Media Information
June 1, 2015
Opel Reveals New Opel Astra
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New Astra up to 200kg lighter: Smaller exterior dimensions, more space inside
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Agile, frugal and quiet with latest-generation engines
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First new model with Opel OnStar and New Infotainment system compatible with Apple
CarPlay and Android Auto
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First in class: Intelligent full-LED matrix light IntelliLux LED®
Opel has revealed details of the new, 11th generation Astra which is set to make its world
debut this September at the International Motor Show in Frankfurt. Based on an all-new
lightweight vehicle architecture, the new Astra will be driven by latest generation engines
and offers many first in-class features in its segment.
“To date 24 million Kadett and Astra models have been sold to customers and the new
Astra offers some of the latest technologies that will increase comfort and safety for
passengers. With design cues taken from our Monza concept car, the Astra delivers on a
striking athletic design that resembles a coupe car, despite having more interior space than
the outgoing model. We anticipate the new Astra will disrupt its segment with pioneering
innovations and look forward to its arrival this October in Ireland” said Dave Sheeran,
Managing Director, Opel Ireland.
Saving where it counts: The new vehicle architecture
Lighter, more frugal and agile and at the same time even more comfortable. The visionary
Monza Concept was the model for the new Astra, every element and design feature of the
concept reflects efficiency and the new Astra follows this vision rigorously. With a reduction
of up to 200kgs, the 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 20 percent from 357 to 280 kilograms. Additional,
chassis-related measures resulted in another 50kg of weight reduction; these include highstrength and ultra-high-strength low-weight steels, compact subframes as well as weight
reductions to the front and rear axle. In a nutshell, this makes the new Astra is more fun to
drive than ever before.
Adam Opel AG
D-65423 Rüsselsheim
media.opel.com
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Only the best: The latest powertrain portfolio
The engine in the new Opel Astra supports this claim. Under the hood of every new Astra a
new member of the new engine portfolio can be found where outputs range from 95hp to
200hp. The highlight in the Astra engine portfolio is the all-new 1.4 ECOTEC Direct
Injection Turbo petrol engine, a four-cylinder unit from the same family as the smaller but
nonetheless powerful one-litre, three-cylinder engine. The all-aluminum engine will make
its debut with 145 hp. It impresses with responsiveness and high performance while
curbing fuel consumption. The engine delivers maximum torque of up to 250Nm very early.
Maximum power is available between 1,800 and 4,000 rpm – perfect conditions for driving
pleasure in combination with efficiency. Based on its construction, the new 1.4 ECOTEC
Direct Injection Turbo also adds less weight to the car. The aluminum engine block alone
weighs ten kilograms less than the current 1.4-litre turbo engine.
Athletic design meets spaciousness: The perfect Astra symbiosis
The evolution of the German manufacturer’s design philosophy ‘Sculptural Artistry meets
German Precision’ ensures that the new Astra catches the eye with a lighter, more athletic
appearance instead of a muscular look. The most significant design cue is the divided Cpillar, creating the impression of a floating roof. The interplay of light and shadow is
emphasized by the horizontal crossbar above the brand logo linking the rear lights. The
Astra does not just look smaller – it is smaller. With a total length of 4.37 meters it is almost
5cm shorter than its predecessor and a height of 1.46m it is also 2.6cm’s smaller. The
dimensions obviously have an impact on aerodynamics and efficiency with the new Astra
boasting a drag coefficient below 0.30.
Smaller on the outside but bigger on the inside –Opel engineers are responsible for
successfully squaring this circle. The wheelbase may have been reduced by two
centimetres but the amount of space inside increased. In combination with newly designed
seats, the passengers in the rear can enjoy an additional 35 millimeters legroom.
Furthermore, the distance between the front and rear seats was increased – this improves
travel comfort and sense of space. The high-quality cockpit and the instrument panel
seamlessly transfer the characteristic and aesthetic exterior design to the interior, thus
ensuring that a new interior design generation is introduced in the new Astra. It is
characterised by an especially clear look, also reflected by the reduced amount of control
switches and buttons along with the large color touchscreen in the centre stack.
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New generation of the IntelliLink infotainment system
The Astra features the new generation of the IntelliLink infotainment system which is
compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a premiere in this segment. Each system
builds off of the features smartphone users rely on most. Android Auto is built around Google
Maps, Google Now and the ability to talk to Google, as well as a growing audio and
messaging app ecosystem that includes WhatsApp, Skype, Google Play Music, Spotify, and
podcast players. A full list of supported apps is available at http://www.android.com/auto/
Apple CarPlay takes the iPhone features you’d want to access while driving and puts them
on the vehicle’s display in a smart, simple manner. That allows drivers to make calls, send
and receive messages and listen to music right from the touchscreen or by voice via Siri.
Apple CarPlay supported apps include Phone, Messages, Maps, Music and compatible
third party apps. A full list of those apps can be found at http://www.apple.com/ios/carplay/
The functions can be controlled via the large, up to eight-inch touchscreen located high on
the centre stack, via remote control on the steering wheel (volume) or via voice control.
Help and service around the clock: Outstanding connectivity with Opel OnStar
The next generation Astra is the first new Opel model that will be available with the
personal connectivity and service assistant Opel OnStar from its launch. Opel OnStar
offers customers a broad range of safety and comfort services. If an airbag deploys, Opel
OnStar will be alerted automatically. An advisor will then contact the vehicle to determine
whether help is required. If there is no response, emergency responders are immediately
sent to the exact location of the vehicle. This is just one example of the advantages of the
new personal connectivity and service assistant. Drivers and passengers can reach OnStar
24/7 and 365 days a year. No matter whether they need roadside assistance or any other
service – an OnStar advisor is always ready to help.
Premium technologies for the compact class: IntelliLux LED® and Co.
The ground-breaking, Opel patented, full-LED matrix light of the next generation will enable
driving with glare-free high beams and will be available in this class for the first time.
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.
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Apart from Opel OnStar and IntelliLux LED®, future Astra owners can look forward to a
string of further safety, driver assistance and comfort systems – many of which are
unrivalled in this segment. The Traffic Sign Assistant and the Lane Keep Assist with
Lane Departure Warning along with Following Distance Indication and the Forward
Collision Alert with Collision Imminent Braking not only make driving the new Astra
more comfortable but also safer. Cruise control with speed limiter ensures that the
speed is always within the legal boundaries. Advanced Park Assist increases comfort
and can park the car automatically at the push of a button. The rear view camera is
activated once reverse gear is selected. And Side Blind Spot Alert recognizes obstacles
within a 3-metre radius on either side and behind the car that are hidden from the driver’s
vision.
The AGR (Campaign for Healthy Backs) tested and certified ergonomic seats are also
outstanding. They continue Opel’s tradition in excellent, ergonomic seats and now come
with additional comfort features. The new Opel Astra will offer 18-way adjustable seats for
the driver. They have a massage function, ventilation and seat-width setting. And the rear
passengers can also look forward to more comfort than before with the two heatable outer
back seats available as an option.
The all-new Opel Astra is therefore not only safer, more comfortable, more attractive and
more modern than ever before, it is also lighter, more agile, more aerodynamic and more
efficient in every sense of the word. It is Opel’s road to the future.
-ENDSNotes to Editors:
Opel is a German vehicle manufacturer, headquartered in Rüsselsheim, Germany and is a
subsidiary of General Motors (GM). The company was founded in 1862 and began manufacturing
vehicles in 1899. Today Opel operates in over 50 countries, has 12 manufacturing facilities in
Europe and employs over 34,500 people. In 2014, Opel sold 1.25 million vehicles and has a market
share of 5.74% in Europe. From 2014 – 2018, Opel plans to overhaul its model powertrain range
with the introduction of 27 new models and 17 new engines.
Media Information
Laura Condron | Senior Brand & PR Manager | 01 216 1055 | laura.condron@opel.com
Text and photos can be downloaded at http://media.opel.ie