Looking nothing like its predecessor, the sixth-generation Opel Astra hatchback has been revealed, sporting Opel’s new ‘Visor’ face – as also seen on the new Mokka – as well as Peugeot underpinnings and, for the first time, plug-in hybrid powertrain options.
While the edgy new design follows Opel’s edgy new design language to a tee, you’ll also see some decidedly ‘retro’ touches, such as the rear door and C-Pillar design that takes inspiration from earlier Kadett models. Sharing its basic architecture with the new Peugeot 308, the new Astra still has a similar footprint to its predecessor, although overall length has grown by 4 mm and the wheelbase has taken a 13 mm stretch. Boot space is listed at 422 litres.
The new Opel Astra is an even more radical departure inside, where all the traditional instruments have been replaced by a fully digital curved ‘Pure Panel’ that stretches from the driver’s view to the middle of the dash, although customers will have to pay extra to have it fully glazed. Modern driver assist systems include head-up display, Intelli-Vision 360-degree camera and the Intelli-Drive 2,0 semi-automated driving assistant system.
“With the physical controls reduced to the minimum in the form of finely crafted keys, the Pure Panel achieves the optimum balance between digitisation and intuitive operation, detoxed of irritating visual stimuli and without the need for sub-menus,” Opel says. The vehicle also does away with cables, thanks to its wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto that’s standard on all models.
On the powertrain front, the new Opel Astra will offer a choice between traditional petrol and diesel engines as well as plug-in hybrid options, and those seeking some beefy performance will need to opt for the latter. The petrol and diesel options will offer between 81 kW and 96 kW, Opel says, while the plug-in variants will offer up to 165 kW.