First test: Opel Astra (2022)

The Opel Astra is completely new. And for that occasion, the Germans went big. The compact C-segmenter – including the Kadett – has been the cornerstone of the range for twelve generations, but has now been transformed from an everyday car into a model brimming with personality: young, beautiful and packed with technology.

Thanks to Peugeot, uh, Stellantis

Following the acquisition by the French PSA group and recently by Stellantis, Opel is taking the opportunity to update its Astra. A new wind is blowing through the German engineering department, and it seems to be coming from France. After the Crossland and the Grandland, the Astra is the next model to switch to the modular EMP2 platform.

One caveat: the version of that platform used here – the third to be precise – was designed for electrification. This makes this Astra the first ever to get a fully electric version.

Dynamic design

A new generation, a new style. Applies to the Astra, because apparently it no longer wants to drive past unnoticed. At the front you see, for example, the new design language from Rüsselsheim: the Opel Vizor. You know, that all-black radiator grille that seems to flare into the headlights. The latter are also equipped with LED technology, in any version. Better yet, the top-of-the-line version features matrix headlights with 168 LED elements.

Furthermore, dynamic elements are taking over everywhere. Opel even takes advantage of it to add a slightly nostalgic touch: in the C-pillar, the notches nod to the rear side window of the Kadett from the 1980s. At the rear, the horizontal light clusters reinforce the impression of width. We don’t know about you, but we actually see a little bit of the Golf 8 in it. In any case: the design of the Astra may be completely different, it has only become 4 millimeters larger. The wheelbase improves by no less than 13 millimeters.

Level up

Those extra millimeters obviously benefit the interior space. The space in the rear is improved and the boot is more than 50 liters larger: to 422 liters in total (352 liters for the hybrid). That good news pales in comparison to technological evolution. Simply put: with this new generation, Opel is jumping more than one level.

The horizontal and minimalist board shelf is dominated by what Opel calls the “Pure Panel”. That is the combination of two 10-inch screens (one for the infotainment and one for the instrument panel) into a curved frosted glass whole that leaves a premium impression. But fear not: the German logic is still there – at least at Opel – because there are still physical buttons in the center to easily operate the climate control and other functions. In addition to the design, the materials and finishes are also improving.

of everything

Although Opel has taken a specific design direction for the exterior and interior, the engine range seems to want to please everyone. The catalog therefore still contains two petrol engines and even a diesel. That is a 1.5 that is 130 hp strong, while the petrol blocks 110 and 130 hp purify from the same 1.2 three-cylinder.

All well and good, but the most important powertrain – for fleet managers at least – is the hybrid. At the moment this is the top version, but it will soon be joined by a more powerful variant. The current one gets 180 hp from a 1.6-litre petrol and an 81 kW electric motor that has been incorporated into the eight-speed automatic transmission. If that sounds familiar, it’s because the Grandland Hybrid and recently the new Peugeot 308 also use it. The Astra also takes over the battery: with 12.4 kWh, it provides an electric range of 60 kilometers. The official consumption is 1.0 l/100 km, the average CO2 emissions 22 g/km.

Autobahn, I love you dich

Although the Astra shares its chassis with the 308, the engineers from Rüsselsheim assure us that the Opel does have a ‘German’ personality. We almost raised an eyebrow, but on the way it turns out to be something of that. The shock absorption is a bit stiffer, as we are used to from Opel, but the comfort does not suffer. The sturdiness in particular ensures the stability at high speeds that you need on the Autobahn.

The inherent dynamism of the chassis is surprising. We know the strengths of this modular platform, but the Astra has a more linear steering and its own chassis tuning, including that of the torsion axle. The result is a confident car at high speeds, which always remains neutral in the corners. The front axle is slightly less sharp than that of the Peugeot, but still dynamic. And we don’t often write that about an Opel…

In this dynamic driving style, the hybrid stands out because of its torque that is available almost immediately. So available, in fact, that it flirts with the traction limits of the front wheels. There is clearly also work put into the machine, because the ailments of the other plug-in hybrids of the group no longer affect him in the Astra.

Prices

The entry-level version of the new Opel Astra costs 24,150 euros, the plug-in hybrid 36,150 euros. This makes it slightly less expensive than its French striker brother. The equipment is also very similar, making the choice between the two almost a matter of style or ergonomics preferences.

Conclusion

The new Opel Astra may be slightly cheaper than the Peugeot 308, but it certainly does not have to be inferior. Thanks to its new design, dynamic chassis and modern interior, it is all set to fully reclaim its position in the C-segment.