All-New Opel Astra Sports Tourer: Successful Estate with Long Tradition

• In 11th generation: Opel Kadett Caravan and Astra Sports Tourer define compact class
• Beginning of success story: First Opel compact estate Kadett A Caravan was bestseller
• Versatile allrounder: Lots of space, comfort and technologies for business and leisure
• Speaks for itself: Astra estates named Sports Tourer since 2010
• New era: Newest generation with Opel Vizor, Pure Panel and electrified for first time

Around 25 million Opel Kadett and Opel Astra cars sold – 5.8 million of them estates – is an impressive number and a strong performance. Lined up end to end, all Opel compact models built to date would break the magic 100,000-kilometre mark and form a line of vehicles that could reach two and a half times around the equator. Opel's compacts have made personal mobility possible for many, especially in economically difficult times. With each model generation, Opel also has made technologies from higher vehicle segments affordable for many car buyers – as every Opel product has done for 160 years, from sewing machines and bicycles to motorbikes and automobiles. At the same time, manufacturer continues to combine innovations from higher classes with dynamic design.

Introduction of the all-new Astra Sports Tourer in Opel’s jubilee year marks the beginning of a new era in the history of the brand’s compact class estates. All-new Astra Sports Tourer is the first Opel estate to feature the new Opel Vizor brand face and the digital Pure Panel cockpit, as well as a stylish two-tone paint finish as an option. In addition, it continues the Opel electric offensive. All-new Astra Sports Tourer is the first Opel estate to be electrified – already now as a plug-in hybrid and next year also as a battery-electric version.

But it all started with the Kadett A Caravan in 1963. Opel presented its first compact-class estate and quickly became the leader in the market segment. From then on, a car “like a van” was part of every new Kadett and Astra generation. Astra H (2004-2010) was the last Opel compact to bear the name Caravan until the end of production. In the meantime, estates had changed more and more from typical craftsmen's tools to lifestyle companions. Accordingly, every Astra estate has been called Sports Tourer since 2010.

Kadett A to Astra L – A success story over 11 generations

1963-1965: Opel Kadett A

As spacious as a bus: First CarAvan

Opel Kadett Caravan revolutionized the compact class in 1963. A large boot and plenty of room for six people thanks to a third row of seats plus a new, lively engine and low maintenance costs made up the recipe for success for the Kadett A. Opel built nearly 650,000 up until 1965. The contours were business-like and modern. Beltline was low down, the panoramic windows made for good visibility and a decorative strip running along the side accentuated the stretched form. Front fenders tapered off into the headlamps. Iinterior space deeply impressed owners of conventional small cars. The boot was a real baggage compartment, and the fuel tank cap was outside! “Opel Kadett, in brief: O.K.,” wrote Opel’s advertising team, unable to also resist a dig at their competitors in Wolfsburg. “You never have the smell of gasoline in the boot,” they said with a wink. With its modern, water-cooled front engine, the Kadett had another major design advantage over the Beetle. 993-cc four-cylinder unit developed a lively 40 hp.

1965-1973: Opel Kadett B Caravan

Strength in numbers: Kadett is an export success-story

B follows A, and a new series already replaced the first model in 1965. The new version was more than four meters long and thus a good deal bigger than its predecessor. The caravan with its 1.57-metre long loading area is available from start of sales with a choice of two or four doors. As for its fashionable figure – their colleagues overseas inspired the designers. Not only was the length increased – so, too, was the horsepower. Opel engineers enlarged the bore of the four-cylinder unit by 3 mm. The basic 1,078-cc unit developed 45 hp. Also available was a higher-compression 1.1 S engine with 55 hp. The Kadett quickly became a success, with over 2.6 million units produced from September 1965 to July 1973. And its success was certainly not limited to its country of birth. In 1966, the export quota reached 50 per cent as customers from 120 countries around the globe snatched up the Kadett.

1973-1979: Opel Kadett C Caravan

Solid as a rock: Quality in every shape

Kadett C family had many faces: a smart family car, a chic estate with a practical rear tailgate, or a competitive sports coupé (GT/E) in war paint. Caravan came first as a two-door, and then a four-door in 1976. A total of 1.7 million of them were built between 1973 and 1979. Rear-wheel drive Kadett C made its debut in August 1973 with a cleanly designed body and a new double-wishbone front axle. Most popular engine was the 1.2 with 60 hp and a modest 88 Nm of torque. Characteristic design features included a flat radiator grille, an engine hood with the brand’s signature crease, and a front apron in spoiler form. “Kadett not only drives exceptionally well, is also conscientiously designed and cleanly made. It requires little maintenance, is repair-friendly and economical to run,” praised the car-testing experts at “auto motor und sport” in the 20/73 edition.

1979-1984: Opel Kadett D Caravan

Remake/remodel: Space galore

Fourth generation of the post-war Kadett introduced a new compact class era at Opel. At the 1979 IAA, Opel’s first front-wheel drive model with transverse four-cylinder engine debuted as the modern-looking Kadett D. Packaging was truly convincing. 4.20-metre-long newcomer was only slightly longer its predecessor was, but offered significantly more space than many of its rivals. But it was not only the powertrain layout and the chassis with a torsion-beam axle at the rear that broke with tradition: the Kadett was given a new 1.3-liter OHC engine that generated 60 or 75 hp. In addition to the spacious estate with a load volume of up to 1,425 litres, Opel offered only fastback versions. For families there was a very plush Caravan “Voyage Berlina”. Other technical modifications included a tighter and lower chassis, new steering dampers and internally ventilated disk brakes at the front. A total of 2.1 million Kadett D units were produced from 1979 to 1984.

1984-1991: Opel Kadett E Caravan

Out of the wind-tunnel: Car of The Year

Second front-wheel drive Kadett, built from 1984 to 1991, was named “Car of the Year 1984” and was an absolute winner. Selling a grand total of 3,779,289 cars in its lifetime, it was the bestselling Opel so far and a real aerodynamics world champion. Based on the engineering of its predecessor, the Kadett E was set for a stellar career. With a drag coefficient of 0.39, the Kadett D was already best in its class, but this figure paled in comparison to its successor. After spending 1,200 hours of fine-tuning in the wind tunnel, the five-door variant achieved a sensational 0.32 (Caravan 0,35). Buyers took to the new form after only a few months, paving the way for a new success story that provided the Kadett E with 625,000 new registrations across Europe in 1987. By this time, the two and four-door estate versions had already climbed to the top of the class. In 1987, two 54 hp Caravan diesels set out on a 30,000-kilometre trip from Alaska to Tierra del Fuego – both of them safely reach the final destination. From April 1989 onwards, all gasoline-engined Kadetts are sold with catalytic converter in Germany.

1991-1997: Opel Astra F Caravan

Reborn: Kadett becomes Astra

Some 4.13 million Astra Fs were built between 1991 and 1997, making it the bestselling Opel model ever. Development work focused on combining modern design with more interior space, enhanced comfort and greater emphasis on environmental protection.

Successor to the Kadett assumed the name of its British sister model (the fourth generation of the Kadett had been sold in the UK as the Vauxhall Astra since 1980). The Caravan is a popular variant from the start. Opel also launched a safety offensive with its new star. All Astras offered an active belt system with tensioners on the front seats belts, height-adjustable belts and seat ramps as well as side protection including double steel tube reinforcements in all the doors. For the first time, all engines came with catalytic converters.

1998-2004: Opel Astra G Caravan

Fully galvanized: Into the new millennium

In spring 1998, the Astra was offered from the start as a three and five-door hatchback and as a estate. Progressive independent design, dynamic chassis and powertrain technology as well as nearly twice the torsional and flexural rigidity of its predecessor were just some of the characteristics of the completely new, second-generation Opel Astra. New model’s fully galvanized body played a key role in its high value retention. Boot volume rises to 1630 litres; private buyers prefer the highly equipped Caravan Club with up to 115 hp. Active safety was enhanced with a 30 per cent increase in the light output of the transparent H7 halogen headlamps and the completely redesigned Dynamic Safety (DSA) chassis. It combined comfort with agile and safe handling, even under full load. Wheelbase was around eleven centimetres longer, enabling more interior space, in particular more rear knee room in the rear and a larger boot volume of up to 1,500 litres. Fastest compact station ever – Astra OPC Caravan – hit the road in 2002; the modest family wagon caused many surprises as it hurtled along the Autobahn at speeds up to 240 km/h.

2004-2010: Opel Astra H Caravan

Adaptive headlights and suspension: A winning concept

With twelve engines ranging from 90 to 240 hp and seven body variants, the choice of models for the Astra H that sold over 2.7 million units was exceptional. When it was launched in March 2004, the third-generation Opel Astra boasted a progressive design, high driving dynamics and plenty of technical innovations, immediately winning numerous comparison tests in specialist automotive publications. The Astra’s technological highlights included the adaptive IDSPlus chassis system with electronic Continuous Damping Control (CDC), otherwise only found in luxury class and exclusive sports cars, as well as the Adaptive Forward Lighting (AFL) headlamp system with dynamic curve light. Astra also boasted high levels of safety. Caravan offered passengers plenty of space.

2010 – 2015: Opel Astra J Sports Tourer

Beauties can be useful too: First Sports Tourer

Sculptural artistry combined with German precision – the dynamic estate is launched one year after its five-door sibling and for the first time carries the Sports Tourer nameplate. The Opel Astra J not only embodies the brand’s new design philosophy, it also retains the clever Flex-Fold system, up to 1500 litres of useful space, and assists drivers with a range of technologies that already made an important contribution to the success of the best-selling mid-size Insignia. The front camera recognizes traffic signs and informs the driver of speed limits or overtaking bans. It also warns drivers if they are in danger of veering out of lane. With the AFL+ headlamp system, the Astra can look around the corner and, if necessary, even automatically dim the lights or switch to high beam. With a chassis that can be enhanced by the FlexRide adaptive technology, the Astra Sports Tourer can play out its dynamic talents to the full. Astra drivers also benefit from a new generation of front seats developed according to the latest findings in safety ergonomics which have been awarded the seal of quality from the independent medical and back experts of the AGR (Campaign for Healthier Backs) organization.

From 2016: Opel Astra K Sports Tourer

Pure efficiency: Lean but not mean

Up to 190 kg lighter, significantly more spacious inside despite almost identical dimensions, and more efficient thanks to exclusive use of new-generation engines – Opel Astra Sports Tourer was a quantum leap in development and immediately voted “European Car Of The Year 2016”.

Astra K continued the tradition of its predecessors. New Sports Tourer also stood out with its lighting technology. It was the first car to introduce the adaptive, full LED matrix technology IntelliLux LED – so far reserved for luxury and premium models from higher classes – into the compact segment. New-generation driver assistance systems also included Traffic Sign Assist, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning along with Following Distance Indication and Forward Collision Alert with Collision Imminent Braking. In addition, the new Astra K once again delivered on wellness with newly engineered ergonomic front seats, also certified by the AGR organization. These new front seats could even be enhanced with a ventilation and massage function.

As of 2022: Opel Astra L Sports Tourer

Electrifying: Stylish estate with Opel Vizor and Pure Panel

With the world premiere of the all-new Astra in autumn 2021 the German carmaker opened the next chapter – the compact model is available for the first time electrified, as five-door and Sports Tourer. Opel will offer the Astra Sports Tourer as plug-in hybrid and as of 2023 also as battery-electric estate. Variants with highly efficient petrol and diesel engines combined with six-speed and eight-speed automatic transmissions complete the line-up.

All-new Opel Astra Sports Tourer is also a design statement for the brand. Dynamic as never before, with sheer, taut surfaces, detoxed of superfluous elements and with the new brand face – the Opel Vizor. In addition, the practical new Astra Sports Tourer also displays the brand’s typical talent for efficient packaging. While the overall length is 6.0 cm shorter than that of the previous model, the wheelbase is 7.0 cm longer – bonus points for comfort and luggage volume. Inside, the fully digital Pure Panel human-machine-interface (HMI) offers customers a pure, intuitive experience.

!NEW! Around the World in 80 Years: Opel Kadett Celebrates its Birthday

• Opel Kadett launched as innovative small car with an integral body and frame
• Over 24 million Opel Kadett and Astra have been sold to date
• Current generation Opel Astra continuing the success story of its ancestors

Opel led the way in the 1930s, especially with the innovative and revolutionary all-steel unitary body construction.

The first Opel Kadett was a minor sensation, both technically and in terms of price. More than 100,000 of these four-seat models were built from 1936 to 1940 in Rüsselsheim, which even then was one of the most advanced car-making plants in Europe. The first Kadett with its revolutionary unitary body construction available as a sedan or convertible cost only 2,100 marks.

With its good value for money and progressive features, the first Kadett laid the corner stone for Opel’s success in the compact class. To date, eleven generations of Kadett and Astra have been successful in their segment: Over 24 million Opel Kadett and Opel Astra cars sold is an impressive number and a notable achievement. Lined up one behind the other, all Opel compact models built so far would surpass the magical 100,000-kilometer mark and create a column of cars that could circle the equator two and a half times. Opel compact cars have successively made personal mobility accessible to a broad customer base, especially in economically difficult times and not only that. The latest generations have made technologies and innovations from higher segments affordable for numerous customers. The new Opel Astra K, launched in 2015, has already been ordered 275,000 times across Europe.

1936-1940: Opel Kadett 1 – The “Volkswagen”

The speedy four-seater could do nearly 100 km/h and it did not take long to find its way into the hearts of the general public. It also found favor with the press: “As the first test drives have confirmed, the Kadett is certainly not an ordinary vehicle in this price range,” wrote a German newspaper, “Braunschweiger Tageszeitung,” on December 5, 1936. The chassis with Dubonnet independent front suspension and leaf-spring rear axle stemmed from the Opel Olympia, and the L-head four-cylinder gray cast-iron engine was taken from the Opel P 4. It generated 23 hp from a displacement of 1,073 cm³. The advantages of taking the engineering from a modular system also played a key part in the low price of the car. Just like its big brother the Olympia, which it resembles in appearance, the Kadett is a modern car. Harmonious proportions with a hatchback and integrated headlights are characteristic.

Flowing lines: The 1936 Opel Kadett shows harmonious proportions with a hatchback and integrated headlights.

Like its big brother the Olympia, which it also resembles, the Kadett was a snazzy car. It was characterized by harmonious proportions with fastback and integrated headlamps. In 1938 a major mid-cycle enhancement added a new radiator mask in late art deco style– experts today count this model as an intermediate generation.

From Kadett to Admiral

“Just as agile, versatile and obedient to all the driver’s commands as you would expect of a career-making cadet,” wrote the Cologne newspaper, “Kölnische Zeitung,” in 1936 about Opel’s new car. Its name, “Kadett” was as new as the segment. Up until the debut of the first Astra in 1991 (see page 54), Opel’s compact class line would use this name for more than  five decades. The company launched two more ranges with names stemming from the German navy, Admiral and Kapitän, in 1937 and 1938.

Unitary body and ultra-modern production

After the Olympia, which was the first German series-production vehicle to feature a unitary all-steel body, the first Kadett also had a monocoque body. There are many advantages of this construction compared with the classic wooden body-on frame. For instance, the driving performance and fuel consumption benefit from the car’s low weight, while the safety level is higher thanks to the rigid passenger cell and the lower center of gravity. The self-supporting structure opened the door to a new production method that is still commonly used today: The body and the powertrain (engine, transmission, axles) are “married” on the production line with the help of hydraulic elevators. The Kadett was manufactured by Opel, in Rüsselsheim. In 1936, the company operated the most modern drop forge in the world and the largest body press shop in Europe.

Fresh design and innovative technology

Headlamps integrated into the body instead of the ancient separate lamp units gave the Kadett a fresh appearance. Not surprising, because it was Opel that first made modern car design popular in Europe. Back in the 1930s, shortly after the company’s integration into the General Motors Group, a design department was established in Rüsselsheim on the initiative of GM chief designer, Harley Earl.

Impressive from all angles: Opel Kadett was popular right from the start and is now a sought-after classic car.

Plenty of car for your money: As long ago as 1936, the first Kadett offered the same good value for money and thus democratized luxury. This has become typical of the Opel brand. Details such as hydraulic four-wheel brakes, direction indicator, draft-free ventilation through a triangular hinged window and “dustproof” trunk accessible from the inside were at that time very unusual for this category of car – in the Kadett, they were all standard.

The secret of the Kadett’s success: Modern design, outstanding spaciousness and innovative technology such as the unitary body construction.

The Kadett was the first Opel model to feature an in-house developed downdraft carburetor with a so-called venturi tube. In this tube, named after the Italian physicist, Giovanni Battista Venturi (1746–1822), the fuel is mixed into the incoming air ahead of the throttle valve. The venturi tube is a smooth-walled piece of tubing with a constriction in it. When air flows through the tube and passes the constricted section, it has to flow faster at this point than in the other sections. As a result, a vacuum is produced (as on the upper side of an aircraft wing). At the constricted point is a tube filled with gasoline. The fuel is sucked in by the vacuum in the venturi tube and dragged along.

At a glance

Series	First generation Opel Kadett
Production period	1936–1940
Number	107,608 (Moskwitch: 247,439)
Body variants	Two-door sedan
	Four-door sedan
	Two-door convertible
Engine	Gasoline: 1.1 l/23 hp
Body/Chassis
Body/chassis design	Monocoque all steel body
Front wheel suspension	Rigid axle, forged
Front wheel suspension/damping	Dubonnet springs/shock absorbers
Rear wheel suspension	Rigid axle, banjo type
Rear wheel suspension/damping	Semi-elliptical leaf springs, hydraulic shock absorbers; “Normal-Limousine” (sedan) from 1937: semi-elliptical leaf springs, shock absorbers
Steering, type	Worm segment steering
Wheels, type	Steel disk wheels
Tires, size (Base)	4.50 x 16
Dimensions/Weight
Length/width/height (mm) (Sedan)	3810 x 1375 x 1455
Special-Limousine (from 1937)	3840 x 1375 x 1535
Normal-Limousine (from 1937)	3710 x 1375 x 1455
Wheel base (mm) (Sedan)	2337
Track width front/rear (mm)	1075/1168
Curb weight (kg)	757

The post-war generations: From Kadett A to the current Astra K

1962-1965: Opel Kadett A – For the economic miracle

A large trunk and plenty of room for four people plus a new, lively engine and low maintenance costs made up the recipe for success for the Kadett A. Opel built nearly 650,000 of them from 1962 to 1965. The contours of the two-door notchback model were businesslike and modern. The beltline was low down, the panoramic windows made for good visibility and a decorative strip running along the side accentuated the stretched form. Front fenders tapered off into the headlamps and the rear ends were shaped like fins. The interior space deeply impressed owners of conventional small cars. The trunk was a real baggage compartment and the fuel tank cap was outside! “Opel Kadett, in brief: O.K.,” wrote Opel’s advertising team, unable to also resist a dig at their competitors in Wolfsburg. “You never have the smell of gasoline in the trunk,” they said with a wink. With its modern, water-cooled front engine, the Kadett had another major design advantage over the Beetle. The 993 cm³ four-cylinder unit developed 40 hp and, from March 1963, also powered the new Kadett Caravan.

1965-1973: Opel Kadett B – “Das Auto”

B follows A, and in 1965 a new series replaced the first model. The new version was more than four meters long and thus a good deal bigger than its predecessor. As for its fashionable figure – the designers were inspired by their colleagues overseas. The flat sloping rear was reminiscent of the fastback models popular in the USA. In 1966, “Automobil Illustrierte” noted: “You can almost see the power and speed before you hear the engine.” Not only was the length stepped up – so, too, was the horsepower. Opel engineers enlarged the bore of the four-cylinder unit by 3 mm. The basic 1,078 cm³ unit developed 45 hp. Also available was a higher-compression 1.1 S engine with 55 hp.

The Kadett was a fast success, with over 2.6 million units produced from September 1965 to July 1973. And its success was certainly not limited to its country of birth. In 1966, the export quota reached 50 percent as customers from 120 countries around the globe snatched up the Kadett.

1973-1979: Opel Kadett C – The athlete

The Kadett C family had many faces: a smart family car, a chic second car with a practical rear tailgate, or a competitive sports coupé in war paint. A total of 1.7 million of them were built between 1973 and 1979. The rear-wheel drive Kadett C made its debut in August 1973 with a cleanly designed body and a new double-wishbone front axle. Characteristic design features included a flat radiator grille, an engine hood with the brand’s signature crease, and a front apron in spoiler form. “The Kadett not only drives exceptionally well, but is also conscientiously designed and cleanly made. It requires little maintenance, is repair-friendly and economical to run,” praised the car-testing experts at “auto motor und sport” in the 20/73 edition. The powerful GT/E debuted at the 1975 IAA. Its 1.9-liter engine with Bosch L-Jetronic injection produced 105 hp and propelled the mere 900 kilograms of Kadett to a top speed of 184 km/h.

1979-1984: Opel Kadett D – The front-wheel drive car

New epoch: Front-wheel drive and transverse-mounted engine celebrated their debuts in Opel compact class cars in the 1979 Kadett D.

The fourth generation of the post-war Kadett introduced a new compact class era at Opel. At the 1979 IAA, Opel’s first front-wheel drive model debuted as the modern-looking Kadett D. The packaging was truly convincing. Although the newcomer was 126 mm shorter than its predecessor at 3,998 mm, it sported a longer interior and offered significantly more space than many of its rivals. But it was not only the powertrain layout and the chassis with a torsion-beam axle at the rear that broke with tradition: the Kadett was given a new 1.3-liter OHC engine that generated 60 or 75 hp. The revolution continued with the body variants. In addition to the spacious station wagon with a load volume of up to 1,425 liters, Opel offered only fastback versions. In January 1983 the sporty Kadett GTE followed, with a top speed of 187 km/h and equipped with a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that developed 115 hp. Other technical modifications included a tighter and lower chassis, new steering dampers and internally ventilated disk brakes at the front. A total of 2.1 million Kadett D units were produced from 1979 to 1984.

Great white: Opel Kadett D GTE with its sports chassis, Recaro seats and feisty 115 hp began hunting down GTIs in 1983.

1984-1991: Opel Kadett E – The aerodynamics world champion

Opel Kadett E: “Car of the Year 1985”

The second front-wheel drive Kadett, built from 1984 to 1991, was named “Car of the Year 1984” and was an absolute winner. Selling a grand total of 3,779,289 cars in its lifetime, it was the bestselling Opel so far and a real aerodynamics world champion. Opel engineers certainly hit the jackpot in 1984. Based on the engineering of its predecessor but with a completely new hatchback design, the Kadett E was set for a stellar career. With a drag coefficient of 0.39, the Kadett D was already best in its class, but this figure paled in comparison to its successor. After spending 1,200 hours of fine-tuning in the wind tunnel, the E model achieved a sensational 0.32. The sporty GSi, with a Cd of 0.30 and aerodynamic drag of 0.57 m2, was the most aerodynamic hatchback in the world. Buyers took to the new form after only a few months, paving the way for a new success story that provided the Kadett E with 625,000 new registrations across Europe in 1987. By this time, the station wagon version had already climbed to the top of its class. From the fall of 1985, a notchback variant was again in the line-up, the first since the Kadett C. Moreover, the sporty GSi variant was an icon in the making. When the legendary 16-valve engine arrived on the scene in 1987, it left its competitors eating dust.

1991-1997: Opel Astra F – The bestseller

Body variants of the ’91 Opel Astra F, 1991–1998.

Some 4.13 million Astra Fs were built between 1991 and 1997, making it the bestselling Opel model ever. Development work focused on combining modern design with more interior space, enhanced comfort and greater emphasis on environmental protection.

Opel Astra F with active belt system with pre-tensioners

The successor to the Opel Kadett assumed the name of its British sister model (the fourth generation of the Kadett had been sold in the UK as the Vauxhall Astra since 1980).

High safety as standard: Side protection with double steel tube reinforcements in all the doors.

Opel also launched a safety offensive with its new star. All Astras offered an active belt system with tensioners on the front seats belts, height-adjustable belts and seat ramps as well as side protection including double steel tube reinforcements in all the doors. For the first time, all engines came with catalytic converters.

1998-2004: Opel Astra G – The versatile car

In spring 1998, the Astra with coupé-like design was offered from the start as a three- and five-door hatchback and as a station wagon. A notchback sedan, coupé and convertible were added later. Progressive independent design, dynamic chassis and powertrain technology as well as nearly twice the torsional and flexural rigidity of its predecessor were just some of the characteristics of the completely new, second-generation Opel Astra. The new model’s fully galvanized body played a key role in its high value retention. Active safety was enhanced with a 30 percent increase in the light output of the transparent H7 halogen headlamps and the completely redesigned Dynamic Safety (DSA) chassis. It combined comfort with agile and safe handling, even under full load. The wheelbase was around ten centimeters longer, enabling more interior space, in particular more rear knee room in the rear and a larger trunk volume of 370 liters.

2004-2009: Opel Astra H – The mighty car

With twelve engines ranging from 90 to 240 hp and seven body variants, the choice of models for the Astra H that sold over 2.7 million units was exceptional. When it was launched in March 2004, the third-generation Opel Astra boasted a progressive design, high driving dynamics and plenty of technical innovations, immediately winning numerous comparison tests in specialist automotive publications. The Astra’s technological highlights included the adaptive IDSPlus chassis system with electronic Continuous Damping Control (CDC), otherwise only found in luxury class and exclusive sports cars, as well as Adaptive Forward Lighting (AFL) Bi-Xenon headlamp system with dynamic curve light.

The Astra also boasted high levels of safety. The consumer protection organization Euro NCAP (European New Car Assessment Programme) awarded the Astra the highest rating of five stars for adult passenger protection. With a total of 34 points, the bestseller was considered one of the safest sedans in the compact class.

2009 – 2015: Opel Astra J – The designer piece

Sculptural artistry combined with German precision – the Opel Astra J not only embodies the brand’s new design philosophy, it also assists drivers with a range of technologies that already made an important contribution to the success of the best-selling mid-class Insignia. The Opel Eye recognizes traffic signs and informs the driver of speed limits or overtaking bans. It also warns drivers if they are in danger of veering out of lane. With the AFL+ headlamp system, the Astra can look around the corner and, if necessary, even automatically dim the lights or switch to high beam. With a chassis that can be enhanced by the FlexRide adaptive technology, the current Astra can play out its dynamic talents to the full. A new rear axle construction guarantees driving fun, improved handling and maximum comfort, with a Watt’s link incorporated to improve wheel control. Astra drivers also benefit from a new generation of front seats developed according to the latest findings in safety ergonomics and are awarded with the seal of quality from the independent medical and back experts of the AGR (action for healthy backs) organization.

From 2015: Opel Astra K – Car of the Year 2016
 

Up to 200 kg lighter, roomier inside despite a reduced overall length, and more efficient thanks to exclusive use of new-generation engines – the new Opel Astra is a quantum leap in development and is crowned European Car of the Year 2016. The compact car is once again available as a hatchback and as a spacious Sports Tourer. Opel receive numerous orders even before the official world premiere at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show – to date, Opel has received 275,000 orders of the latest generation Astra.

Continuing a tradition that started with the Astra G, the new Astra K also stands out with its lighting technology. It is the first car to introduce the adaptive, Full LED Matrix technology IntelliLux LED – so far reserved for luxury and premium models from higher classes – into the compact segment. New generation driver assistant systems also comprise Traffic Sign Assistant (TSA), Lane Keep Assist (LKA) with Lane Departure Warning (LDW) along with Following Distance Indication (FDI) and Forward Collision Alert (FCA) with Collision Imminent Braking (CIB). In addition, the new Opel Astra K once again delivers on wellness with newly engineered ergonomic front seats, certified by the AGR (Aktion Gesunder Rücken) organization once more, being introduced. These new front seats can even be enhanced with a ventilation and massage function.

!NEW! 50 Years of Dudenhofen: From Proving Ground to Opel Test Center

• Tough going: Testing cars in Dudenhofen since 1966
• Taking a break: Opel celebrates anniversary and reopening on September 10
• Way ahead: Extensive renovation for test center of the future
• Tales from Dudenhofen: Fat trees, wild horses and driver training

On the “torture track” at the Opel Test Center, suspension and chassis components are subjected to the highest stress

Opel “proving ground” in Dudenhofen, as it was known at the time, opened 50 years ago. Ever since, countless Opel cars had to face the toughest tests on their way to production. Right from the start, the proving ground was continuously extended and modernized. In the meantime, it has become the largest and most important Opel test center in Europe. Opel will celebrate Dudenhofen’s half-century with an open day on September 10. Fans and employees will get an exclusive “behind the scenes” look at the way the test center operates. In addition, Opel will present the expended attendance of around 20,000 – including many famous faces from the world of politics, sport and economy – with a colorful show around the models and the brand’s motorsports commitment.

No mercy, right from the start

Opel proving ground near Rodgau-Dudenhofen in Germany was opened in 1966. In the meantime it has become Opel’s most important test center in Europe. The durability of millions of Opel cars has been proven here

At the beginning, in April 1966, the 2.6 square kilometer proving ground has a combination of various streets and roads with a total length of 33 kilometers. Then as now, engineers show no mercy when it comes to testing new developments.For example, on the five-kilometer long, 33-degree banked, high-speed circuit   that encloses the proving ground. Alternatively, they take to the “skid pad”, a concreted area with a diameter of 100 meters. It is used to determine the steering behavior or to measure the swerving of the vehicle in corners precisely. In the 1980s, a 4.4-kilometer long “sound and comfort track” is added. In 1992, the entire high-speed circuit is renewed in 24 weeks due to the heavy use. Ever since, the circuit, sound and comfort track, skid pad, hill, handling and torture tracks enable extensive vehicle test and development work on engines, brakes, steering or chassis.

Taking the corner at 250 km/h – with no hands on the steering wheel

The area is extended successively. In 2004, an oval track with watering and drainage system for slingshot tests and slalom drives is added. An all-wheel drive test bench follows in 2006 along with a modern industrial gasoline station with 32 pumps for 16 different types of fuel. Since the second circuit renewal in 2012, test drivers can take the steep curve at 250 km/h without the influence of any lateral force – they can even theoretically take their hands of the steering wheel. This is how the previously calculated target values for example for the top speed look in reality. The internal weather station delivers data on humidity, wind speed and direction. This is complemented by the highly sensitive sensors embedded in the road surface – they permanently deliver data on the temperature and dampness of the surface so that these can be considered in the test result. And obviously the tracks need to be prepared for the test according to the weather conditions.

When new vehicles such as the current Opel Astra are put through their paces in Dudenhofen it means them facing around 40,000 kilometers of extreme stress on the proving ground. The distance is equivalent to over 200,000 kilometers or 15 years on “real roads”. Added to that are countless kilometers on other proving grounds and public roads all over the world. The latest Opel compact underwent strains that are equivalent to those of an entire lifecycle in only 24 weeks.

One of the many decisive tests that the Opel Astra was subjected to is the “endurance test”. The endurance track offers various different road surfaces such as asphalt and cobblestone, bumps and numerous corners. Here the engineers check whether the performance and quality of the prototypes that they determined and validated made it into regular production.

Investments for vehicle development of the future

Opel started the largest expansion and modernization project in Dudenhofen to date in 2013. The company will invest a high two-digit figure in the area located to the southeast of Frankfurt with almost 65 kilometers of test tracks by 2020. Currently, the new access road that leads to the reception building and the parking area has already been completed. Furthermore, the new chassis workshop with a large tire storage area for up to 8,000 wheel / tires along with three new engine test benches could be inaugurated. The “long straight” – a two-kilometer long straight with a multilane return loop and angled corners – is also already in use. The angle of these aforementioned corners has been determined so that all four wheel carry the same load when passing. This allows for brake tests at the end of course delivering results as if the car had also been driving straight on.

A new 300-meter-diameter skid pad is under construction here, which will enable testing of automated driving. The straight will have then the shape of a funnel that widens from 30 meters to 300 meters.“A Boeing 737 could easily land there,” says Dr. Matthias Schollmaier, Director of the Opel Test Center. The “long straight” is the first element to actually been outside the original area and runs parallel to the adjacent main road. For this reason, additional land had to be purchased from the city.

Opel is also increasing the capacities for testing of driver assistance systems in Rodgau-Dudenhofen with the creation of a new track for Automated Emergency Braking. “We have big plans”, says Schollmaier. “Amongst others, we are looking at a warehouse for emergency vehicles and servicing material, additional offices, two multi-storey car parks and a new canteen to cater for the growing number of employees.” In addition, the overall length of the test tracks will be increased to 90 kilometers in the next few years. Furthermore, powertrain test benches, track extensions and new routes will be added to meet various demands. The number of employees in the ultra-modern Dudenhofen Test and Development Center will then increase from 150 to 700.

Tales from Dudenhofen:

“Fat pine“ and Przewalski’s horses

Environmental protection is not only important during testing – it plays an important role for the proving ground area itself. The on-site gasoline station now has over 16 different types of fuel and charging stations for electric cars are also available. 90 percent of the water needed for the car wash is taken from the groundwater and recycled after use. “The entire lighting systems will be switched to LED shorty so that we become even more efficient,” said Schollmaier. The use of an internal thermal power station is also a topic for the future. During the planning period of the area the people responsible already tried to maintain as much of the tree population as possible – not only because it provides valuable protection from prototype hunters. The oldest pine in Hesse can still be found on the middle of the area – the tree, nicknamed “dicke Tanne” (fat pine) is around 275 years old.

Furthermore, rare Przewalski’s horses can be seen grazing in the neighborhood of the Opel Test Center. The animals are part of a nature conservation project near Babenhausen that Opel has supported since 2009. Opel AG financed the project with €900,000 and is cooperating with the Federal Forest Department Schwarzenborn and the Federal Agency for Public Property. The expansion of the Rodgau-Dudenhofen Test Center are compensated by the intensive support for the nature reserve.

How it all began

The ultra-modern Opel Test Center owes its existence to a fortunate coincidence. Dudenhofen’s former mayor Ludwig Kratz received a thick envelope addressed to the “Mayor of Dudenhofen” in 1963. The postcode was missing. Kratz read in the letter from the estate agent that an international automotive company had been negotiating with the community of Dudenhofen in the Palatinate region for some time as they were looking to create a new proving ground. The clever mayor took the initiative and offed an area in the forest belonging to his town – Rodgau-Dudenhofen – as an alternative. Opel agreed to the deal after all the uncertainties had been clarified. The sales contract was signed on October 15, 1964. The success story of the Test Center began and along with it the excellent and close cooperation with the city of Rodgau.

Testing
 

The employees of the Opel Test Center work in three shifts seven days a week. Every day all the test drivers together rack up a total of around 40,000 kilometers. They go through up to 500 tires per month.

Events

No matter whether it is car presentations, driver or OPC performance training, the Opel Test Center is no longer strictly closed to the public but instead offers the ideal setting for all sorts of events hosted by partners, customers and guests of Opel.

!NEW! Opel Astra Sports Tourer: Successful Station Wagon Rich in Tradition

Tenth generation: Opel Caravan and Sports Tourer characterize the compact class 

New Astra Sports Tourer: Successful tenth generation Opel compact class station wagon.

Over 24 million Opel Kadett and Opel Astra cars sold is an impressive number and a notable achievement. Lined up one behind the other, all Opel compact models built so far would surpass the magical 100,000 kilometer mark and create a column of cars that could circle the equator two and a half times. In short, one could say that Opel compact cars have successively made mobility accessible to new social classes, and not only that. The latest generations have made technologies and innovations from higher segments such as outstanding lighting technologies, AFL+ in the Astra J and IntelliLux LED in the new Astra, accessible. Now Opel is starting a new chapter in the history of its bestseller – continuing the idea of democratizing innovations from upper classes and combining them with an expressive, dynamic design. The Astra Sports Tourer is based on an all-new lightweight vehicle architecture, is powered exclusively by newest generation engines and offers features previously only available in the upper class. Its lean design makes the Astra Sports Tourer look more athletic than ever before. In short, it combines efficiency with elegance and redefines the compact class with its top innovations. Therefore, it is hardly surprising that is was named European “Car of the Year 2016” in March.

Everything started with the Kadett A Caravan in 1963. Opel presented its first compact class station wagon and quickly became the market leader in this segment. From that day on a car with the practicality of a van – i.e. a car a van – has been part of every new Kadett and Astra generation. The Astra H (2004-2010) was the last Opel compact station wagon to carry the name Caravan. In the meantime, station wagons had completed their transformation from workhorses to lifestyle companions.

Carrying the load: New Opel Astra Sports Tourer and its nine compact station wagon predecessors. 

Kadett A to Astra K – A success story spanning ten generations

1963-1965: Opel Kadett A

As spacious as a bus: The first CarAvan

Opel Kadett A Caravan 1963-1965: The first CarAvan – a car with the spaciousness of a van. 

The Opel Kadett A Caravan revolutionized the compact class in 1963. A large trunk and plenty of room for six people thanks to a third row of seats plus a new, lively engine and low maintenance costs made up the recipe for success for the Kadett A. Opel built nearly 650,000 up until 1965. The contours were businesslike and modern. The beltline was low down, the panoramic windows made for good visibility and a decorative strip running along the side accentuated the stretched form. Front fenders tapered off into the headlamps. The interior space deeply impressed owners of conventional small cars. The trunk was a real baggage compartment and the fuel tank cap was outside! “Opel Kadett, in brief: O.K.,” wrote Opel’s advertising team, unable to also resist a dig at their competitors in Wolfsburg. “You never have the smell of gasoline in the trunk,” they said with a wink. With its modern, water-cooled front engine, the Kadett had another major design advantage over the Beetle. The 993-cc four-cylinder unit developed a lively 40 hp.

1965-1973: Opel Kadett B Caravan

Strength in numbers: Kadett is an export success-story

Opel Kadett B Caravan 1965-1973: A big hit – the Kadett becomes an export success. 

B follows A, and already in 1965 a new series replaced the first model. The new version was more than four meters long and thus a good deal bigger than its predecessor. The caravan with its 1.57-meter long loading area is available from start of sales with a choice of two or four doors. As for its fashionable figure – their colleagues overseas inspired the designers. Not only was the length increased – so, too, was the horsepower. Opel engineers enlarged the bore of the four-cylinder unit by 3 mm. The base 1,078-cc unit developed 45 hp. Also available was a higher-compression 1.1 S engine with 55 hp. The Kadett quickly became a success, with over 2.6 million units produced from September 1965 to July 1973. And its success was certainly not limited to its country of birth. In 1966, the export quota reached 50 percent as customers from 120 countries around the globe snatched up the Kadett.

1973-1979: Opel Kadett C

Solid as a rock: Quality in every shape

Opel Kadett C Caravan 1973-1979: Perfectly suited - chic station wagon and neat family car. 

The Kadett C family had many faces: a smart family car, a chic station wagon with a practical rear tailgate, or a competitive sports coupé (GT/E) in war paint. The Caravan came first as a two-door, and then a four-door in 1976. A total of 1.7 million of them were built between 1973 and 1979. The rear-wheel drive Kadett C made its debut in August 1973 with a cleanly designed body and a new double-wishbone front axle. The most popular engine was the 1.2 with 60 hp and a modest 88 Nm of torque. Characteristic design features included a flat radiator grille, an engine hood with the brand’s signature crease, and a front apron in spoiler form. “The Kadett not only drives exceptionally well, but is also conscientiously designed and cleanly made. It requires little maintenance, is repair-friendly and economical to run,” praised the car-testing experts at “auto motor und sport” in the 20/73 edition.

1979-1984: Opel Kadett D Caravan

Remake/remodel: Space galore

Opel Kadett D Caravan 1979-1984: The space wonder – completely rethought and reworked. 

The fourth generation of the post-war Kadett introduced a new compact class era at Opel. At the 1979 IAA, Opel’s first front-wheel drive model with transverse four-cylinder engine debuted as the modern-looking Kadett D. The packaging was truly convincing. The 4.20-meter long newcomer was only slightly longer its predecessor, but offered significantly more space than many of its rivals. But it was not only the powertrain layout and the chassis with a torsion-beam axle at the rear that broke with tradition: the Kadett was given a new 1.3-liter OHC engine that generated 60 or 75 hp. In addition to the spacious station wagon with a load volume of up to 1,425 liters, Opel offered only fastback versions. For families there was a very plush Caravan “Voyage Berlina”. Other technical modifications included a tighter and lower chassis, new steering dampers and internally ventilated disk brakes at the front. A total of 2.1 million Kadett D units were produced from 1979 to 1984.

1984-1991: Opel Kadett E Caravan

Out of the wind-tunnel: Car of The Year

Opel Kadett E Caravan 1984-1991: “Car of the Year“ and a real aerodynamics champion

The second front-wheel drive Kadett, built from 1984 to 1991, was named “Car of the Year 1984” and was an absolute winner. Selling a grand total of 3,779,289 cars in its lifetime, it was the bestselling Opel so far and a real aerodynamics world champion. Based on the engineering of its predecessor, the Kadett E was set for a stellar career. With a drag coefficient of 0.39, the Kadett D was already best in its class, but this figure paled in comparison to its successor. After spending 1,200 hours of fine-tuning in the wind tunnel, the five-door variant achieved a sensational 0.32 (Caravan 0,35). Buyers took to the new form after only a few months, paving the way for a new success story that provided the Kadett E with 625,000 new registrations across Europe in 1987. By this time, the two and four-door station wagon versions had already climbed to the top of the class. In 1987, two 54 hp Caravan diesels set out on a 30,000-kilometer trip from Alaska to Tierra del Fuego – both of them safely reach the final destination. From April 1989 onwards, all gasoline-engined Kadetts were sold with catalytic converter in Germany.

1991-1997: Opel Astra F Caravan

Reborn: Opel Kadett becomes Astra

Opel Astra F Caravan 1991-1997: A new name – Opel Kadett becomes an Astra.

Some 4.13 million Astra F were built between 1991 and 1997, making it the bestselling Opel model ever. Development work focused on combining modern design with more interior space, enhanced comfort and greater emphasis on environmental protection.

The successor to the Kadett assumed the name of its British sister model (the fourth generation of the Kadett had been sold in the UK as the Vauxhall Astra since 1980). The Caravan is a popular variant from the start. Private buyers prefer the highly-equipped Caravan Club with up to 115 hp. Opel also launched a safety offensive with its new star. All Astras offered an active belt system with tensioners on the front seat belts, height-adjustable belts and seat ramps as well as side protection including double steel tube reinforcements in all the doors. For the first time, all engines came with catalytic converters.

1998-2004: Opel Astra G Caravan

Fully galvanized: Into the new millennium

Opel Astra G Caravan 1998-2004: Fully galvanized – the leap into the new millennium. 

In spring 1998, the Astra was offered from the start as a three and five-door hatchback and as a station wagon. Progressive independent design, dynamic chassis and powertrain technology as well as nearly twice the torsional and flexural rigidity of its predecessor were just some of the characteristics of the completely new, second-generation Opel Astra. The new model’s fully galvanized body played a key role in its high value retention. Active safety was enhanced with a 30 percent increase in the light output of the H7 halogen headlamps and the completely redesigned Dynamic Safety (DSA) chassis. It combined comfort with agile and safe handling, even under full load. The wheelbase was around eleven centimeters longer, enabling more interior space, in particular more rear knee room in the rear. The fastest compact station wagon ever – the Astra OPC Caravan – hit the road in 2002; the modest family wagon caused many surprises as it hurtled along the Autobahn at 240 km/h.

2004-2010: Opel Astra H Caravan

Adaptive headlights and suspension: A winning concept

With 12 engines ranging from 90 to 240 hp and seven body variants, the choice of models for the Astra H that sold over 2.7 million units was exceptional. When it was launched in March 2004, the third-generation Opel Astra boasted a progressive design, high driving dynamics and plenty of technical innovations, immediately winning numerous comparison tests in specialist automotive publications. The Astra’s technological highlights included the adaptive IDSPlus chassis system with electronic Continuous Damping Control (CDC), otherwise only found in luxury class and exclusive sports cars, as well as the Adaptive Forward Lighting (AFL) Bi-Xenon headlamp system with dynamic curve light.

Opel Astra H also boasted high levels of safety. The consumer protection organization Euro NCAP (European New Car Assessment Programme) awarded the Astra the highest rating of five stars for adult passenger protection. With a 2.70 meter-long wheelbase the Caravan offered passengers plenty of space.

2010 – 2015: Opel Astra J Sports Tourer

Beauties can be useful too: The first Sports Tourer

Sculptural artistry combined with German precision – the dynamic station wagon is launched one year after its five-door sibling and for the first time carries the Sports Tourer nameplate.

The Opel Astra J not only embodies the brand’s new design philosophy, it also retains the clever FlexFold system, up to 1,550 liters of useful space, and assists drivers with a range of technologies that already made an important contribution to the success of the best-selling mid-size Opel Insignia.

The front camera recognizes traffic signs and informs the driver of speed limits or overtaking bans. It also warns drivers if they are in danger of veering out of lane.

With the AFL+ headlamp system, the Astra can look around the corner and, if necessary, even automatically dim the lights or switch to high beam. With a chassis that can be enhanced by the FlexRide adaptive technology, the Astra Sports Tourer can play out its dynamic talents to the full. Astra drivers also benefit from a new generation of front seats developed according to the latest findings in safety ergonomics which have been awarded the seal of approval from the independent medical and back experts of the AGR (Campaign for Healthier Backs) organization.

From 2016: Opel Astra K Sports Tourer

Pure efficiency: Lean but not mean

Up to 190 kg lighter, significantly more spacious inside despite almost identical dimensions, and more efficient thanks to exclusive use of new-generation engines – the new Opel Astra Sports Tourer is a quantum leap in development and made its world premiere at the Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA) in September 2015. The station wagon has been at Opel dealers across Europe since April 2016. Prices for the new Astra with the 1.4-liter gasoline engine start at just €18,260 (RRP including VAT in Germany; Astra Sports Tourer 1.4 with 74 kW/100 hp, fuel consumption (combined) 5.7-5.5 l/100 km, CO2 emissions (combined): 131-127 g/km). Over half a century after the Kadett A, an engine with 1.0-liter displacement makes its return under the hood of an Opel compact model. Almost twice as powerful with a three-cylinder unit producing77 kW/105 hp thanks to Direct Injection and Turbo technologies. This engine also makes the new Astra one of the cleanest and most economical gasoline-powered model on the market in the compact class (fuel consumption combined 4.5-4.3 l/100 km, CO2 emissions (combined): 103-100 g/km).

The new Sports Tourer also stands out with its award-winning lighting technology. It is the first car to introduce the adaptive, Full LED Matrix technology IntelliLux LED – so far reserved for luxury and premium models from higher classes – into the compact segment. New-generation driver assistance systems also include Traffic Sign Assist, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning along with Following Distance Indication and Forward Collision Alert with Collision Imminent Braking. In addition, the new Astra K once again delivers on wellness with newly engineered ergonomic front seats, also certified by the AGR organization, being introduced. These new front seats can even be enhanced with a ventilation and massage function. Convincing arguments that helped the latest Astra generation win the 2016 Car of the Year award in March.