The Astra saga continues with a disrupted 6th generation! Developed with Stellantis, and no longer GM, the compact scheduled for Q1 2022 changes dramatically from a style, engine and technology standpoint. To take into account the evolutions, L’argus opposes it to its predecessor.
At Opel, compacts are not new! The Kadett, the first of the line, was born in 1936. Over the generations, six in total, each has adopted a different face. With the arrival of the Astra in 1991, Opel continued its momentum. A distinctive sign compared to Volkswagen, which has always played “Russian dolls” with its Golf. And this is not the Astra of 6e generation that will make us lie. The Opel designers have chosen to abandon the rounded lines for more angular lines. You will see that these are not the only transformations made to the compact at the Blitz. Review of details of what has changed in photos and video.
A more geometric style
Note a change in size between the 5e and the 6e Astra generation. One was developed during the General Motors era, then owner of the German firm. In 2017, PSA bought Opel to form a new entity: Stellantis. From then on, a new compact was imagined and, industrial logic wanted it to share its underside with the Peugeot 308. The new EMP2 V3 platform has changed the proportions of the three-color compact, and consequently that from German.
The new Astra has grown by 4 cm to reach 4.37 m. It benefits from a flatter and longer hood. This body part is marked with a central fold. The grille is more vertical. The ViZor mask, the new face of the Opels inaugurated by the Mokka and since taken over by the Grandland, includes refined headlights. These, now rectangular in shape, still incorporate the Intellilux technology that the Astra already benefited from in 2015. On the other hand, the “L” light signature has evolved and stretched.
In profile, the more informed will have noticed a shorter overhang at the front (- 5.4 cm), longer at the rear and a slightly lower height (- 1.5 cm). Effect reinforced by the presence of the black roof. The rear pillar, more inclined to reinforce the dynamism of the lines, integrates the shark fin (Opel gimmick for years) in a more visible way.
At the rear, the very horizontal lines and wide hips give more seating and presence to the new Astra. With its 1.86 m, it is 5 cm wider than its predecessor. In the spoiler, Opel has elegantly integrated the third brake light. In addition to the presence of thinner and stretched lights, the manufacturer has inscribed the name of the model in the center of the tailgate.
| Opel Astra 5 | Opel Astra 6 | |
| Dimensions | ||
| L x W x H (m) | 4.33 x 1.81 x 1.48 |
4.37 x 1.86 x 1.47 |
| Wheelbase (m) | 2.65 | 2.68 |
| Chest | ||
| Volume (l) | 370 | 367 or 422 |
| Threshold height (cm) | 71 | 67 |
| Height under shelf (cm) | 40 | 38 |
| Interior height (cm) | 72 | 72 |
| Wheel arch width / max. (cm) | 103 / – | 100/109 |
| Depth 5 places / folded bench (cm) | 76/179 | 73/183 |
| Opening height / width (cm) | 85/92 | 70/94 |
TO READ. Opel Astra Saga. The history of the compact at l’Éclair since 1991
A safe not always very generous
To access the trunk of the compact 6e generation, no more searching for a button. It is enough just (as at Volkswagen) to rock the logo. The capacity ranges from 367 to 422 l depending on whether you opt for a petrol or diesel version respectively. It’s as good, if not better, than on the Astra 5 (367 l). Plug-in hybrid models (read below) are the worst off with a loading volume of only 305 l, since the battery is housed under the floor. The latter will be modular, a novelty, except on the PHEV versions. From a modular point of view, Opel is content with a bench – with a ski hatch. The older generation benefited from folding backrests in 40-20-40 mode. Enough to allow him to load … a snowboard!
TO READ. Opel Astra (2022). On board the German compact Stellantis
Correct habitability
Let’s continue on the livability chapter. Despite an overall length and a wheelbase in progress, the rear passengers do not gain much. The bench is barely longer and the legroom is hardly more substantial. Accessibility is even less easy due to the lowered height. On the other hand, the seats are deeper and better support the thighs. The central place is as comfortable as in the past, but less welcoming with the arrival of the imposing center console which encroaches more on the floor. If it offers more storage for the front occupants, the Astra is less generous to the rear passengers with only one USB-C socket available, against two USB previously. The air vents are always on the go, as is the heated rear seat (optional).
| Opel Astra 5 | Opel Astra 6 | |
| Front / rear roof clearance | 105/95 | 100/94 |
| Legroom rear seats | 35 | 31 |
| Front / rear elbow width | 145/145 | 145/142 |
| Seat length | 43 | 43 |
A more futuristic and technological interior
In the front seats, the Astra 6 really has nothing to envy its predecessor! The dashboard, with a more refined design, accommodates a large panel made up of two digital screens of 10 inches each. The multimedia system benefits from a new software interface that is more responsive, intuitive and complete than in the past, without becoming too complicated to use. As in the older generation, physical controls for quick access to certain features such as radio volume or air conditioning have been retained. However, there are fewer and they are better integrated.
The central console is full of closable storage, particularly on this automatic gearbox version (EAT8) which receives a mini-gear lever identical to that of the Peugeot 308. The equipment takes the opportunity to make a leap. Opel has added an induction charger, head-up display, autonomous driving system (level 2) and blind spot detection. The seats are still very comfortable and even more ergonomic. As in the Astra 5, the seat has been developed and validated by German doctors (AGR). Only the driving position has been lowered by 12 mm in the newcomer. As for the materials and assemblies, apart from a few details to be tweaked on our pre-series models, they appear rather more flattering than on the older generation. To be confirmed on production models.
Under the hood: the total!
In terms of engines, Stellantis has made a clean sweep of the past. Goodbye GM-era engines. The new Astra models its offer on that of the Peugeot 308. The German compact benefits from a 3-cylinder 1.2 turbo-gasoline available in two power levels: 110 hp (BM6) or 130 hp (BVM6 or EAT8). Opel retains a 130 hp diesel unit, essential to attract fleets and large wheelers who represent more than half of Astra buyers.
Finally, and to meet new and ever more stringent environmental standards, the compact Blitz wins two plug-in hybrid versions of 180 and 225 hp, capable of offering up to 60 km of autonomy in 100% electric mode. These new engines associated with the new chassis (EMP2V3) allow the Astra to display up to 200 kg less on the scale. Our first test drive aboard a pre-production model confirmed that the Astra was showing itself ” more lively, comfortable and quieter than the current versions “. In 2023, the Astra range will in turn benefit from a 100% electric version.
Conclusion: The Opel Astra rebels!
The Astra has made great technical progress. Opel does not hide it: with this new version, the manufacturer intends to return to the podium of compacts in Europe. To the point of dethroning the Volkswagen Golf? A bit ambitious in view of the status of the Wolfsburg model in sales statistics.
But the newcomer has serious assets to seduce buyers, starting with its style and technologies. Question tariffs, la firm at the Blitz has already announced a base price of 23 150 €, it is less than the current version whose finish “Edition” (gasoline 110 ch) starts at 23,900 €. A trompe l’oeil access price because the Astra goes upmarket and its financial claims also since they will be aligned with those of the Peugeot 308. The PHEV versions should be displayed around € 35,000. As for the lioness, Stellantis will offer a complete range of bodywork to reach a wider target. After the break version (presented in November), expected at 1er semester 2022, a crossover version is in preparation for 2024 (OV54). At least that will be necessary to compensate for the loss of speed in the compact segment, dethroned by that of SUVs …
TO READ. Opel Astra Sports Tourer (2022). The station wagon planned shortly after the sedan
