Skip to main content
Sister Publication Links
  • Automotive News
  • Automobilwoche
  • Automotive News Canada
  • Automotive News China
Subscribe
  • Subscribe
  • Newsletters
  • Login
  • HOME
    • Latest news
    • Automakers
    • Suppliers
    • New Product
    • Environment/Emissions
    • Sales By Market
    • On The Move
    • Auto Shows
    • Munich Auto Show
    • Geneva Auto Show
    • Paris Auto Show
    • Beijing Auto Show
    • Shanghai Auto Show
  • Features
    • Long Read
    • Interview of the Month
    • Focus on Electrification
    • Focus on Technology
    • Segment Analysis
    • Cars & Concepts
    • Supplier Spotlight
    • Europe By The Numbers
  • Opinion
    • Blogs
    • Commentary
    • Guest columnists
  • Photos
    • Photo Galleries
    • Geneva Photo Gallery
    • Beijing Photo Gallery
    • Frankfurt Photo Gallery
    • Paris Photo Gallery
    • Shanghai Photo Gallery
  • Podcasts
  • Car Cutaways
  • EVENTS
    • ANE Congress
    • ANE Rising Stars
    • ANE Eurostars
  • More
    • Publishing Partners
    • Social Media
    • Contact Us
    • Media Kit
    • About Us
    • Capgemini: All or nothing: Why circular business models require a holistic approach
    • Capgemini: Invent Head on automotive takeaways from CES 2023
    • Capgemini: Securing the industry's future through a radical rethink
    • Capgemini: Succeeding with the automated driving journey through AI
    • Capgemini: The circular economy is spurring new thinking on EV batteries
    • Capgemini: Toyota and Capgemini leaders on how OEMs can handle industry changes and succeed
    • HEXAGON: Plugging into data is the only way to make winning EVs
    • PUBLICIS SAPIENT: The power of post-purchase: How automakers can maximize customer lifetime value
    • TUV Rheinland: Ideas, services and certifications for smart mobility
    • TUV Rheinland: Testing of automated and autonomous vehicles on test tracks
    • Toyota Europe
    • UFI Filters
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    • Twitter
MENU
Breadcrumb
  1. Home
  2. Automakers
July 12, 2021 06:12 PM

Opel Astra will launch with 2 plug-in hybrid options

Compact hatchback adds features and technology to compete with VW Golf, Skoda Octavia, Ford Focus

Peter Sigal
  • Tweet
  • Share
  • Share
  • Email
  • More
    Print

    The Astra compact is the third Opel model to use the brand’s new horizontally oriented “Vizor” grille after the Mokka and  Grandland SUVs. 

    Opel is moving the new-generation Astra compact upscale with two levels of plug-in hybrid power, an all-digital dashboard and improved driver-assistance systems.

    The Astra has moved to a Stellantis platform, the third-generation EMP2 architecture for compact and midsize vehicles, from a General Motors one. 

    Production for Opel and Vauxhall versions starts this autumn at Opel’s factory in Reusselsheim, Germany, with the first deliveries at the start of 2022. The current Astra is built in Gliwice, Poland, and Ellesmere Port, England.

    A station wagon version will follow the launch of a five-door hatchback.

    The new Astra is 4 mm longer than the current model, but the wheelbase is 13 mm longer.

    The new Astra – the sixth generation of the model – is 4 mm longer than the previous model, but the wheelbase is 13 mm longer, increasing interior space.

    Opel did not release prices or full technical details on Tuesday, but the Astra’s drivetrain options are expected to be similar to those of the sibling model Peugeot 308. Internal-combustion-only choices include gasoline and diesel engines with power levels between 110 and 130 hp. Plug-in hybrid output is 180 or 225 hp.

    Peugeot has said it will build a full-electric version of the 308 for 2023, but Opel has not confirmed that an Astra EV is in the works.

    Opel says the Astra’s driving dynamics have been optimized for high-speed travel on Germany’s autobahns, with the structure’s torsional rigidity 14 percent greater than the current generation.

    The Astra is the first Opel to feature the all-digital Pure Panel cockpit, which has two 10-inch displays, a central screen and the instrument panel that are positioned side by side with an integrated air vent.

    The Astra's all-digital cockpit has two 10-inch displays.

    There is no hood over the displays to shield against glare or reflections, which Opel says are prevented by a “shutter-like layer.” 

    A head-up display is also available. 

    Driver assistance and safety features include adaptive cruise control, active lane positioning and rear cross-traffic alerts.

    The Astra is the third Opel model to use the brand’s new horizontally oriented “Vizor” grille after the new Mokka small SUV and face-lifted Grandland compact SUV. 

    The Astra will be built in Opel's factory in Ruesselsheim, Germany, where the brand's headquarters are located.

    Chasing the VW Golf

    Opel is also hoping the Astra builds on the sales success of two other models developed since the brand was bought by then-PSA Group in 2017, the small Corsa and the Mokka. CEO Michael Lohscheller told Automotive News Europe in an interview in April that the new Astra is a cornerstone of Opel’s plans to increase volume, especially as the brand expands outside of Europe.

    It will compete with the Volkswagen Golf, the longtime leader in the mainstream compact segment. The Astra ranked ninth in European sales last year in the segment, with 70,008 sales, a 48 percent decline from 2019, according to figures from JATO Dynamics market researchers. The Golf led the segment with 283,651 sales.

    The Golf is followed by the Skoda Octavia, Ford Focus, Toyota Corolla, Seat Leon, 308, Kia Niro and Renault Megane, which also has a plug-in hybrid option.

    A number of models have plug-in options, either hybrid or full-electric: The Citroen C4 returns to the segment this year with a full-electric option; the Niro has both plug-in hybrid and full-electric options; and the VW e-Golf full electric has been replaced by the slightly larger ID3 EV, but a plug-in option remains with the Golf GTE. 

    RECOMMENDED FOR YOU
    Chinese automakers lead bids for Ford's German site as tensions rise, report says
    Recommended for You
    Ford plant Saarlouis
    Chinese automakers lead bids for Ford's German site as tensions rise, report says
    VW logos lit up
    VW's China JV with SAIC transforms Shanghai plant for EV production
    Porsche 911 Green
    E-fuels offer new life for combustion engines, but at what cost?
    Sign up for free newsletters
    EMAIL ADDRESS

    Please enter a valid email address.

    Please enter your email address.

    Please verify captcha.

    Please select at least one newsletter to subscribe.

    You can unsubscribe at any time through links in these emails. For more information, see our Privacy Policy.

    Get Free Newsletters

    Sign up and get the best of Automotive News Europe delivered straight to your email inbox, free of charge. Choose your news – we will deliver.

    You can unsubscribe at any time through links in these emails. For more information, see our Privacy Policy.

    SUBSCRIBE TODAY

    Get 24/7 access to in-depth, authoritative coverage of the auto industry from a global team of reporters and editors covering the news that’s vital to your business.

    SUBSCRIBE NOW
    Connect with Us
    • Twitter
    • Facebook
    • LinkedIn
    • Instagram

    Founded in 1996, Automotive News Europe is the preferred information source for decision-makers and opinion leaders operating in Europe.

    Contact Us

    1155 Gratiot Avenue
    Detroit MI  48207-2997
    Tel: +1 877-812-1584

    Email Us

    ISSN 2643-6590 (print)
    ISSN 2643-6604 (online)

     

    Resources
    • About us
    • Contact Us
    • Advertise with us
    • Advertise with Us
    • Ad Choices Ad Choices
    • Sitemap
    Awards
    • Rising Stars
    • Eurostars
    • Leading Women
    Legal
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Privacy Policy
    • Privacy Request
    Automotive News Europe
    Copyright © 1996-2023. Crain Communications, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
    • HOME
      • Latest news
      • Automakers
      • Suppliers
      • New Product
      • Environment/Emissions
      • Sales By Market
      • On The Move
      • Auto Shows
        • Munich Auto Show
        • Geneva Auto Show
        • Paris Auto Show
        • Beijing Auto Show
        • Shanghai Auto Show
    • Features
      • Long Read
      • Interview of the Month
      • Focus on Electrification
      • Focus on Technology
      • Segment Analysis
      • Cars & Concepts
      • Supplier Spotlight
      • Europe By The Numbers
    • Opinion
      • Blogs
      • Commentary
      • Guest columnists
    • Photos
      • Photo Galleries
      • Geneva Photo Gallery
      • Beijing Photo Gallery
      • Frankfurt Photo Gallery
      • Paris Photo Gallery
      • Shanghai Photo Gallery
    • Podcasts
    • Car Cutaways
    • EVENTS
      • ANE Congress
      • ANE Rising Stars
      • ANE Eurostars
    • More
      • Publishing Partners
        • Capgemini: All or nothing: Why circular business models require a holistic approach
        • Capgemini: Invent Head on automotive takeaways from CES 2023
        • Capgemini: Securing the industry's future through a radical rethink
        • Capgemini: Succeeding with the automated driving journey through AI
        • Capgemini: The circular economy is spurring new thinking on EV batteries
        • Capgemini: Toyota and Capgemini leaders on how OEMs can handle industry changes and succeed
        • HEXAGON: Plugging into data is the only way to make winning EVs
        • PUBLICIS SAPIENT: The power of post-purchase: How automakers can maximize customer lifetime value
        • TUV Rheinland: Ideas, services and certifications for smart mobility
        • TUV Rheinland: Testing of automated and autonomous vehicles on test tracks
        • Toyota Europe
        • UFI Filters
      • Social Media
        • Facebook
        • Instagram
        • LinkedIn
        • Twitter
      • Contact Us
      • Media Kit
      • About Us