we had a first contact with the best-equipped versions, and with the contrasting-colour roof, which suits the car very well, especially on some colours. But the front end has a lot of personality, with a clear resemblance to the new Opel Mokka. The rear, which contrasts with very angular lines, is somewhat more unusual.

I liked the interior a lot. All versions will feature the so-called “Pure Panel”, a layout with digital instrumentation and a large screen running alongside the multimedia system. But physical buttons remain within easy reach for operating the main functions.

Even so, the design looks clean and at the same time technological. And the centre console, especially in the automatic versions, offers plenty of practical storage spaces. There is also a large double-opening compartment under the central armrest, and an additional compartment with a fold-down lid beneath the control buttons.

The sense of quality these top-of-the-range versions convey is very good, with special mention for the sporty seats and the good taste of the materials used. The fit and finish are up to expectations, with a few details to refine, since these are pre-production units.

The available space is average for the category, and the same can be said of the boot capacity. Opel quotes a capacity of 422 litres, well behind the best in class, although its shapes are regular and very usable. It has a floor that can be positioned at two different heights, a feature lost in the PHEV versions, as the hybrid system components are housed there.

Image gallery of the Opel Astra 2022