Motoring: Astra's dazzling performance

Tony Conlon

The new Opel Astra was recently launched to the international motoring press in Lisbon, ahead of its summer arrival in Ireland.

Having driven all versions of this sixth generation Astra, the launch of the latest version of the German-built hatchback marked a first for me as those present were invited to drive the car in darkness as well as daylight hours.

This was in order to appreciate its brilliant, optional lighting system – and one that will be standard on the next generation Opel Grandland.

Sporting the striking new Opel Vizor front face, and its Pure Panel interior cockpit and top technologies, the German manufacturer is now opening the next chapter of the more than 30-year Astra story.

And for the first time, the latest model has been electrified - with plug-in hybrid, petrol and diesel powertrains from launch, and from 2023 a battery-electric Astra-e will complete the offer.

Donning the new brand face, the longer and wider Astra instantly made an impression. Maybe it was the sharp crease in the bonnet, or the wing-shaped graphic of the daylight running lamps that intersect with the Opel Blitz emblem, but everything just seemed solidly built.

Viewed from the side, the car looks especially dynamic due to the pronounced forward rake of the C-pillar, a nod to its Kadett ancestor.

At the rear, the centrally mounted Blitz emblem also doubles as the latch for the thermoplastic tailgate - state-of-the-art composite material which allows for the precise fitment of the especially slim tail lamps and the vertically aligned high-mounted brake lamp, both of which in themselves give this Astra its own clear identity from the rear.

Notwithstanding the muscular, confident stance, the new Astra’s practical boot with adjustable floor still offers the driver and four passengers up to 1,339 litres of luggage volume (Astra Hybrid 1,268 litres) with the rear seats folded down. With the rear seats in the upright position, space measures 422 litres and 352 litres, respectively.

Opel uses phrases such as ‘visual detox’ to describe the uncluttered new interior. The fully digital Pure Panel comprises two 10-inch side-by-side extra wide touchscreens and fresh, modern graphics. Key settings such as climate control can still be operated via physical switches and buttons, however.

Standard across all trims, smartphones can be charged and connected with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto wirelessly, eliminating the need for cables.

Comfort looks like it’s a priority inside as the front seats are certified for healthy backs by AGR (Aktion Gesunder Rücken e.V.). With 16-way adjustments, the ergonomic seats (leather and massage available) proved extremely supportive and comfortable.

The Astra is fitted with numerous standard state-of-the-art assistance systems such as front collision warning with automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, traffic sign recognition and drowsiness detection. Options include a large head-up display, adaptive cruise control with Stop & Go function and Intelli-Vision, a camera and radar-based system for easier parking.

I’ve always been an advocate of good lighting on a car so I was very excited to see the Intelli-Lux LED Pixel Light, state-of-the-art technology that helps make night driving a much safer and brighter experience. The main beam adjusts seamlessly in milliseconds, without glare for other road users. Approaching or preceding traffic is ‘cut out’ precisely, as was proven on a mountainous drive on the outskirts of Lisbon.

All models I drove - petrol, diesel or plug-in hybrid - proved extremely refined and quiet. While the mechanical components were finely tuned, the hushed tones in the cabin were augmented by the inclusion of laminated windows.

The new Astra is the first Opel model that will offer customers the choice between pure electric drive (2023), plug-in hybrid or combustion engine. In pure electric mode, the new Astra can cover up to 60 kilometres emissions-free (74km in city driving).

The nicely sized 150hp 1.6 litre petrol engine has an 8-speed automatic transmission (6-speed manual and 8-speed automatics offered on other power types), while the hybrids’ electric motor produces 110hp in EV mode.

The three test drives proved interesting and inspiring, but I found I still have a soft spot for the internal combustion engine (110hp and 130hp petrol, 130hp diesel). A top-of-the-range 225hp Astra Hybrid-e will follow later, along with a very practical and pretty-looking sports tourer.

The new Astra features 50% new suspension components and 14% more torsional rigidity, and the car’s handling showed this Astra in a new light.

I found it composed and predicable on the mixture of roads I drove. Opel claim the Astra, like every Opel, is ‘Autobahn-proof’. In other words, high-speed capability was a primary development objective.

Prices have yet to be announced.