All-New Opel Corsa Top in Aerodynamics: For Lower Emissions and Higher Efficiency

• Model of aerodynamics: class-leading drag coefficient of only 0.29
• Every detail counts: active aero shutter, smooth underbody, rear roof spoiler
• Energy saver: efficient aerodynamics cut drag, fuel consumption, emissions
• IAA world premiere: Frankfurt Motor Show debut for all-new Opel Corsa

As with all other newly developed cars Opel optimised Corsa’s aerodynamics at the Research Institute of Automotive Engineering and Vehicle Engines in the wind tunnel of Stuttgart University.

Opel Corsa has always been an innovation leader and the newest model (which makes its world premiere at the 2019 IAA Frankfurt International Motor Show) is no exception. This year’s IAA is open to trade visitors and the general public September 12-22, 2019.

Sixth generation of the small car from Rüsselsheim not only has more driver assistance systems than most of its rivals, it also has superior aerodynamics.

Result is drag coefficient of only 0.29 – compared to its predecessor further reduced frontal area of only 2.13 m2, making All-New Opel Corsa one of the most aerodynamic cars in its class.

As with all the other newly developed cars Opel optimised the Corsa’s aerodynamics at the Research Institute of Automotive Engineering and Vehicle Engines in the wind tunnel of Stuttgart University.

Low drag means that less energy is needed to move the car, which in turn results in reduced fuel consumption and lower emissions.

Result is a drag coefficient of only 0.29 – an excellent value for a car of this size – and compared to its predecessor a further reduced frontal area of only 2.13 m2, making the new Corsa one of the most aerodynamic cars in its class. Also, the new generation of Opel’s bestseller already meets the future Euro 6d emissions standard. 

“Aerodynamics is just one area where Opel is increasing the efficiency of its automobiles”, said Managing Director Engineering, Christian Müller.

“Aerodynamics is just one area where Opel is increasing the efficiency of its automobiles”, said Managing Director Engineering, Christian Müller. “Advanced petrol and diesel powertrains and state-of-the-art electrification are the other tools we are using to significantly cut fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. All these technologies are fully embraced by our new Corsa, which will also be available for the first time as the all-electric Corsa-e.” 

Due to the challenges posed by CO2 reduction, perfect aerodynamics are gaining great importance in the automotive industry as well as among customers. Low drag means that less energy is needed to move the car, which in turn results in reduced fuel consumption and lower emissions.

All-new Opel Corsa also features spoiler at the rear edge of the roof, which improves the airflow and reduces the turbulence that causes drag.

For example, a ten per cent cut in drag results in a fuel consumption reduction of around two per cent in the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC), or up to five per cent when driving at 130 km/h.

Opel’s engineers achieved this leading drag factor of 0.29 Cd by paying attention to every detail that helps improve the new Corsa’s aerodynamics.

For example, the underbody from the engine compartment to the rear axle is covered with flat panelling to improve the underbody airflow.

All-new Opel Corsa also features a spoiler at the rear edge of the roof, which improves the airflow and reduces the turbulence that causes drag.

Spoiler cuts aerodynamic lift on the rear axle too, which further improves the new Opel Corsa’s straight-line stability, especially at the higher speeds typical of the German autobahn.

Revolutionary in small cars: Active shutter improves aerodynamic efficiency

All-new Corsa also benefits from an active shutter which lowers drag and improves fuel efficiency by automatically closing the frontal opening when cooling air is least needed. So far this innovation has just been featured in much more expensive cars from higher segments.

When closed, the shutter system enhances aero performance by redirecting airflow around the front of the vehicle and down the sides, rather than through the less aero efficient engine compartment. 

The shutter is open or closed depending on engine coolant temperature and speed. For example, the shutter opens when the car is traveling up a hill or in hot city driving. Shutter closes when less engine cooling is required, for example at urban-road speeds.

Sixth generation of Opel’s bestselling small car is not the first aerodynamically optimised Corsa to make its debut at the IAA. At the 1995 Frankfurt show, Opel surprised the industry with an engineering study based on the Corsa for a so-called “three litre car”, i.e. it was designed to return an average fuel consumption of less than 3.5 litres per 100 kilometres.

Opel Corsa ECO 3 concept

Opel Corsa ECO 3 featured, among others, a roof spoiler derived from the GSi, spoilers ahead of the front wheels and flared rocker mouldings in front of the rear wheels.

Opel Corsa ECO 3 concept: roof spoiler derived from GSi, spoilers ahead of the front wheels and flared rocker mouldings in front of the rear wheels. 

Result of all the streamlining was a particularly low drag coefficient for a small three-door hatchback - only 0.29 Cd. Twenty-four years later a series production car has achieved the same excellent result: All-New Opel Corsa.

New importer: Opel strengthens business in Israel

• Fresh start: Lubinski Group has taken over as importer
• Lubinski successfully sells Peugeot, Citroën and DS Automobiles vehicles in Israel
• Profitable sales growth outside Europe important pillar of PACE! plan

Opel sold some 3,000 vehicles in Israel in 2018. Top-sellers are the SUVs Opel Crossland X and Opel Grandland X 

Fresh start for Opel in Israel: The company has just started a new partnership with the renowned sales partner Lubinski Group. From now on, Lubinski will import and sell the vehicles of the German carmaker on the Israeli market. The importer already has a long and successful tradition as sales partner of the other Groupe PSA brands Peugeot, Citroën and DS Automobiles in Israel. Going forward, the new set-up will strengthen Opel’s position in this important market in the Middle East considerably.

“We have taken a further important step that will aid our growth outside of Europe by teaming up with Lubinski, a highly professional partner with a long experience in the market known for its outstanding customer services,” said Bill Mott, Director International Operations, Opel Automobile GmbH. “We are confident that our brand will perform even better in Israel with this new set-up.”

Opel sold some 3,000 vehicles in Israel in 2018. Top-sellers are the SUVs Crossland X and Grandland X and with the new importer, Opel is aiming to grow profitably going forward.

Increasing profitable sales significantly in export markets outside of Europe is one of the key pillars of the PACE! plan. Opel targets doubling overseas sales by 2020. The goal is to generate 10 percent of the Opel sales volume outside of Europe by the mid-2020s. To reach this, the brand is further strengthening its presence in the export markets in Asia, Africa and South America where it is already present today. It will also enter more than 20 new export markets by 2022 – including the comeback in Russia this year still. 

Groupe PSA achieves strong profitability in H1 2019

• €38.3 billion Group revenue
• 8.7% Automotive division [1] recurring operating margin [2]
• 8.7% Group recurring operating margin
• €1.599 billion Group [3] free cash flow [4] including the acquisition of Clarion by Faurecia
• €2.287 billion Automotive division free cash flow

Carlos Tavares, Chairman of Groupe PSA Managing Board said: “Thanks to our focus on our strategic plan execution, we have delivered strong Free Cash Flow and Recurring Operating Margin in H1. We are ready for electrification and to embrace the next technological challenges. Our agility and aligned management team remain key assets to reach the targets of the Push to Pass plan.”

Group revenue amounted to €38,340 million in the first half of 2019, down by 0.7% compared to 2018 H1. Automotive division revenue amounted to €30,378 million down by 1.1% versus 2018 H1, mainly driven by product mix (+2.9%) and price (+1.3%), which partially offset the decrease of sales to partners (-2.2%), the negative impact of exchange rates (-0.8%), volumes and country mix (-1.4%) as well as others (-0.9%).

Group recurring operating income amounted to €3,338 million, up 10.6% with Automotive recurring operating income up 12.6% at €2,657 million. This 8.7% strong profitability level was reached thanks to a positive product mix and further cost reductions, despite exchange rate headwinds.

Group recurring operating margin reached 8.7%, up 0.9 pt versus 2018 H1.

Group non-recurring operating income and expenses amounted to -€847 million, compared to -€750 million in 2018 H1.

Group net financial expenses decreased to -€166 million compared to -€218 million in 2018 H1.

Consolidated net income reached €2,048 million, an increase of €335 million compared to 2018 H1. Net income, Group share, reached €1,832 million, up €351 million compared to 2018 H1.

Banque PSA Finance reported recurring operating income of €513 million[5], up 0.6%.

Faurecia recurring operating income was €634 million, down 1.2%.

The free cash flow of manufacturing and sales companies was €1,599 million of which €2,287 million for the Automotive division.

Total inventory, including independent dealers and importers [6], stood at 659,000 vehicles at 30 June 2019, at the same level as 30 June 2018.

The net financial position of manufacturing and sales companies was €7,906 million at 30 June 2019 after IFRS 16 effect and Clarion acquisition by Faurecia.

Market outlook: in 2019, the Group anticipates a decrease by 1% of the automotive market in Europe, by 4% in Latin America and by 7% in China and growth of 3% in Russia.

Operational outlook:

Groupe PSA has set the target to deliver over 4.5% Automotive recurring operating margin [7] on average for the period 2019-2021.

[1] Automotive Division (PCDOV)

[2] Recurring operating income related to revenue

[3] Sales and manufacturing companies

[4] Free Cash Flow = Cash flow + restructuring + change in working capital requirement + capex and capitalized R&D

[5] 100% of the result of Banque PSA Finance. In the financial statements of Groupe PSA, joint ventures are consolidated using the equity method.

[6] Including Peugeot importers outside Europe

[7] Automotive Division (PCDOV) recurring operating income related to revenue

Appointment of Michael Lohscheller to the Managing Board of Groupe PSA

Michael Lohscheller, Opel Chief Executive Officer

The Supervisory Board met on 23 July 2019, decided to appoint Michael Lohscheller, Opel Chief Executive Officer, as a member of the Managing Board effective from 1 September 2019 until the Managing Board’s term of office expires on 2 April 2021. He succeeds Jean - Christophe Quémard, Executive Vice President, Director Middle-East & Africa. The Supervisory Board thanks Jean-Christophe Quémard for his significant contribution to the Management Board since 2012. He remains member of the Global Executive Committee.

Michael Lohscheller's appointment to the Managing Board reflects the importance of Opel Vauxhall's integration into Groupe PSA. He will bring to the Managing Board his international experience gained from several OEM, as well as his expertise in finance, trade and logistics.

On this appointment, Louis Gallois, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the Groupe PSA says: ‘I am very pleased, with the members of the Supervisory Board, to welcome Michael Lohscheller to the Groupe PSA Managing Board. It is in line with the Group's and the Supervisory Board's willingness to continue the internationalization of its senior management. It acknowledges the role taken by Michael Lohscheller in the turnaround of Opel Vauxhall’.

Michael Lohscheller is Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Opel Automobile GmbH since 2017. Before taking over the position, he was responsible for the automaker’s finances.

Prior to joining Opel in September 2012, Michael Lohscheller was Executive Vice President and CFO at Volkswagen Group of America, where he led a successful turnaround.

During more than 20 years working for different automobile companies, Lohscheller had broad business responsibilities in different areas finance, e.g. marketing and sales, purchasing and logistics.

Lohscheller received a degree in business administration in 1992 after studying at the University of Applied Sciences in Osnabrück, Germany, and the University of Barcelona, Spain. In 1996, he earned a Master of Arts degree in European Marketing Management at Brunel University in London in parallel to his professional activity.

Groupe PSA: Worldwide sales at 1.9M units in the first half of 2019

• Strengthened position in Europe with an increased market share of +0.3pt
• Start of production at the Kenitra [1] plant to support commercial offensive in Middle East & Africa
• Ongoing electrification on the launch pad with 9 [2] electrified models

Despite the decline of the global automotive markets for this first half, our commercial teams have managed to increase market shares in several countries, especially in Europe and Africa. Rigorous deployment of our Core Model and Core Techno strategies is decisive asset to manage profitable sales and enhance customer satisfaction.» says Carlos Tavares, Chairman of the Groupe PSA Managing Board.

Electrification offensive is mastered with the aim to have a 100% electrified [3] range from 2025

All-electric: New Opel Corsa-e 

Groupe PSA aims to be a major player in electrified mobility with all new models coming in a hybrid plug-in or an all-electric version : DS 3 CROSSBACK E-TENSE, Peugeot e-208 and e-2008 and Opel Corsa-e in 100% electric version, and DS 7 CROSSBACK E-TENSE 4X4, Peugeot 3008 HYbrid & HYbrid4, Peugeot 508 & 508 SW HYbrid, Opel Grandland X Hybrid4 and Citroën C5 Aircross SUV Hybrid in hybrid plug-in version.

New Opel Grandland X Hybrid4

Groupe PSA is also preparing a full electrified LCV range by 2025, starting with Citroën Berlingo and Peugeot Partner, already available in an electric version. New electrified generation of these vehicles for Peugeot, Citroën and Opel/Vauxhall will be available by 2021. Group presented last April a preview of the electrified versions of Peugeot Boxer and Citroën Jumper at the Birmingham Commercial Vehicle Show. It also announced an electrified version for 2020 in the medium van segment.

Fourteen new electrified vehicles will be launched in just two years.

Europe: profitable growth

In a declining market over the first half year (-2.4%), the Group strengthened its position by achieving a 17.4% market share, growing in all main markets, particularly in Italy (+1.1pts), France (+0.7pt), the United Kingdom (+0.2pt), Germany (+0.1pt), and Spain (+0.1pt).

Performance is driven by the excellent results of Citroën, which has achieved an eight-year sales record with the strongest growth within the Top 12 brands. As a result, the brand has gained 0.3 point in market share in Europe, thanks in particular to the success of its SUV range (C5 Aircross and C3 Aircross).

Opel / Vauxhall has continued its development since last autumn and grew slightly its market share. This market share grew among other markets in France (0.2 pt), UK (+0.2 pt) and Italy (+0.7 pt), while the brand at the same time kept its focus on the deployment of profitable sales. Combo, Crossland X, Grandland X carry most of this performance and Opel / Vauxhall will benefit from the launch of the new Corsa in the second half of the year.

Peugeot market share is stable in Europe. Beyond the continuous success of its SUVs 3008/5008, Peugeot is also progressing well thanks to the award-winning 508 family with the launch of the new 508 SW: 508 sedan is 1st in France since its launch. Peugeot also beats its previous LCV sales record in the 1st semester.

DS Automobiles confirms the brand's sustainable growth (+1.7% vs 2018 H1, and +16% in Q2 vs 2018 Q2) with DS 7 CROSSBACK - leader in SUV Premium in France during the first half - and DS 3 CROSSBACK, launched in May in France and number 1 in terms of registrations of premium SUVs in June in France.

Groupe PSA is also maintaining its leadership in LCVs with a 24.7% market share.

Middle East – Africa: operational industrial footprint

Groupe PSA market share increased in its main markets: Morocco (+4.7pts), Egypt (+3.5pts), Algeria (+2.7pts) and Turkey (+0.5pt). The evolution of sales is impacted by the wind down from Iran [4] and the Turkish market (-44.8%) downturn.

With the start of production at the Kenitra plant in Morocco, the Group will be able to produce models that meet customers’ expectations and achieve its commercial ambitions in the region.

China & South East Asia: improving business model in China

In a declining Chinese market, sales are down 62.1%. DS maintained its market shares. The Group is working on action plans with its partners to tackle current issues and lower the breakeven point of the JVs.

Electric offensive is underway with the launch of Peugeot 508L PHEV, as well as BEV Peugeot 2008 and DS 3 CROSSBACK in 2020.

Exports from the Malaysian hub NAM [5] are now starting for Peugeot 3008 and 5008

Latin America: headwinds in Argentina

Group sales have decreased by 29.3% in Latin America with a strong hit of Argentinean market downturn (-50.3%). However, the group stabilized its market share in Brazil driven by the success of the SUV C4 Cactus and the LCV offensive. It has maintained its position in Chile and improved in Mexico in decreasing markets. Opel made a strong progress in the region increasing its market share.

Some encouraging trend results from the success of SUV models and recent launches: Citroën C5 Aircross and Peugeot 2008 and completed by Citroën C4, Peugeot Rifter and soon DS 3 CROSSBACK. LCV offensive is also ongoing with the recent launches of the new Peugeot Partner, Citroën Berlingo and Opel Combo.

India-Pacific: sales growth (+2.3%)

Recurring success of the Group in Japan continues with sales up 16%. Groupe PSA achieved another milestone by announcing in April the launch of the Citroën brand in India and starting the production of gearboxes (Hosur plant) with its partner AVTEC Ltd (a CK Birla Group Co.).

Eurasia: prepare the relaunch of the Opel brand

New Opel Zafira Life

Facing a downward trend of the Russian market (-2.4%), Groupe PSA market share is slightly declining (-0.2pt). Group is launching DS Automobiles in Ukraine with the first DS Store to open in July. Group is also preparing the relaunch of the Opel brand in Russia starting with the Zafira Life and the Grandland X, first models to be available in few months.

Opel Grandland X

[1] In Morocco

[2] 4 BEV : DS 3 CROSSBACK E-TENSE + e-208 + e-2008 + Corsa-e and 5 PHEV : 3008 HYbrid & HYbrid4 + 508 & 508 SW HYbrid + Grandland Hybrid4 + DS 7 CROSSBACK E-TENSE 4x4 + Citroën C5 Aircross SUV Hybrid

[3] Full Electric or plug-in hybrid

[4]Volumes industrialized in Iran are no longer recorded in consolidated sales since May 1st 2018

[5] Naza Automotive Manufacturing

PSA Retail opens two Opel points of sale in Cologne, German first, as part of a wider European strategy

PSA Retail, the distribution subsidiary of Groupe PSA, is opening one new Opel site in Cologne today, namely at Raderberggürtel, and will open a second outlet on the Widdersdorfer Strasse.

Opel - PSA Retail in Cologne

With the Raderberggürtel site, PSA Retail will close a former gap for the Opel brand in the Cologne area.

The installation of PSA Retail in Cologne is part of a wider move by the Groupe PSA subsidiary to fulfil its ambition of quickly entering into the circle of the top five distributors of the brand with the lightning-bolt badge in Europe and to contribute to the continued success of the PACE! plan.

To succeed in achieving this ambitious goal, the German market is key. With this in view, the German-first Opel-PSA Retail opening embeds itself in a wider Opel brand, European Business Development strategy, of PSA Retail.

Two well-situated outlets to serve Opel customers in Cologne

The two new sites, ideally situated in the south and west of the city, will deliver the full range of services, including new and used car sales along with after-sales services for Cologne-based Opel customers.

A move that comes as part of a wider European strategy

Distribution of Opel/Vauxhall, following the integration of the two brands in the enlarged Groupe PSA in August 2017, quickly became a strategic target for PSA Retail.

Beginning from nothing in January 2018, PSA Retail will have secured altogether the opening or acquisition of 29 Opel and Vauxhall sites in seven countries (France, UK, Germany, Italy, Spain, Portugal and Switzerland) by the end of 2019.

As from January 2020, PSA Retail will also distribute Opel/Vauxhall original spare parts through its network of 35 spare parts hubs in Europe.

Anne Abboud, Director of PSA Retail, said: “The opening of two Opel sites in Cologne is a major move for PSA Retail as it sustains its ambition to accompany Opel’s ‘PACE!’ plan, as well as to become, in the short term, one of the five top distributors of the brand with the lightning-bolt badge. A wider and profitable presence on the German market is obviously a key element to reaching this goal.”

Ulrich Selzer, Managing Director of Opel Germany, said: “The opening of this new point of sale shows how the Opel brand benefits from Groupe PSA. The second new location in the Cologne area will make us even more efficient and open up the local growth potential of Opel in the region. We also want Opel models and services for our customers in places where no Opel dealerships were previously present. At the same time, we want to continue working on the identity and differentiation of the Opel brand.”

Efficiency champion: New Opel Astra

• New generation engines: for minimum consumption and low emissions
• New emissions standard: all powertrains already meet future Euro 6d
• New benchmark: top aerodynamics for lowest drag coefficients
• New top transmission: efficient nine-speed automatic for five-door and Sports Tourer
• New sport chassis: direct steering, revised shock absorbers, Watts link
• New top technologies: optimised front camera and digital instruments
• New comfort: heated windshield, further improved infotainment, wireless charging
• Proven strengths: Intellilux LED matrix light and AGR ergonomic seats

New Opel Astra

New Opel Astra Sports Tourer

Thanks to excellent aerodynamics as well as highly efficient new engines and transmissions, the new Opel Astra sets standards for efficiency and low emissions. Compared with the previous model, CO2 has been cut by up to 19 percent, putting the Astra at the top of the compact class. Current Astra generation already ushered in a new era at its premiere and was elected European Car Of The Year 2016. With its lightweight design (200 kg lighter than the predecessor) and top technologies from higher classes, the Astra set benchmarks. Opel continues to pursue this strategy with ultra-modern new generations of highly efficient and lightweight petrol and diesel engines. The 1.2-1.5-litre three-cylinder power units produce 77 kW (105 hp) to 107 kW (145hp), making both the Astra five-door and Sports Tourer real fuel-saving and CO2 champions (NEDC fuel consumption: urban 6.1-4.5 l/100 km, extra-urban 4.0-3.1 l/100 km, combined 4.8-3.6 l/100 km, 115-96 g/km CO2; WLTP combined: 5.9-4.4, 139-117 g/km CO2; preliminary figures). A counter-rotating balance shaft in the block of the three-cylinder engines offsets vibrations. Base power units already have a six-speed manual gearbox as standard. A smooth-shifting nine-speed automatic is optional.

Meticulous development in the wind tunnel also made a significant contribution to the reductions in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. As a result, the new Astra is one of the most aerodynamic compact cars on the market.

At 0.25 Cd, New Opel Astra Sports Tourer belongs to the estate cars with the lowest drag coefficient in the world

At 0.25 Cd, New Opel Astra Sports Tourer belongs to the estate cars with the lowest drag coefficient in the world, while the five-door leads the hatchback class at 0.26 Cd.

New Opel Astra: five-door leads the hatchback class at 0.26 Cd

Aero-benchmarks have been achieved through numerous measures, including an engine compartment cover, deflector-shaped rear axle control arms and a full-face shutter. The upper and lower portions of the new Astra’s radiator grille automatically open and close independently of one another, further improving the frontal airflow. The underbody optimisation improves the drag coefficient by reducing turbulence.

Astra’s dynamic chassis has been further developed. New shock absorbers increase comfort. The optional sports chassis features stiffer dampers, a more direct steering and a Watts link at the rear axle.

“We focussed on reducing fuel consumption and emissions during the development of the new Astra”, said Christian Müller, Managing Director Engineering. “Thanks to the excellent aerodynamics as well as new-generation engines and transmissions, we reduced CO2 emissions by up to 19 percent. That is a huge step to the benefit of our customers, who can also profit from lower running costs. This all puts the new Astra at the top of its class.”

Thanks to state-of-the-art emissions reduction technologies such as Gasoline Particulate Filter (GPF) and diesel Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR), all the Astra’s new powertrains already meet Euro 6d. The strict emissions standard first comes into force for all new registrations in 2021. The all-aluminium diesel and petrol engines are equipped as standard with fuel-saving stop/start technology.

But the new Opel Astra, which can already be ordered in a few weeks, not only boasts exemplary aerodynamics and engine technology. It also comes with many other top technologies, from the new front and rear view camera to the digital speedometer and the next generation of infotainment. The E-Call emergency call system is also on board. A wireless charger in the centre console for smartphones is optionally available.

New Opel Astra: grille in 3D-look

New Opel Astra front impresses with a grille in 3D-look. And while the interior transforms into a concert hall with the optional high-end Bose sound system, Opel Astra turns heads with the optional High Gloss Black Pack.

Efficiency champions: Up to 19 percent lower CO2 emissions

Low consumption and CO2 figures are also enabled by the modern six-speed manual gearboxes, the seven-speed Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) and new nine-speed automatic.

New turbocharged petrol and diesel engines, which are as economical as they are lively, are primarily responsible for the exemplary efficiency. Low consumption and CO2 figures are also enabled by the modern six-speed manual gearboxes, the seven-speed Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) and – for the first time at Opel – a new nine-speed automatic.

New Opel Astra: 9-Speed-AT HydraMatic

Compact, three-cylinder, turbo petrol units are available with 1.2 and 1.4 litre displacements. With power outputs extending from 81 kW (110 hp) to 107 kW (145 hp) and maximum torque from 195 to 236 Newton metres, they achieve an excellent balance between performance and efficiency (NEDC fuel consumption: urban 6.1-5.4 l/100 km, extra-urban 4.0-3.8 l/100 km, combined 4.8-4.4 l/100 km, 110-101 g/km CO2; WLTP2 combined: 5.9-5.2, 136-120 g/km CO2; preliminary figures). Astra 1.2 is combined with a smooth-shifting six-speed manual gearbox while the Astra 1.4 is available exclusively with a new seven-speed continuously variable transmission (CVT). With the CVT, Astra drivers can enjoy the convenience of automatic gear changing or select gears themselves via the shift lever.

Integration of the water-cooled exhaust manifold in the cylinder head contributes to quick engine warm-up, which lowers emissions after a cold start.

New Opel Astra: Three Cylinder 1.2 Direct Injection Turbo

Compared to the previous model, the fuel consumption and CO2 figures of the 77 kW (105 hp) and 90 kW (122 hp) Astra diesels have been reduced by up to 17 percent and around 10 percent respectively.

Instead of the precise, six-speed manual gearbox, the most powerful diesel is optionally available with the seamless shifting of a new nine-speed automatic transmission, which is making its debut at Opel in the Astra.

The diesel engines feature an electrically-activated turbocharger with variable geometry turbine vanes (VGT) and, similar to their petrol counterparts, a balance shaft in the block for additional refinement. Likewise, the exhaust manifold is also integrated in the cylinder head.

Optimum exhaust after-treatment of the Astra 1.5 diesel is delivered by the emissions reduction system consisting of a passive oxidation catalyst, AdBlue injector, SCR catalyst and Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF).

Fully digital: New front and rear view camera, digital speedometer

New Opel Astra: Digital speedometer

Opel Astra already offers a portfolio of state-of-the-art technologies and assistance systems that is unrivalled in this vehicle class – first and foremost the intelligent, glare-free IntelliLux LED Matrix light. The extensive offer also includes systems such as adaptive cruise control, following distance indication, forward collision alert with automatic emergency braking, traffic sign recognition and lane keep assist, to name but a few. Also available are AGR-certified (Aktion Gesunder Rücken e.V.) ergonomic seats with ventilation and massage function. New Opel Astra is also highly digitalised with a new optional high-tech front camera as well as rear view camera.

New Opel Astra: AGR-certified Ergonomic seats with ventilation and massage function.

New front camera is smaller, but more powerful than before thanks to a faster processor. It now not only recognises vehicles, but also pedestrians – an important safety bonus. Furthermore, thanks to the high-resolution camera, traffic sign recognition can now process even more traffic signs and show them as symbols on the display. Digital rear view camera available in conjunction with the new Multimedia Navi Pro infotainment system is also more powerful. View of the traffic behind the vehicle on the monitor is more distinct and precise; the contrasts are more visible in the dark.

Opel Astra customers enjoy top connectivity with the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible systems Multimedia Radio, Multimedia Navi and Multimedia Navi Pro. They belong to the newest infotainment generation – smarter, faster and more intuitive. Top-of-the-line Multimedia Navi Pro – as in the Opel Insignia flagship – has an eight-inch colour touchscreen and can also be operated by voice control. Connected Navigation services with real-time traffic information and online map updates make the journey more relaxed. The navigation display itself appears with redesigned symbols in a fresher, more modern look. The same applies to the instrument cluster: drivers in the new Opel Astra are the first to have a digital speedometer.

Optionally available is the E-Call emergency call function. If needed, help is just seconds away by pressing the red button. If the seatbelt tensioners or airbags are deployed, the system automatically makes an emergency call.

Driving pleasure: Wireless charging and Bose sound system

Comfort is a top priority in the new Astra. A practical feature when travelling: compatible smartphones can now also be charged inductively via wireless charging. All you have to do is insert your smartphone into the opening provided in the centre console – a flat battery is a thing of the past.

The new Astra transforms into a concert hall with the optional Bose high-end sound system. A total of seven loudspeakers including a RichBass subwoofer under the boot ensure optimum listening pleasure. The driver and passengers are surrounded by a rich sound – regardless of where they are in the vehicle. In addition, up to eight different sound profiles can be stored via the digital amplifier – depending on the taste and preference of the music lover.

Last but not least, the new Astra introduces another comfort feature that makes driving in the cold season more pleasant and safer: the heated windscreen. Fine, almost invisible wires in the windscreen ensure that Astra drivers quickly have a clear view of the road on frosty days and that the windscreen no longer fogs up.

New Opel Astra Sports Tourer