2023 Author: Charles Youmans | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-05-20 18:41
Opel has not yet made an official presentation of the new generation Astra. But despite this, the manufacturer provided one of the pre-production copies of the hatchback to British journalists who tested the car on public roads. Sales of the German novelty will start only in the fall.
Recall that, according to previously published information, the new Astra will move to the EMP2 platform, which allows you to increase the volume of internal space and install different types of power units. This "bogie" provides an increase in the torsional rigidity of the structure by 14%. Among the features of the German novelty include the emergence of LED head optics, created using 84 LEDs.
The total length of the hatchback now reaches 4374 mm, width - 1860 mm, height - 1470 mm. The wheelbase has grown to 2675 mm. The German novelty has become a little longer and wider, which made it possible to increase the trunk volume by 52 liters to 422 liters. The complete list of onboard equipment, like the interior, has not yet been declassified. But it is already known that landing in the driver's seat has become more convenient, and the Astra comes with semi-autonomous cruise control, lane keep assist, tracking systems for "blind" zones and rear cross traffic warnings, all-round cameras.
The German novelty will be available with several powertrains. As shown by test drive, the base 128-horsepower turbo engine offers great flexibility when paired with a 6-speed manual transmission. In particular, this combination allows the driver to confidently take turns and maneuver, provided the correct gear is selected.
The 222-horsepower hybrid demonstrates better performance. This is especially noticeable when connecting to the electric mode, in which the electric motor provides fast acceleration. The automatic transmission, which comes with the hybrid, responds quickly enough to changes in speed. In addition, the new Astra has received rubber with low rolling resistance, which increases the stability of the car.
The German hatchback has a standard layout: McPherson front struts and a rear torsion beam, which in hybrid versions is replaced by a four-link design. At the same time, the Astra has been replenished with an updated steering mechanism with a damping function and the possibility of individual settings. Such changes have led to the fact that the hatchback is now easy to drive. However, the steering gear does not provide any direct connection. This feature disappears in hybrid, heavier versions of the hatchback. The Astra in this performance offers predictable handling, but lacks the precision that characterizes gasoline modifications.
But in general, the German hatchback has grown qualitatively in comparison with its pre-reform model. Opel has finalized all important design details, improving the car in all respects.