Opel will unveil the new generation Astra during this fall frankfurt Motor Show. The eleventh generation of a compact car from Opel is a eal breakthrough as it comes equipped with new downsized engines and a complete new architecture. This new architecture helped Opel to make a lighter Astra: this means up to 200 kilograms and no less than 120 kilograms, compared to the old model.
The bodyshell weight alone was reduced by 20 percent from 357 to 280 kilograms. Additional, chassis-related measures resulted in another 50 kilograms of weight reduction. Under the hood we have a range of diesel and gasoline engines with powers starting at 95 hp up to 200 hp.
The 1.6 CDTI with a wide range of outputs starting at 95 hp covers the diesel offer, whereas the 1.0 ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo 105 hp is the base level gasoline engines. The highlight in the Astra engine portfolio is the all-new 1.4 ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo, a four-cylinder unit with 145 hp and a maximum torque of up to 250 Nm very early. Maximum power is available between 1,800 and 4,000 rpm.
The new Astra looks also smaller. With a total length of 4.37 meters it is almost five centimeters shorter than its predecessor. With a height of 1.46 meters it is also 2.6 centimeters smaller. The dimensions obviously have an impact on aerodynamics with a drag coefficient below 0.30.
On the technology side, the new Asra receives the patented full-LED matrix light enabling driving with glare-free high beams. Consisting of 16 LED segments – eight on each side of the vehicle – the new LED matrix system automatically and constantly adapts the length and distribution of the light beam to every traffic situation.
At driving speeds of 80 km/h, drivers detect objects at the side of the road around 30 to 40 meters sooner than with conventional halogen or xenon low beam lighting. This gives them around 1.5 seconds more time to react.
The AGR (Campaign for Healthy Backs) tested and certified ergonomic seats now come with additional comfort features: the 18-way adjustable seats for the driver. They have a massage function, ventilation and seat-width setting.
