- Opel Astra Facelift (2019)
21.08.2019
P the most striking outward sign of the model update is that of the current Insignia well-known chrome clasp in mustache look. It optically extends the horizontally arranged daytime running lights and replaces the old, rather angular chrome element in the new 3D radiator grille. The Opel designers have made the front apron a little more harmonious than on the predecessor. If you want your Astra to appear particularly high-quality, you can equip it with the “High Gloss Black Pack” including high-gloss black trim.
Astra gets new petrol and diesel
The technicians have the front air intakes Missed a technical trick: the upper and lower part of the radiator grille of the new Astra open and close automatically and independently of each other. Together with the aerodynamically optimized bonnet, this should optimize the air flow. The reward for the effort: the Sports Tourer achieved a drag coefficient of 0.25, the five-door model 0.26. An optimized engine compartment cover and a deflector-shaped rear axle control arm also contribute to improved aerodynamics.
Opel Automobile GmbH
We know the radiator grille chrome clasp of the Facelift Astra from the Insignia.
Opel is renovating the technology of the Astra much more than the design. For example, the Rüsselsheim-based company is almost completely exchanging the engine range. The backbone of the petrol range is the new 1.2-liter three-cylinder turbo, which replaces the previous 1.0-liter three-cylinder. Opel offers the engine, the development of which was initiated in-house before the PSA takeover, in the Astra in three power and torque levels: 110 HP and a maximum of 195 Newton meters, 130 HP and a maximum of 225 Newton meters, and 145 HP, also with 225Newton meter. Opel asserts that the data are extremely similar to those of the 1.2-liter three-cylinder turbo gasoline engine on the PSA shelf is pure coincidence. Incidentally, all of these engines are coupled to a manual six-speed gearbox. If you want to drive a petrol engine but don't want to change gear yourself, you can use the 145 PS and a maximum of 236 Newton meters strong 1.4-liter turbo, which is combined with a CVT transmission.
New diesels, less consumption
The well-known 1.6-liter turbodiesels are giving way to new, in-house common-rail compression-ignition engines that work with three cylinders, 1.5-liter displacement and injection pressures of up to 2,000 bar. The weaker version has 105 hp and delivers a maximum of 260 Newton meters, the stronger version has 122 hp and a maximum of 300 Newton meters. Only this can be combined with the new nine-speed automatic transmission, with the maximum torque dropping to 285 Newton meters in this configuration.
Praiseworthy: Without exception, all engines meet the euro, which will not apply to all cars until January 1, 2021 6d emissions standard. The gasoline engines reach the milestone thanks to particle filters, the diesels are all equipped with passive oxidation and SCR catalytic converters. When it comes to fuel consumption, Opel can make such great progress that CO2 emissions are reduced by up to 19 percent compared to the pre-facelift Astra. In fact, the normal values are below those of the predecessor. According to the WLTP, the new Astra five-door with petrol engines consumes between 5.2 and 5.8 liters; previously the range ranged from 5.6 to 6.6 liters. It is similar with diesel: 4.4 to 5.2 instead of 4.8 to 5.4 liters.
Comfortable ex works, sporty on request
New shock absorbers are supposed to improve driving comfort in the Increase Astra. On request, Opel can also equip its compact car with a stiffer, dampened sports suspension that goes hand in hand with more direct steering and a particularly active Watts Link rear axle.
The assistance systems available, including an adaptive cruise control and front collision warning system with automatic emergency braking as well as traffic sign and lane keeping assistant benefit from the new front camera. Not only is it smaller and, thanks to a faster processor, more powerful than the one previously used, it also recognizes pedestrians in addition to vehicles. The new reversing camera combined with the Multimedia Navi Pro infotainment system should also deliver noticeably better images than before.
Infotainment from the Insignia
Opel Automobile GmbH
In the course of the facelift, the Astra receives the infotainment system the Insignia.
Apropos: The infotainment systems “Multimedia Radio”, “Multimedia Navi” and “Multimedia Navi Pro” are also available in the Astra “With a color touchscreen of up to 8 inches and real-time traffic data, which the Insignia received at the end of 2018. All variants are compatible with Apple Car-Play and Android Auto. The digital speedometer and the optional automatic emergency call function E-Call are also new. Smartphones designed for this purpose can be charged wirelessly in the center console. The acoustic highlight is the optionally available Bose sound system with seven speakers, subwoofer and surround sound function.
The facelifted version of the Opel Astra will debut in front of an audience at the IAA in September. But it can already be ordered now. The basic version with 110-hp gasoline engine and manual six-speed gearbox costs 19,990 euros, the cheapest diesel with 105 hp starts at 23,385 euros. Only these model versions are available in the basic configuration. In contrast, all motor /gearbox variants can be combined with the higher Edition, GS Line and Elegance lines and ordered as a special '120 Years' model. The top equipment Ultimate, on the other hand, is only available in conjunction with the 145-hp petrol engines and the 122-hp diesel. To classify: So far, the Astra starts with 90 hp and five-speed transmission at 18,635 euros. The next generation of Astra, which will then be based entirely on a PSA platform, will be produced in Rüsselsheim from 2021 onwards.
