Opel has introduced the new generation of the Astra in its home market featuring a totally new styling as well as an updated platform. The 2022 Opel Astra is the sixth iteration of the compact car, made in Rüsselsheim with all the capabilities to compete with the Golf, Focus, Megane, and the Octavia.
Since it boasts the EMP2 platform borrowed from the Peugeot 308, it also has to compete with its French sibling. Although both these vehicles are mechanically similar, the designers did a tremendous job to make them different. If you see both cars side by side, you find the Peugeot 308 looks bold while the 2022 Opel Astra has cleaner lines.
Regarding changes, the first noticeable thing is the extended size of the new Astra. Opel extended it by four millimeters (0.15 inches) to 4,374 mm (172.1 in). While the overall length remains almost the same, the wheelbase increases by 13 mm (0.5 in) to 2,675 mm (105.3 in) with a reduced front overhang. The width sees a significant improvement at 1,860 mm (73.2 in) or around 51 mm (2 inches) extra than previous.
Thanks to these changes, the 2022 Opel Astra now offers more space for luggage. It now stands at 52 liters (1.83 cubic feet) to 422 liters (14.9 cu ft) with the seats intact.
Similar to the exterior design, the interior also gets a host of changes. The first thing we notice is the minimalistic design of the dashboard with very few buttons to control often-used functions. For most of the settings, you have to use the 10-inch touchscreen of the infotainment system. The instrument cluster is digital and it is also 10-inches in length.
The new generation of Astra complements well with the new technologies. The compact hatchback employs the matrix LED technology taken from the Insignia. It has 84 light-emitting diodes per headlight cluster. Furthermore, you can opt for cruise control with stop & go, a head-up display, and a 360-degree camera.
While the company didn’t reveal much about the powertrains, we expect it to carry the same mills as available in the new Peugeot 308. Astra did validate previously that they will introduce gasoline and diesel engines delivering between 110 hp and 225 hp. Additionally, for the first time ever, the Astra will be available in plug-in hybrid flavor. There will be two transmission options according to the engine, i.e. a six-speed manual and an eight-speed automatic.
Interested customers will be able to book the 2022 Opel Astra by the end of this year and get their hands on this C-segment hatchback in the start of next year. The German automaker has already told us that they will introduce a wagon model with extra luggage capacity. It should show its face in a few months.
In the end, it is worth mentioning that the ICE Astra will phase out soon because Opel wants to go all-electric by 2028.
Source and Images: Motor1