Do you want your Peugeot 308 to be a little more German? The all-new Astra is here.
The latest generation of Europe’s oldest car in the compact segment, which is also highly competitive, will be switching to the next generation. It features a new design inside and outside as well as a revamped underpinnings. The sixth generation of Opel’s beloved Astra was assembled in Russelsheim. It has all the ingredients for beating the big guns in this class: Megane, Focus, Megane and the Octavia.
It will also have to battle the mechanically related Peugeot 308, which shares the EMP2 platform, as both brands are part. Stellantis The world’s fourth largest car manufacturer. Although their basic shapes are very similar, designers did a fantastic job of distinguishing the two hatchbacks. While the French model is bolder, its German counterpart has a more conservative design.
Let’s discuss the size. The new Astra is now 4,374mm (172.1 inches) longer than the previous generation. The overall length of the Astra has not changed. However, the wheelbase has been significantly extended by 13mm (0.5in) to 2,675mm (105.3in) by reducing the front overhang. The width has increased quite a lot to 1,860mm (73.2in), or 51mm (2in) more than it was before.
Opel even claims that the hatchback is “coupe-like”, although others will disagree. A new Astra GTC would look great, but with the demand for three-door hatches at present, we wouldn’t count on it. With the rear seats in place, the car’s larger footprint has paid dividends in terms cargo capacity. It has increased from 52 liters (1.83 cuft) to 422 Liters (14.9 cuft).
Opel’s C-segment hatchback, as you would expect from a completely new car, is packed with tech. The matrix LED technology of the flagship Insignia is used in this new C-segment hatchback. It has no less than 84 light emitting diodes per cluster of headlights. A head-up display, stop-and-go and a 360-degree camera are all available.
Opel does not go into detail about the powertrains but you can see that they will be very similar to the new Peugeot 308. Opel confirms that the 2022 Astra will come with a range of gasoline and diesel engines with outputs ranging from 110 horsepower (81 kW), to 225 horsepower (165 kW). A plug-in hybrid setup, which will be offered in two configurations for the first time, will be made available. There will be two types of transmissions available depending on the powertrain: a six-speed manual or an eight-speed auto.
The order books will be open in the fall, and customers should expect their first deliveries to begin in early 2022. Opel has confirmed that there will be another wagon for customers who need a larger cargo area. The estate version will be revealed over the next few months. It would be logical for the company to display both body styles at the IAA in Munich in September, but Opel has said it will not be attending the show.
It’s important to mention that this will be the last Astra with combustion engines within Europe, as Opel has vowed that it will go EV only on the Old Continent by the 2028.