Opel Astra

Only three-cylinder engines in the revised Opel Astra

Opel has thoroughly revised the Astra. New engines from the PSA rack and optimized aerodynamics improve efficiency, while a digital instrument cluster feeds into the interior.

The facelift of the Opel Astra is not easy to recognize. The compact Rüsselsheimer carries in the revised front a new radiator bracket. A new design saves Opel for the new generation from 2021 on. However, details of the body have been worked to make the new Astra one of the "most aerodynamic vehicles on the market". A smoothed underbody, a deflector-shaped rear link and an active radiator grille, whose upper and lower parts automatically open and close, improve the drag coefficient.

Also new are the Euro 6d engines, which are designed to lower the CO2 emissions of the Astra by up to 19 percent. The supercharged three-cylinder gasoline engines have 1.2 or 1.4 liter capacity. An opposite balancer shaft in the engine block should prevent possible vibrations. The performance of the 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine ranges from 81 kilowatts (110 hp) to 96 kilowatts (130 hp) up to 107 kilowatts (145 hp). The torque ranges 195 to 236 Newton meters. A gasoline particle filter is standard, as is the six-speed manual transmission. In the Astra 1.4, a continuously variable transmission (CVT) provides power transmission.

New Opel Astra with three-cylinder engines
The three-cylinder diesel engines with 1.5-liter displacement and SCR Kat provide between 260 and 300 Newton meters of torque and make 77 kilowatts (105 hp) and 90 kilowatts (122 hp). The latter is also available with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Likewise, the suspension has been revised with new shock absorbers. Optionally, a tighter sports suspension with direct steering and Watts-Link rear axle can be ordered.

Inside, an instrument cluster with digital speedometer moves in. As with the Insignia, the touch screen is up to eight inches tall. The new, more compact front camera with faster processor now also recognizes pedestrians. The range of driver assistance systems, some of which are subject to a surcharge, includes an ACC, distance display, front collision warning with automatic emergency braking or traffic sign and lane keeping assistant. The Opel Astra facelift will be released in the summer of 2019.