The 2022 Opel Astra has been unveiled in Europe.
The sixth generation of Opel's small-car nameplate in Europe, the new Astra 'L' moves to the same EMP2 platform as the Peugeot 308, Citroen C4, and other Stellantis group vehicles – unlocking plug-in hybrid power for the first time.
On the styling front, the new hatchback borrows design cues from other Opel (and sister brand Vauxhall) models including the Corsa city car and Mokka small SUV, led by the brand's new 'Vizor' front fascia with a gloss black panel stretching across the front end.
Matrix LED headlights and alloy wheels up to 18 inches in diameter are available, along with a black contrast roof.
Opel Astra
The new model measures 4374mm long, 1860mm wide (likely with mirrors), and 1470mm tall, riding on a 2675mm wheelbase – 4mm longer overall, 51mm wider, 15mm lower, and 13mm longer in wheelbase. A 422-liter boot features behind the rear seats.
Inside, Opel's 'Pure Panel' dashboard design features in front of the occupants, with a 10-inch digital instrument cluster and 10-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Sleek gloss black and metallic switchgear feature below the touchscreen and along with the center console, alongside a redesigned steering wheel, push-button automatic gear selector, electric parking brake, and an available head-up display in front of the driver.
Two plug-in options lead the range, pairing a 110kW or 132kW 1.6-liter turbo four-cylinder petrol engine with an 81kW electric motor, eight-speed automatic transmission, and a 12.4kWh lithium-ion battery for outputs of 132kW or 165kW, and an all-electric range of around 50km.
Joining the hybrids is a 1.2-liter turbocharged petrol four-cylinder developing 81kW or 96kW, and a 96kW 1.5-liter turbo-diesel four-cylinder. Six-speed manual transmissions are standard, with eight-speed automatics also on offer.
Rumors persist that a high-performance model – wearing OPC, VXR, or GSE badging – could be offered, using the 220kW all-wheel-drive hybrid powertrain available in other EMP2-based vehicles.
The 2022 Opel Astra will go on sale in Europe (and in the UK, wearing Vauxhall badging) in early 2022. As with all Opel vehicles, don't expect a return to the Australian market, following the brand's exit in 2013.
-by Amaan Attar
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