Sleek and stylish next-generation Astra revealed at Frankfurt Motor Show
All-new vehicle architecture means up to 130kg weight saving for Australian models
New 1.4 litre and 1.6 litre turbo petrol engines offer more power
and leading fuel economy; 5-door variant confirmed for Australia
New high-tech Astra comes equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in advanced infotainment system
Holden engineering team involved in global chassis tuning and development
The all-new Astra was revealed today at the 2015 International Motor Show in Frankfurt, Germany, giving Australians another taste of what is to come in Holden’s new-model onslaught that will see 24 new models introduced over the next five years.
Destined for a late 2016 release by Holden in Australia, the new Astra is a clean-sheet design from Opel’s European headquarters in Russelsheim, focusing on style and efficiency whilst following the ‘Sculptural Artistry meets German Precision’ design philosophy introduced on the stunning Monza concept in 2013.
Mark Bernhard, Holden Chairman and Managing Director, said the all-new Astra promised Australian customers European style and sophistication, coupled with outstanding efficiency, state-of-the-art technology and connectivity features that signal the future for the Holden brand and its vehicles.
“The all-new Astra is a stunning car and clearly signposts Holden’s future product strategy – bringing in the best cars from around the GM world for our customers. The Astra offers leading design, performance and technology, and is the latest vehicle to be confirmed as part of Holden’s new product onslaught that promises 24 new models by 2020,” Mr Bernhard said.
“Astra has made a giant leap forward with a new engine line-up, lightweight design and an advanced infotainment system complete with Apple Car Play and Android Auto compatibility.
“The 5-door Astra is a perfect small car for Australians and I am excited to say that, following local engineering input to ensure its performance is optimised for our unique road conditions, Holden will be offering this car in late 2016 alongside the recently launched Astra GTC and VXR sports hatches.”
Astra utilises a completely new vehicle architecture, facilitating a sleek new look and weight reduction of up to 130 kilograms for Australian models, lending to a more engaging driving experience.
The drive experience is further enhanced with the employment of an engine portfolio consisting of 1.4 litre turbo and 1.6 litre turbo engines, both with the ability to blend exceptional fuel economy with effortless performance.
All-aluminum: New 1.4 ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo with 114 kW and 240 Nm
Making its debut in Astra, the all-aluminum, 1.4 litre ECOTEC Direct Injection turbo engine is capable of producing up to 114 kW of power and of torque with a targeted fuel consumption of as little as 5.6L/100km. Alternatively, customers can select the sportier 1.6 litre ECOTEC Direct Injection turbo engine, boasting up to 147 kW of power and a class leading 300 Nm of torque.
New 1.6 ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo with 147 kW and 300 Nm
Holden engineers have shared their expertise and experience in contributing to global development rides as well as driving change into Astra’s chassis controls tuning to ensure the car performs well on Australian roads.
Ian Butler, Holden Director of Vehicle Performance, said the design and performance of Astra promised an exceptional small car that, with involvement of Holden’s engineering team during its development, would be perfectly suited to Australians.
“This car has been designed and engineered in Europe to the highest standards and with our chassis tuning input it will excel on Australian roads,” Mr. Butler said.
“The new engine line-up and new, lightweight architecture combine to deliver a refined yet engaging driving experience, maintaining the characteristics the Astra nameplate is famous for.”
Elsewhere, the exterior styling of the all-new Astra, exudes efficiency and style. Clean, flowing design lines coupled with a floating effect roof and reduction in length and height ensure a leaner, more streamlined body, resulting in an improvement in aerodynamics.
Inside the car, and despite its reduction in exterior size, Astra actually boasts increased rear-seat legroom, complimented by a contemporary cockpit design that is headed by an advanced colour touch screen display housing the latest smartphone integration technology via Apple Car Play and Android Auto.
Peter Keley, Executive Director - Sales said, the all-new Astra was sure to shake up the very competitive small-car market, offering style, performance and features in one compelling package.
“Make no mistake, the all-new Astra is a world class car. Its ability to combine outstanding fuel economy with exceptional small car performance and connectivity features will put Holden back on buyer’s shopping list,” Mr. Keley said.
“More and more Australian drivers demand their cars to integrate seamlessly with their lives and their smartphones and key to Astra’s appeal is the advanced infotainment system, complete with Apple Car Play and Android Auto compatibility.
“With all of that in one package, we are confident that this vehicle will connect with customers and sitting next to the popular Astra GTC and VXR sports hatches, clearly indicates the quality of Holden’s future product range.”
The exciting, all-new Astra will be launched by Holden in Australia in late 2016 and is part of the brands ongoing product onslaught following the release of a range of European sourced current generation products earlier in 2015.
Opel CEO Dr. Neumann: “Astra is the best Opel we have ever built”
Product offensive steps up a gear: 29 new Opel/Vauxhall models until 2020
GM CEO Mary Barra: “We want to be number two in Europe.”
Connectivity pioneer with Opel OnStar
Opel CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann: “The new Astra is the best Opel we have ever built.”
The 66th International Motor Show in Frankfurt stared for Opel with the world premiere of the new generation Astra earlier today. It also marks the start of a new era for the company. “Our new Astra is the best Opel we have ever built and it represents a real quantum leap for Opel in a number of ways,” said Opel Group CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann in his opening words to the visitors of the official press conference in the Astra Galaxy. “The entire team has done an outstanding job on the new Astra. It’s another chapter in our comeback story.” The eleventh generation Opel compact class car is not only lighter, more agile and more efficient than ever before – it also comes with features previous only known from higher segments. After unveiling the 5-door Astra, the Opel Group CEO was joined on the stage of the more than 3,300m2
World Premiere: GM CEO Mary Barra and Opel Group CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann reveal the new Astra Sports Tourer at the Opel Press Conference at the 66th Frankfurt Motor Show.
Opel booth D09 in hall 8.0 by General Motors CEO Mary Barra for the reveal of the Astra Sports Tourer. With around 30,000 orders to date, the car is already a huge success even though it will only be officially launched on October 10.
GM CEO Mary Barra: Speed up the product offensive and new flagship
General Motors’ Chief Executive Officer Mary Barra went on to announce some important news on the European product and model offensive. “We will speed up the model offensive at Opel/Vauxhall: From 2016 to 2020, we will launch 29 new vehicles including an electric vehicle and a second flagship alongside the Insignia. This all-new SUV will be produced in Rüsselsheim by the end of decade and will give the brand a further technological boost.” The goal for the future is clearly defined: Opel/Vauxhall have their sets firmly set on becoming the second largest automaker on the European market by 2022 after securing third place on the European Union passenger car market last year.
Center stage: GM CEO Mary Barra announced a new Opel product offensive with 29 new models to be launched between 2016 and 2020, including an electric vehicle and a second flagship in addition to the Insignia.
One of the key technologies moving forward is autonomous driving – something GM and Opel are working on aggressively. “We’ll see more changes in the auto industry in the next five to ten years than we saw in the past 50 years,” said Barra who also outlined that a world with zero crashes was the vision. “The new Opel Astra with all its active safety systems is an important step into that direction,” she added.
Opel CEODr. Neumann: New Astra brings luxury class technologies into the compact segment
The latest Opel compact class generation shows exactly how quick a vision can become reality. “With the new Astra, we realize a new vehicle philosophy that we presented here at the IAA two years ago in the form of the Monza Concept. Compact exterior, spacious interior with a lean and athletic design and trendsetting digital connectivity,” said Dr. Neumann when explaining the key features of the potential compact class bestseller.
Keyword efficiency: The latest generation Astra is based on a new lightweight vehicle architecture. Each component was looked at with regard to mass optimization resulting in the new model being up to 200 kilograms lighter than the outgoing version. The powerful, fuel efficient and clean latest generation engines are the perfect match. “The new engines propel the Astra to the top of its segment,” added Dr. Neumann.
Keyword connectivity: The Rüsselsheim-based carmaker has introduced groundbreaking connectivity solutions with the new generation IntelliLink infotainment systems that are now compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto along with Opel OnStar. The personal connectivity and service assistant is a guardian angel and service provider. Up to seven mobile devices can be connected to the Wi-Fi Hotspot that comes with a powerful onboard antenna. “OnStar is unique in Europe. Opel is a trendsetter in this area once again,” said Dr. Neumann.
However, that is not all, with the new Astra continuing to “upset the luxury class” as stated in the advertising campaign. The new Astra is the first ever vehicle in the compact class to offer the intelligent, glare-free IntelliLux LED® matrix light system. It addition, it comes with a host of innovative driver assistance systems and practical details. The tailgate on the Astra Sports Tourer, for example, can now be opened and closed with a kicking motion under the rear bumper.
“We are continuing to pursue our philosophy of offering technologies from the luxury class to all Opel customers at affordable prices,“ explained Neumann. “The new Astra is also first-in-class when it comes to total cost of ownership. You see: The new efficiency really pays off.”
Opel booth goes football: Jürgen Klopp and Bundesliga stars in the Astra Galaxy
The Astra Galaxy will also welcome some illustrious guests from the footballing world in the upcoming days. Brand ambassador Jürgen Klopp will kick things off on Saturday, September 19. He will hand over the proceeds from the sale of a BVB-ADAM to the charity “Ein Herz for Kinder” (A heart for children). In addition, he will join Opel Group CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann for the presentation of the new Astra advertising campaign from 11.00 CET. The team and management of Mainz 05 will join Peter Christian Küspert, Vice President Sales & Aftersales Opel Group, from 11.00 CET the following day. Borussia Dortmund supremo Hans-Joachim Watzke, new Borussia Dortmund coach Thomas Tuchel and three Borussia players will be interviewed at the booth from 14:00 CET on Thursday, September 24. And on Sunday, September 27 a Bayer 04 Leverkusen delegation led by coach Roger Schmidt and sporting director Rudi Völler will visit the Astra Galaxy from 11:00 CET.
More room, less weight: The clever lightweight construction
Comfortable, practical, smart: New seat architecture and tailgate opening via a kick
Athletic, elegant, well-conceived: The design of the future station wagon bestseller
Fast, powerful, efficient: Latest generation turbocharged engines with up to 200 hp
Ultramodern, connected, safe: Opel OnStar, new IntelliLink and IntelliLux Matrix LED
World premiere at the IAA: The new Opel Astra Sports Tourer will be one of the stars at the Opel booth – it can be admired in Frankfurt from September 17 to 27.
Opel will continue its success story in the compact class with no less than two new models that will be presented at the International Motor Show in Frankfurt (September 17 to 27). The hatchback version of the new generation Astra will make its first big appearance in front of an international audience and it will be accompanied by the Astra Sports Tourer that will celebrate its premiere at the world’s most important motor show. The youngest member of the compact class station wagon generation comes with the same trendsetting development features as its five-door sibling that has been available for order since June. The Astra Sports Tourer is based on a completely new lightweight vehicle architecture that will make it up to 200 kilograms lighter than the outgoing model. Given that the station wagon will also be combined with the latest generation engines, the Opel Astra Sports Tourer will be punchier, livelier and more fun to drive. Simultaneously, fuel consumption has been curbed giving it convincing attributes for company car and frequent drivers who often look to both practical and representative station wagons.
When the order books open in a few weeks’ time, the Astra Sports Tourer will be available with Opel OnStar and the new IntelliLink infotainment systems ensuring that it has an ultramodern and extensive connectivity offer. The same applies to the numerous safety and assistance systems along with the equipment features previously only known from cars from higher segments. And last but not least, the new Astra Sports Tourer will turn heads with its elegant, lean and athletic styling. The interior demonstrates perfectly just how intelligent the design and the entire packaging are: the newcomer has exactly the same dimensions as the outgoing model but is considerably more spacious inside, offering more comfort for the driver and passengers along with more loading space.
“Our new Astra Sports Tourer and our new Astra hatchback – they are two sides of the same coin. Both represent a quantum leap for Opel and for the compact class. Apart from offering ultramodern connectivity and evolutionary design, the station wagon version focuses even more on efficiency,” said Opel Group CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann. “Our Sports Tourer is the perfect combination of practicality and dynamism: more space, less weight and in addition clever, trendsetting equipment details and features such as the power tailgate that opens and closes automatically with a little kick of the foot. This is how compact class station wagons should be nowadays.”
Efficient packaging: Athletic design with amble space
The new Opel Astra Sports Tourer impresses with its athletic appearance. Just like its five-door sibling, it takes Opel’s design philosophy ‘Sculptural Artistry meets German Precision’ to the next level: efficient, light and dynamic. The newly designed double chrome bar on the grill carries the Blitz and the front headlamps melt into the radiator grill to form a graphic unity. The Sports Tourer further extends the dynamic lines of the 5-door. The slightly arched sloping roofline gives the station wagon a longer appearance – an effect that is further enhanced by the divided C-pillar. The rear view combines high functionality with sporting, elegant design. The Opel Astra Sports Tourer has a stable, robust and safe stance – the muscular rear-wheel arch contours and the divided rear light clusters add to this impression.
The latest generation Sports Tourer has the same dimensions as the outgoing model with a length of 4,702 millimeters, a width of 1,871 millimeters (with exterior mirrors folded in) and a height of 1,499 millimeters – however, it offers much more space for passengers and luggage. The driver can enjoy 26 millimeters of additional headroom, passengers in the rear have 28 millimeters more legroom – two convincing improvements for spatial perception and travelling comfort. Furthermore, the new Opel Astra Sports Tourer can now shoulder 1,630 liters of luggage thanks to the efficient packaging.
Clever and variable: Loading space improvements that help on a daily basis
Opel offers an extremely practical novelty for the new Astra Sports Tourer, which will help on a daily basis: for the first time, the tailgate can be opened without a touch or a remote control. In combination with “Keyless Open” a simple small kicking motion under the rear bumper is enough to open the tailgate. A further kicking motion under the bumper will close the tailgate. The clever system can detect any obstruction and stops the mechanism in case of emergency. Furthermore, the tailgate can still be opened by a switch on the driver’s side of the car, buttons in the luggage compartment or via the key’s remote control.
In order to increase loading space the new Opel Astra Sports Tourer comes with optional 40/20/40 foldable rear seats enabling even more flexible loading space configurations. Furthermore, the FlexOrganizer product range with side rails, dividing nets and various fastening options is available and an option so that all loaded materials can be stored safely and tidily.
Lightweight construction + new generation engines = great driving fun and economy
Each Sports Tourer component was looked at with practicality and efficiency in mind. This is not only visible when it comes to the efficient use of space but especially when it comes to the weight. Compact design on the in and outside and the lightweight bodyshell helped the station wagon shed up to 200 kilograms. High-strength and ultra-high-strength steels, modifications to the axles, to the front and rear along with new production process all played a part in the impressive result. The entry-level Opel Astra Sports Tourer weighs 1,263 kilograms (including driver) and is thus 130 kilograms lighter than the comparable outgoing model. This obviously has a positive effect on agility, ride comfort, consumption and costs.
The engine portfolio with outputs ranging from 70 kW/95 hp to 147 kW/200 hp also adds to the aforementioned virtues. The Sports Tourer will only be powered by engines of the latest generation. The diesel and gasoline engines with a displacement range of 1.0 to 1.6 liters all combine highest efficiency with excellent responsiveness and running smoothness.
The new 1.6 ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo that will celebrate its premiere at the IAA is the top-of the-range engine available for the Opel Astra Sports Tourer. The combustion chamber of the 147 kW/200 hp direct injection turbo unit can withstand peak pressure of 130 bar and mobilizes an impressive 300 Nm of torque (with overboost). This powerhouse also delivers outstanding smoothness over the full engine speed range. To achieve this, the engineers made numerous optimizations to the induction and exhaust systems including decoupling the cam cover from the cylinder head via specific fasteners and a dedicated sealing system. Despite direct injection and focused combustion, engineers were able to reduce noise levels substantially compared to the previous engine. Because of these ‘sound-engineering’ measures, the customer will appreciate quiet and smooth idling, with a pleasant sound quality even at high road speeds, engine speeds and loads.
Innovative technologies: Safety, comfort and connectivity taken to a new level
Apart from impressing with ultramodern, trendsetting engine, the new Astra Sports Tourer also sets new standards in safety, infotainment and comfort. The intelligent IntelliLux LED® Matrix light in the new Astra is another absolute novelty in the compact segment. It enables permanent extra-urban driving with glare-free high beams and automatically and continuously deactivates individual LED modules when oncoming traffic or a vehicle immediately ahead are detected. The area around the light source is simply masked out and the rest of the road remains brightly illuminated. The groundbreaking system thus increases the active safety of all road users while also bringing additional comfort to the Opel Astra Sports Tourer driver when driving at night. Numerous innovative assistance systems drawing on the latest generation Opel Eye front camera offer the driver further support – starting with the more extensive and precise Traffic Sign Assist over Lane Keep assist, that even offers active steering corrections in case of an emergency, right up to the Forward Collision Alert with Collision Imminent Braking that can even bring the car to a standstill at speeds under 40 km/h.
On the inside, another unique element for the compact segment can be found: Opel OnStar, the personal connectivity and service assistant, serves as a guardian angel for the driver and passengers. In addition, two new IntelliLink systems will be introduced. The latest generation of the infotainment system is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Elsewhere, the new AGR-certified premium ergonomic seats add additional comfort with side bolster adjustment, massage and memory function along with ventilation. Passengers in the rear can also look forward to an additional optional comfort feature with seat heating being available for the two outer rear seats.
The Opel/Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer is traditionally responsible for around 30 percent of Opel/Vauxhall Astra sales in Europe. The main customers are company car drivers along with families who want to combine practical loading space solutions with high travelling comfort. The biggest markets for the versatile station wagon are Germany, the UK and Italy. In Germany, order books for the new Opel Astra Sports Tourer will open on October 10, 2015. The other countries will follow.
