Agility and driving comfort are improved in the new Astra that would be introduced in 2016. It is more responsive, corners better and gives a much more direct overall driving experience. In a nutshell, the new Astra is more fun to drive than ever before.

Under the bonnet of the new Astra is a completely new engine, which depending on model variant has power outputs ranging from 70 kW to 147 kW.

The design of the new Astra also depicts efficiency and once again the Monza Concept was the role model. The evolution of the Opel design philosophy ‘Sculptural Artistry meets German Precision’ ensures that the new Astra catches the eye with a lighter, more athletic appearance instead of a muscular look. The Opel Blitz in the centre of the chrome bar on the grill and the characteristic ‘blade’ raising towards the rear make the new Astra immediately recognizable as a member of the Opel Family.

The front headlamps melt into the radiator grille to form a graphic unity. The most significant design cue is the divided C-pillar, creating the impression of a floating roof. The interplay of light and shadow is emphasized by the horizontal crossbar above the brand logo linking the rear lights. The Astra does not just look smaller – it is smaller. With a total length of 4.37 metres it is almost five centimetres shorter than its predecessor. With a height of 1.46 metres it is also 2.6 centimetres smaller. The dimensions obviously have an impact on aerodynamics and efficiency with the new Astra boasting a drag coefficient below 0.30.

The wheelbase may have been reduced by two centimetres but the amount of space inside increased. In combination with newly designed seats, the passengers in the rear can enjoy an additional 35 millimetres legroom. Furthermore, the distance between the front and rear seats was increased to improve travel comfort and sense of space. The high-quality cockpit and the instrument panel seamlessly transfer the characteristic and aesthetic exterior design to the interior, thus ensuring that a new interior design generation is introduced in the new Astra. It is characterised by an especially clear look, also reflected by the reduced amount of control switches and buttons along with the large colour touchscreen in the centre stack.

Apart from Opel OnStar and IntelliLux LED, future Astra owners in some markets can look forward to a string of further safety, driver assistance and comfort systems – many of which are unrivalled in this segment. The Traffic Sign Assistant and the Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning along with Following Distance Indication and the Forward Collision Alert with Collision Imminent Braking not only make driving the new Astra more comfortable but also safer.

Cruise control with speed limiter ensures that the speed is always within the legal boundaries. Advanced Park Assist increases comfort and can park the car automatically at the push of a button. The rear view camera is activated once reverse gear is selected. And Side Blind Spot Alert recognizes obstacles within a 3-meter radius on either side and behind the car that are hidden from the driver’s vision.