Shines in New Light: Opel Gives Further Insight into New Opel Astra & Opel Astra Sports Tourer

• Sharper, more technical: Compact class bestseller for the first time with new Opel Vizor design and permanently illuminated Blitz emblem
• Real highlight: Latest Intelli-Lux HD lighting technology with over 50,000 elements
• Top comfort: Intelli-Seats with ergonomic feature already standard from the entry-level version
• Greenovation: 100 percent recycled fabrics in the interior
• Extended range: New Astra Electric with a range of up to 454 kilometres
• World premiere: Opel to unveil newcomers at the Brussels Motor Show in January 2026

In 2025, the new SUV models from the Opel Mokka to the Opel Frontera to strong new variants of the Opel Grandland Electric celebrated their market launch – in 2026 the focus will shift to the Opel Astra. The hugely popular compact class car, which is designed, engineered and made in Rüsselsheim, will soon be available in a new guise with an even sharper design as well as even more top technologies and comfort. In just a few weeks, the new Opel Astra and the new Opel Astra Sports Tourer will celebrate their world premiere at the Brussels Motor Show from January 9 to 18, 2026. Today, Opel is already showing details of the further developed successful model ‘made in Germany’.

The highlights of the new appearance include the Opel Blitz at the front, which is illuminated for the first time on the Astra, the adaptive glare-free Intelli-Lux HD light and the standard Intelli-Seats with ergonomic recess. The developers and designers have also remained true to Opel's ‘Greenovation’ approach: The interior of the new Astra is made of 100 per cent recycled materials – and the all-electric Astra Electric comes with more locally emissions-free range and can now cover up to 454 kilometres between charging stops (WLTP 1).

"Our new Opel Astra is sharper, more modern and more sustainable than ever," said Opel CEO Florian Huettl. "With new design and technology highlights such as the illuminated Opel Blitz in the further developed brand face or the innovative Intelli-Lux HD light, we are taking our compact class bestseller to the next level. The new Astra will inspire customers and continue the decades of success of our compact class."

Astra premiere 1: Enhanced Opel Vizor with illuminated Opel Blitz

Opel connoisseurs will immediately notice that the new Astra comes with a fresh design, which was decisively inspired by the high-performance Opel Corsa GSE Vision Gran Turismo concept car. The characteristic brand face, the Opel Vizor, is now narrower and even more precisely designed. The illuminated Opel Blitz, which celebrated its premiere as a distinguishing feature of the top-of-the-line Grandland SUV now sits proudly at the centre. The central, now illuminated brand emblem also forms the starting point for the light strips that run horizontally into the headlights and vertically into the crease of the bonnet. Here, too, the design is based on the Corsa GSE Vision Gran Turismo. The result: The Opel Compass, illuminated for the first time as the design leitmotif of the vehicle, is emphasised more strongly than before; the new Astra appears even sharper, more technical and more modern.

New rim designs for the 17- and 18-inch alloy wheels are just as eye-catching as the new metallic paints ‘Kontur White’ and ‘Klover Green’. They underline the unique appearance in combination with the optional contrasting black roof.

Astra Premiere 2: Intelli-Lux HD lighting technology with over 50,000 elements

Unique in the compact class is the lighting technology used in the new Astra on both sides of the Opel Vizor. Once again, the Opel Grandland served as the inspiration: From now on, the innovative Intelli-Lux HD light is also available for the Astra and Astra Sports Tourer. The adaptive, glare-free headlights have more than 50,000 elements and cut out preceding and oncoming road users even faster and more precisely than the previous matrix light technologies. At the same time, the light cone in front of the vehicle can be completely digitally adjusted, so that it intuitively guides the driver's point of view along the road when cornering. Depending on the steering angle, an additional light module is added on the corresponding side of the vehicle, which illuminates the road even better from the side and thus prevents ‘black holes’ in the curve. In bad weather or fog mode, Intelli-Lux HD also reacts to the possible glare effect caused by rain-soaked roads and adjusts the light intensity accordingly to reduce this effect for oncoming traffic. And finally, the high-resolution lighting technology is easy on the eyes of the Astra driver. This is because the system detects traffic signs appearing on the road and dims the LEDs so that the reflection from the signs does not dazzle the driver.

Astra Premiere 3: Top comfort with standard Intelli-Seats from entry-level version

The new appearance, which takes the Opel Astra to the next level, is also reflected in the interior. Here, Opel  Astra drivers and passengers can look forward to an even clearer cockpit as well as extra comfort. In every variant, the new Astra offers even more seating comfort than before. Even from the entry-level version, the Intelli-Seats, specially developed by Opel and available for the first time for the Astra, come as standard. They are characterised by a special recess running in the middle of the seat, which – inspired by the bicycle saddle design on road bikes – reduces pressure on the tailbone. The patented Intelli-Seat ergonomics feature ensures relaxed driving comfort even on long drives.

In addition, Astra customers can also choose their own individual seating comfort. For example, multi-adjustable, AGR-certified seats for driver and front passenger with covers made of ReNewKnit™ including multi-stage seat heating, electro-pneumatic lumbar support, massage and memory function are available. The mono-material in a high-quality suede look is 100 per cent recycled and recyclable and, unlike composite materials, does not have to be laboriously separated. This reduces the CO2 footprint and helps to avoid waste.

Greenovation: Recycled fabrics, Opel Astra Electric with range of 454 kilometres (WLTP 1)

In addition to the 100 per cent recycled seat covers, numerous other resource-saving materials and surface structures are used in the Astra interior. At the same time, the cockpit and user interfaces of multimedia infotainment and the like have been made even clearer and more intuitive.

Resource conservation was also the focus of the further development of the electrified drive portfolio. With a 58 kWh battery, the Astra Electric will enable a locally emissions-free range of up to 454 kilometres (WLTP 1) – allowing Astra Electric drivers to travel around 34 kilometres further than before between charging stops. Also new and extremely practical: The all-electric Astra offers V2L – Vehicle to Load – for the first time and thus the possibility of charging external devices such as e-bikes or the like at the holiday destination without having to rely on other power sources.

This said, Opel Astra customers can continue to rely on the proven strengths of the compact class bestseller. Depending on the variant, up to 1,339 litres of luggage can fit into the rear compartment in the hatchback with the seats folded down. The Astra Sports Tourer offers a load volume of up to a maximum of 1,634 litres. In addition, the rear seat backrest in the compact-class estate can be flexibly folded down in a 40:20:40 ratio.

Further information on the newcomers and the broad drive portfolio of the new Opel Astra and Opel Astra Sports Tourer will follow around the world premiere in Brussels in early 2026.

[1] The stated – provisional – range was determined on the basis of the WLTP test procedures (Regulation (EC) No. 715/2007 and Regulation (EU) No. 2017/1151). The actual range may vary under everyday conditions and depends on various factors, in particular personal driving style, route conditions, outside temperature, use of heating and air conditioning as well as thermal preconditioning. Vehicle not yet available; further consumption data and information not yet available.

Compact Class Highlight: First Glimpse of New Opel Astra & Opel Astra Sports Tourer

• Sharper, more technical: Bestseller with new Opel Vizor design including illuminated Blitz
• From Vision to reality: New Opel Astra adopts characteristic elements of Opel Corsa GSE Vision Gran Turismo concept car
• Perennial favourite: New Opel Astra sounds in next chapter of 90-year compact-class success story

Sporty, elegant, practical and with numerous features that are otherwise only known from higher vehicle classes: This is what distinguishes the Opel Astra and the Opel Astra Sports Tourer. Together with its predecessor Opel Kadett, the compact model bestseller from Rüsselsheim stands for a success story in its segment that has now lasted almost 90 years. Opel will soon open the next chapter for the Astra. Because the new Opel Astra is coming soon – sharper, more technical and even more eye-catching than ever. Opel has revealed a first glimpse of the future of the Astra by showing the new Vizor, which will adorn the model and is inspired by the breathtaking high-performance Opel Corsa GSE Vision Gran Turismo concept car.

"For decades, the Astra has stood for what distinguishes Opel: German engineering that combines emotions with proven practicality and top technologies for everyone. The Astra is 'made in Germany' through and through – designed, engineered and made in Rüsselsheim. Now we are taking the next big step with our compact class bestseller: The new Opel Astra and the new Opel Astra Sports Tourer will delight customers with new, even sharper and more precise design highlights as well as innovative technologies. Stay tuned, more details will follow shortly," teased Opel CEO Florian Huettl.

The further developed Opel Vizor gives a first taste of the new Opel Astra. The characteristic brand face will be even slimmer and more precise than before. The Opel Blitz emblem is illuminated for the first time in the history of the Astra – and will make the perennial compact class favourite just as recognisable as the top-of-the-line Grandland SUV, the first Opel model to introduce the illuminated Blitz. Sharp and precise contours are characteristic for the new Opel Astra front. For example, the designers and engineers have also refined the Opel Compass and fitted it with characteristic light strips – as can be seen on the Opel Corsa GSE Vision Gran Turismo.

With its sharper appearance and innovative safety and feel-good technologies, the new Opel Astra is now even more modern, attractive and comfortable. In this way, the Opel Astra and Astra Sports Tourer will continue the successful compact class tradition. More information about the new Opel Astra and its world premiere will follow soon.

2026 Rally season: Opel Mokka GSE Rally to promise Grand Sport Electric in ADAC Opel GSE Rally Cup

• New name: Electric competition to be called ADAC Opel GSE Rally Cup
• New car: Opel Mokka GSE Rally to replace Opel Corsa Rally Electric
• All the know-how, twice the power: Mokka GSE Rally with 207 kW (281 hp) and 345 Newton metres of torque
• Opel supports rally stars of tomorrow: Cup proven springboard for young rally drivers

Good news for motorsport fans and rally talents alike. Opel and ADAC have announced some exciting changes for the 2026 rally season. Going forward, the world's first electric one-make rally cup will be called ADAC Opel GSE Rally Cup. Furthermore, the participants will no longer face the challenging stages in the Opel Corsa Rally Electric – instead they will show their talents in the 207 kW (281 hp) Opel Mokka GSE Rally, the first car currently being developed according to the FIA's new eRally5 regulations. The 2026 season of the GSE Rally Cup is set to take place across seven rounds in six different European countries and will begin in May with the ELE Rally in Eindhoven, Netherlands.

"With the ADAC Opel Electric Rally Cup, Opel and ADAC have created the world's first one-make electric rally cup. Five successful seasons impressively prove that sustainable motorsport works and combines strong performance with thrills. Our Opel Corsa has shown that its electric drive system is absolutely reliable, also under rally conditions. Within our GSE strategy, this cup stands for approachable, electric performance and is a successful springboard for young rally talents, as we demonstrated with numerous successes in higher rally classes. With the new Mokka GSE Rally, the 2026 season will definitely be very exciting again", said Rebecca Reinermann, Vice President Marketing Opel and Vauxhall.

ADAC Sport President Dr. Gerd Ennser said: “The innovative concept of the ADAC Opel Electric Rally Cup is a prime example of how to successfully combine the work with young talents and electric motorsport. ADAC is a pioneer for more sustainability in motorsport, and with the early extension of our cooperation with Opel we are sending a strong signal for electric rallying. Our Cup is the talent factory of Europe’s rally champions: Numerous drivers who began their careers here, have successfully established themselves on national and international stages.”

Power, performance, thrills: New Opel Mokka GSE Rally

Teams and drivers can look forward to getting their hands on the Opel Mokka GSE Rally, the first car currently being developed according to the FIA's new eRally5 regulations. With a peak power output of 207 kW (281 hp) it is more than twice as powerful as the Opel Corsa Rally Electric (100 kW/136 hp). In combination with 345 Newton metres of torque and sophisticated motorsport technology, it promises performance on a par with a Rally4 car. A multi-plate limited-slip differential and a racing gearbox, together with reinforced drive shafts and wheel hubs, provide powerful propulsion. The chassis was manufactured in a lightweight design. The perfectly tuned rally suspension from Bilstein consists of reinforced McPherson struts and uniball mounts on the front axle as well as a rear axle with modified springs and dampers. Based on the experience gained from the Corsa Rally Electric, the software tuning for the engine and battery management has been designed for maximum efficiency, drivability under competitive conditions and performance. The battery corresponds to the series version with a storage capacity of 54 kWh.

"Since the launch of this pioneering motorsport project, our Opel Corsa Rally Electric has demonstrated season by season its reliability, robustness, and impressive performance – even under most demanding rally conditions. Now we're taking it to the next level: I had the chance to experience the Mokka GSE Rally in action at the Rally Stemwede in northern Germany. Seeing the motorsport fan reactions to our future rally car shows that we are heading in the right direction with our GSE label and that it has been a good decision to develop a Mokka GSE as series model for Opel customers," said Marcus Lott, Senior Vice President Stellantis Lead Engineering Central Europe.

In addition to ensuring outstanding performance, extremely high safety standards have been retained. Like the Opel Corsa Rally Electric, the Mokka GSE Rally also has a roll cage (certified by the FIA), rally seats with six-point seatbelts, a special encapsulation of the battery and an additional underride guard. The 400-volt system is continuously monitored by the Master Alarm Indicator. In the unlikely event of an insulation issue, a visual and acoustic warning system immediately reports a malfunction. In case of a sudden deceleration (such as in a collision), a sophisticated sensor system completely shuts down the high-voltage system in a few tenths of a second. In addition, the Opel Mokka GSE Rally has a special extinguishing system with electrically non-conductive extinguishing agent.

Electric motorsport and talent pool: Opel supports rally stars of tomorrow

"The cooperation between ADAC and Opel is the perfect embodiment of successful talent promotion. We both support the rally stars of tomorrow, and our common philosophy is paying off: Over 224 male and female drivers from 22 nations have taken their first steps in professional rallying since the 2013 season. The best of them made it into the ADAC Opel Rally Junior Team and caused a real stir at European level. Six JERC driver titles including this year’s championship of Calle Carlberg speak for themselves,” added Jörg Schrott, Head of Opel Motorsport. “But not only the rally youngsters and their thrilling battles have been crucial to the success of our cup. The technological maturity of the Opel Corsa Rally Electric also speaks for itself. Its near-production electric propulsion stands for innovation, quality and reliability made by Opel. With this rally engagement, we prove once again that electric mobility is suitable for everyday use and electrifying and reliable for motorsport alike. I am really looking forward to the 2026 Cup season with our new Mokka GSE Rally."

Since 2013, the champions of the former ADAC Opel Rallye Cup and the ADAC Opel Electric Rally Cup ‘powered by GSE’, which was launched in 2021, have automatically been promoted to the ADAC Opel Rally Junior Team where they have put their undoubted skills to the test in the Opel Corsa Rally4 in the Junior European Championship. This year, Calle Carlberg brought home Opel’s sixth title in the last decade and the Swede followed in the footsteps of Emil Bergkvist (Sweden, 2015), Marijan Griebel (Germany, 2016), Chris Ingram (England, 2017), Martins Sesks (Latvia, 2018) and Laurent Pellier (France, 2022). After having won the ADAC Opel Electric Rally Cup this year, Tom Heindrichs will be promoted into the ADAC Opel Rally Junior Team next year.