Only with efficient, responsive and quiet powertrains from the new generation
A member of the completely new engine portfolio can be found under the hood of each new Astra with outputs ranging from 70 kW/95 hp to 147 kW/200 hp. The diesel and gasoline engines with a displacement range from 1.0 to 1.6 liters all have three things in common: they combine highest efficiency with excellent responsiveness and running smoothness – the latest-generation Opel turbo diesels are known as whisper diesels for good reason.
The new Astra with the 74 kW/100 hp 1.4-liter all-aluminum gasoline engine under the hood will be available for a very affordable entry-level price of 17,260 euros (all following prices RRP including VAT in Germany). Therefore, it does not cost a single cent more than its predecessor did. The 77 kW/105 hp three-cylinder 1.0 ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo is available for only 700 euros more. When combined with Easytronic 3.0, the automated manual gearbox, the new Astra only emits 96 grams of CO2 per kilometer and consumes a mere 4.2 liters of gasoline per 100 kilometers in the combined cycle, making it one of the leading gasoline cars in the compact class in fuel economy and eco-friendliness. Elsewhere, the completely new 1.4 ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo will make its debut in the new Astra. The four-cylinder unit is available with outputs of 92 kW/125 hp or 110 kW/150 hp and delivers maximum torque of up to 245 Nm. It is from the same family as the smaller but nonetheless powerful three-cylinder engine and simultaneously brings less weight into the car thanks to its all-aluminum construction. Depending on the output, fuel consumption can be reduced to 4.9 liters per 100 kilometers (114 g/km CO2).
The 1.6 ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo with 147 kW/200 hp and an impressive 300 Nm of torque (with overboost) will be the most powerful gasoline engine available for the Astra. Mid-range acceleration from 80 to 120 km/h in fifth gear is completed in just 7.5 seconds, and maximum speed is 235 km/h (preliminary data).
Diesel fans will be able to order a new Astra from prices starting at 20,260 euros – 650 euros less than before. The 1.6 CDTI is available in three outputs ranging from 70 kW/95 hp to 100 kW/136 hp and offers maximum torque of 320 Nm. In combination with the standard six-speed manual transmission, CO2 emissions are always below 100 grams per kilometer. The current efficiency champion of the new Astra family is the 81 kW/110 hp model, with fuel consumption a mere 3.4 liters and CO2 emissions of 90 grams.
Three transmission types are available for the new Astra: five and six-speed manual transmissions, the automated manual transmission Easytronic 3.0 and an especially low-friction six-speed automatic transmission. The six-speed automatic transmission is available in combination with the 110 kW/150 hp 1.4-liter turbo gasoline engine and with the 100 kW/136 hp 1.6 CDTI.
(further information can be found in Chapter 4: Engines).
Money-saver: Premium quality, low total cost of ownership
However, the outstanding efficiency proposed by the new Astra is not only linked to the innovative powertrain technologies. Thanks to ultra-modern production methods and high-quality materials, it reaches an excellent level of quality – attributes that also have a positive impact on the total cost of ownership, where the new Astra also sets the standard in its class. The predicted residual value is more than 5 percent higher than for the current generation. The predicted residual value of the Astra 1.6 CDTI Business is up 6.4% over a three-year period and 90,000 kilometers, saving owners up to 2,264 euros. This sees the new Astra climb to the top of the total cost of ownership table – no competitor is more cost-conscientious and economical.
Generous service intervals of 30,000 kilometers, the longest in the segment, play just as important a role as favorable insurance premiums and reduced fuel consumption. When comparing catalog prices with compact cars from the so-called premium brands, Astra customers will find advantages of up to 5,000 euros for comparable trim levels. Even a new, fully equipped Astra comes in around 1,500 euros below some entry-level versions of the competitors – that is efficiency à la Astra.
Lighter, more frugal and more agile: The new vehicle architecture
The role model for the eleventh generation of the Opel compact class car was the visionary Monza Concept presented at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show. It gave a preview of what to expect from future Opel models and reflects efficiency with every component and every design feature. The new Astra follows this vision rigorously. Depending on the model and trim level, it will be up to 200 kilograms – at the very least 120 kilograms – lighter than its predecessor. The completely new vehicle architecture plays a major role in the weight reduction. Every component was checked for compact design and lightweight materials. The bodyshell weight alone was reduced by 77 kilograms (more than 20 percent). Additional, chassis-related measures resulted in another 50 kilograms of weight reduction.
Ultra-high-strength low-weight steels, compact subframes as well as weight reductions to the front and rear axle all contribute to this result. Furthermore, the engineers decided against full underbody paneling and instead looked to aerodynamically optimized chassis and powertrain elements. Further examples for size and weight optimization are the shorter front and rear overhangs and the exhaust system weighing up to 25 percent less.
The result of this fitness program: agility and driving comfort are improved. Briefly, the new Astra is more fun to drive than ever before.