Opel's Astra has had a quiet profile in recent years, despite being one of the best hatchbacks around. Now it's in its eighth incarnation.
Long before the crossover car design upended the market, there were cars like the VW Golf, the Toyota Corolla and the Opel Astra - compact cars that served both families and individuals as practical hatchbacks with more functionality than road presence, although the Golf probably managed both.
The crossover rage continues but cars like the new Astra show there is a demand still for a functional hatchback. The new model comes - initially - with petrol and diesel engines, showing there is also a demand for conventional engines until the electrification process is complete and issues such as charging electric cars are resolved.
The car comes with Opel’s new and distinct V-shaped front profile and plenty of edgy lines. LED lights are standard front and back and there is an option for a black roof to add a distinct styling finish. The car comes from the same platform as other cars in the Stelantis Group (now owners of Peugeot, Fiat and Opel), which gives us cars like the Peugeot 308 and the Citroen DS4.
The interior has been given a fairly comprehensive revamp, with new and improved front seats and two 10" screens for driver information and infotainment. Wireless charging and compatibility for Apple and Android are also now standard.
A 180 horse power plug-in hybrid is on the way in the next few months but in the meantime the engine options are a three cylinder 1.2 petrol engine producing 110 horse power and a 1.5 diesel producing 130 horse power. It’s a matter of time before we see a fully-electric version but it’s likely to make an appearance next year.
In this segment of the market price is all important, so the 1.2 petrol is pitched at €27,995 and the diesel at €30,995, plus delivery charges.
Standard equipment on the entry-level SC version includes 10" colour touchscreen, 10" colour driver information cluster, wireless smartphone connection, cruise control with speed limiter, lane keep assist, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, driver attention alert, intelligent speed adaptation, hill start assist and electric parking brake, keyless start, leather steering wheel, electronic single zone climate control, comfort front seats, 6-way driver seat adjustment, cloth seat trim, DAB radio, Opel Connect (with SOS and Breakdown Assist), type C USB connectivity, 16" alloy wheels, LED daytime running lights, LED rear lights, auto wipers and lights, electro-chrome rear view mirror and front and rear parking sensors. It’s an impressive package of standard equipment.
Two more versions with added equipment are also available.
