Since the Opel Kadett Caravan of 1965, the range of the German manufacturer has always offered a compact station wagon. In spring 2022, the Astra Sports Tourer will take over. Discovery of the new Opel station wagon, technical cousin of the Peugeot 308 SW.
Opel reveals the members of the Astra family at high speed. After the sixth generation sedan, presented in mid-July 2021, here is the wagon version logically called the Opel Astra Sports Tourer. It will arrive in dealerships in late spring 2022.
Without surprise, Opel’s compact station wagon takes the nose of the sedan with the so-called Vizor grille which, since the second generation Mokka SUV, characterizes all the new achievements of the brand to the lightning.
The cosmetic community is also found in the rear lights which, according to Opel, allows to clearly mark the relationship between the sedan and the station wagon, but also and above all to seriously reduce production costs. The technical cousin Peugeot 308 also pools its optics between its two bodies. And, still like the sedan, the rear quarter panel designed in shark fin allows the installation of a floating pavilion. The latter can be lacquered black on the most upscale versions. A relatively rare customization in the compact station wagon segment and which clearly ape that offered by the rival Toyota Corolla Touring Sports.
TO READ. Opel Astra Saga. The history of the compact at l’Éclair since 1991
Dimensions Opel Astra Sports Tourer (2022)
Opel Astra Sport Tourer (2022) | |
Length | 4.64 m |
Width | 1.86 m |
Height | 1.48 m |
Wheelbase | 2.73 m |
Thermal box / PHEV | 608-1 634 l / 548-1 574 l |
Opel’s compact station wagon is 4.64 m long, 6 cm shorter than the current generation model. However, the proportions were redistributed with a wheelbase increased by 7 cm (2.73 m) and a shortened front overhang. The silhouette is more balanced and displays more dynamism. Compared to the new Opel Astra, the station wagon gains 57 mm between its axles, which should logically benefit the legs of the rear seat passengers.
Opel Astra station wagon: a large trunk
Criterion particularly studied before the purchase of a station wagon, the volume of trunk is advantageous on the new Opel Astra Sports Tourer. The carrying capacity is between 608 l in a configuration with five seats under the shelf and 1,634 l when the rear seat is folded down. These are the approved values for thermal models. Its technical cousin the Peugeot 308 SW announces exactly the same values, while its compatriot the Volkswagen Golf 8 SW is slightly better off with a load capacity varying between 611 and 1642 l. But, anyway, the Opel Astra Sports Tourer is positioned in the high average of the segment.
Due to the presence of lithium-ion batteries under the loading floor, the hold of the Opel Astra Sports Tourer rechargeable hybrids is less. Count between 548 and 1,574 l on these versions. As regards modularity, the rear bench has a 40/20/40 split, and a double bottom can be positioned at two heights. Add to that a 45 degree configuration to compartmentalize the space. Finally, the retractable luggage cover can be stored in the same way, whether the floor is in the high or low position. It’s very useful.
TO READ. Peugeot 308 SW (2022) vs Volkswagen Golf 8 SW: first duel
Gasoline, diesel and plug-in hybrids
The range of engines for the station wagon is strictly identical to that of the sedan. Two petrol engines of 110 and 130 hp, a diesel unit of 130 hp and two plug-in hybrid variants of 180 and 225 hp are on the program. A six-speed manual gearbox is fitted to the entry-level petrol and diesel versions, while the EAT8 eight-speed automatic is standard on the rest of the range.
Opel Astra Sport Tourer (2022) | |
Gasoline engines | 110 BVM6 and 130 hp BVA8 |
Diesel motor | 130 hp BVA8 |
Plug-in hybrid version | 180 and 225 hp BVA8 |
After the internally coded sedan OV51 (OV meaning Opel / Vauxhall, which is the brand specific to the English market) and the Astra Sports Tourer station wagon (OV52), the family will be enriched in 2024 with a crossover body at the stern treated fastback way. It bears the name OV54 while waiting to be officially named the Opel Astra Country Tourer.