The sixth generation of the Opel Astra L comes with a fresh design, a modern cockpit, and for the first time also as a plug-in hybrid. All information and the seat sample!
The Opel Astra is entering its sixth lap! If you include the predecessor Kadett, however, it is already the eleventh (!) Generation of the compact from Rüsselsheim. Speaking of Rüsselsheim: The Astra L was developed in Germany and produced in the main factory in Rüsselsheim. To hold its own against the long-term competitors VW Golf 8 and Ford Focus, Opel got into the new Astra and donated a lot of technology to it. The new generation of the Astra is finally also available as a plug-in hybrid!
All information about the new Opel Astra at a glance:
- Astra L on EMP2 platform
- only as a five-door model
- 4.37 meters in length (exactly as long as its predecessor)
- 1.86 meters in width
- 2.68 meters in wheelbase
- 422 liters of trunk volume
- for the first time also as a plug-in hybrid available (two power levels)
- engine range extends from 110 HP to 225 HP system output
- manual six-speed gearbox or eight-speed automatic
- front with “Opel Vizor”
- fully digital cockpit “Pure Panel”
- “Intelli-Lux” headlights with 168 LED Elements
- can be ordered from autumn 2021
- deliveries will start at the beginning of 2022
- price is expected to be at the previous level (from22,465 euros)
Design: The Astra also gets the “Opel Vizor” face
The new Opel Astra can only be ordered from autumn 2021, but the Rüsselsheim-based company is already showing the compact. Compared to the predecessor Astra K, which was introduced in 2015, the new one is hardly recognizable. It looks modern, sporty, and yet not overstyled. After the Mokka, Crossland, and Grandland SUVs, the Astra is also given the brand face with the characteristic “Opel Vizor”. On request, Opel can install the “Intelli-Lux” LED headlights, known from its big brother Insignia, behind glass, with a total of 168 LED elements distributed over 84 pieces per headlight. The rear is clearly drawn, narrow, two-part LED taillights are standard, the third brake light is arranged vertically. The trunk lid with the central Astra lettering is made of lightweight plastic and can be opened using the Opel logo. Two special features of the new Astra on the third evolutionary stage of the EMP2 platform are the optically strongly inclined C-pillar and the optional two-tone paintwork, which was not available for the predecessor.
Opel Astra L Interior
We get in and are amazed. The cockpit with its two 10-inch displays looks elegant and modern. No fat plastic frames, everything correctly positioned in the dashboard, slightly inclined towards the driver. Moment! Before you rush to criticize – the climate control and volume can be adjusted without distraction. The Astra has buttons. Even the home button of the infotainment does not have to be touched convulsively on the display but has its button under the monitor. The redesigned steering wheel, whose horn button echoes the shape of the grill, is also equipped with buttons that can be pressed hard. The glove and glasses compartment is lined with a felt-like fabric. Feels valuable despite the plastic – unfortunately no longer a matter of course.
Sitting position and ergonomics are good
For a surcharge, there are AGR seats for the driver and front passenger in the Astra – with massage function, ventilation, heating, and Nappa leather. There is nothing wrong with the seating position and ergonomics when you try it out for the first time. The front seats are mounted a little lower than before, the roof is a little flatter. At the back, it gets tight for the knees when the front seat is adjusted to a 1.95-meter person. If there is an average person in the front, then it is also good for adults in the rear. With a small restriction, however, because the seat in the rear is a bit too short for long thighs, so the hip and knee angles are quite acute. However: headroom and foot room are good so that even editor Peter R. Fischer can find space in the back with a form-fitting fit.
In the combustion Astra there is up to 1250 liters of luggage space
Another leap backward: Opel states that the trunk volume is 422 liters or 1250 liters. However, this only applies to the combustion version of the Astra. The plug-in hybrid shown on these pages takes less luggage – Opel has not (yet) released an exact value.
Test: Astra Plug-in-Hybrid is moving forward convincingly
AUTO BILD was allowed to drive behind the wheel. Only a few weeks ago we had the opportunity to drive a prototype. The development status of the heavily camouflaged car is March 2021, i.e. halfway through the fine-tuning. Since we already know the two 1.2-liter three-cylinder petrol engines with 110 and 130 PS and the 1.5 diesel with 110 PS, it was the brand new plug-in hybrid that we were particularly interested in. The 1.6 four-cylinder turbo gasoline engine is supported by an electric motor on the front axle. The battery can be found under the rear seat bench. In total, that results in 180 hp in the smaller and 225 in the higher performance level. The 180 hp version is available for us. With the power of the internal combustion engine and the electric motor, the Astra goes convincingly forwards. Using the driving mode switch, we could select the purely electric mode, which in most cases should be sufficient for daily journeys; we still have a range of 38 kilometers with a 60 percent battery. With the chassis, however, more than a little fine-tuning is necessary: They have tuned the hybrids so tightly that they pass all frost cracks and bumps onto the onboard staff ( for a detailed test of the Astra prototype, click here!)
Motors: As usual, the selection is extensive
The engine range of the Astra, which is produced in Rüsselsheim together with the Citroën C4, is extensive as usual and ranges from the entry-level petrol engine with 110 hp to 225 hp plug-in hybrid. With the classic combustion engines, customers have the choice between a six-speed manual gearbox or an eight-speed automatic. And the Astra should not only look sporty, but it should also drive that way. The torsional stiffness was increased by 14 percent – special attention was paid to driving stability and driving pleasure. Two points that we can confirm after the first test drive in the prototype. In addition, rumors persist that Opel will also have an Astra OPC again at a later date brings to market. The top model could also come as a plug-in hybrid with around 300 hp.
Equipment: high-tech features for the Astra
At the same time, however, the luxury should not be neglected, and so Opel equips Astra with many high-tech features on request. While digital instruments and smartphone connections via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto are standard equipment, other equipment such as a head-up display or the state-of-the-art “Intelli-Lux” LED headlights are likely to cost extra. Opel does not make any compromises when it comes to safety either: the camera in the windshield is supplemented by four additional cameras and five radar sensors. Speed Assist also works with the help of this technology that maintains the distance to the vehicle in front and even starts again independently in models with automatic (“Stop & Go” function). The tried and tested active seats with AGR certification are installed twelve millimeters lower in the new Astra than in the predecessor.
Price and market launch: Opel Astra L costs exactly as much as its predecessor
The important points of market launch and price remain: the new Opel Astra can be ordered from autumn 2021. The first customer vehicles are to be delivered in early 2022. The prices are exactly at the same level as the predecessor, which starts shortly before the end of its construction period at 22,465 euros.
