Are you able to spot the visual changes? We dare you.
Opel spent months testing the new Astra range. Now the model is officially revealed. This is the most efficient Astra ever produced, thanks to a variety of new engines and transmissions as well as other clever improvements.
You won’t see any changes if you look at the exterior. Opel doesn’t even mention the Astra’s design, but points out that the “meticulous development of the wind tunnel also made an important contribution to the reductions fuel consumption and CO2 emission.” The Sports Tourer version has a drag coefficient of 0.25 while the hatchback has 0.26.
The Astra receives a variety of turbocharged diesel and gasoline engine options that make big changes under the skin. There are three-cylinder, 1.2-liter and 1.4-liter gas engines with power from 110 horsepower (81kilowatts), to 145 horses (107 kW). Opel claims a fuel consumption of 5.2 to 5.9 liters/100 km (39.87 to 45.23 mi/g) according to the WLTP standards. The smaller engine comes with a 6-speed manual transmission, while the new seven-speed continuously variable transmission is used for the 1.4.
The facelifted Astra receives a 1.5-liter diesel engine with two power outputs: 105 HP (77 kW), and 122 HP (90 kW). These units are standard with six-speed manuals. An optional nine-speed automatic transmission is available. This is the first Opel model in its history. An advanced exhaust gas treatment system that includes an AdBlue injector and SCR catalyst has been claimed to have reduced CO2 emissions by as much as 17 percent.
Opel has added new features to its facelift, including a digital rearview camera that provides a better view of traffic behind it and more contrast. The model gets an enhanced digital instrument cluster and eight-inch screen.