Photo: Opel
In the increasingly competitive segment of the compact hatchback, the 2015 Opel Astra K is the newest kid on the block, and it’s got the makings of a winner. Though it was slated to debut in September at the IAA 2015, a motoring publication from Italy jumped the embargoed information and published semi-official information of the all-new Opel Astra K prior to the unveiling event.
Opel responded to the leakage with an official release and photographs of the 2015 Astra, and boy you’re in for a plethora of goodies. First of all, the new model is based on the GM D2UX/D2XX platform that underpins the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze and Volt plug-in hybrid. The German manufacturer tells that the lightweight vehicle architecture ensures weight savings of 120 to 200 kg (264 - 441 lbs) depending on the model and trim level.
The bodywork’s weight was reduced by 20 percent from 357 to 280 kilograms (617 lbs), which is a big accomplishment for a volume-oriented vehicle. This and various other improves point towards a “more responsive” machine that “corners better and gives a much more direct overall driving experience.” Opel Group CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann declared: “Our engineers developed it from the proverbial white sheet of paper,” and, from the looks of it, the Astra conforms with that.
Looks are a subjective matter, but let’s be frank here: everything related to exterior aesthetics, including the IntelliLux LED headlights, represents a departure from the outgoing Opel Astra J. Under the skin, every Astra K is equipped with all-new powerplants, with outputs ranging from 95 HP (70 kW) to 200 HP (147 kW). In terms of volume, the biggest mills displace 1.6 liters.
In Europe, the pick of the bunch will be the all-new 1.6 CDTI “Whisper Diesel” family, with outputs starting at 95 horsepower (70 kW). On the gasoline-fed front, the entry-level unit is a 1.0 ECOTEC SIDI Turbo with 105 (77 kW) on tap. There’s an all-new 1.4 ECOTEC SIDI Turbo available as well, with 145 horsepower (107 kW) and 250 Nm (184 lb-ft) from 1,800 to 4,000 rpm. We’re hardly awaiting the arrival of the Opel Astra OPC, but more on that later in 2016 according to insider reports.
The floating roof trick of the divided C-pillar isn’t just for show. According to the manufacturer, the 2015 Opel Astra K is 4.37 meters long (roughly 5 cm shorter than it’s predecessor). In terms of height, the 1.46-meter K is approximately 2.6 cm lower than the Astra J. Despite the smaller body shell, inside there’s more room than ever. The wheelbase is 2 centimeters smaller, but the rear passengers enjoy an additional 35 millimeters of legroom thanks to newly designed seats and more distance between the front and rear seats.
Once you step inside, you’ll like what designers did with the cabin. The dashboard loses some of the J’s buttons and gains an 8-inch IntelliLink R 4.0 media system. Compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, the touchscreen infotainment system offers the ability to use WhatsApp, Skype, Spotify, Google Maps and Google Play Music, as well as Apple Maps and many more iOS-bound apps and functions. 4G LTE mobile Wi-Fi hotspot via Opel OnStar ensures Internet connectivity for up to seven devices at a time.
The safety front is augmented by a selection of features. Traffic Sign Assistant, Side Blind Spot Alert, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, Following Distance Indication, Forward Collision Alert with Collision Imminent Braking, Advanced Park Assist, and a rearview parking camera are the highlights. Last but not least, the 2015 Opel Astra K (2015 Vauxhall Astra in the United Kingdom) will be available with an 18-way adjustable driver’s seat with massage function, ventilation and seat-width setting while the rear seats make do with a heating function.
UPDATE: the release and photos of the 2015 Vauxhall Astra have been added.
The bodywork’s weight was reduced by 20 percent from 357 to 280 kilograms (617 lbs), which is a big accomplishment for a volume-oriented vehicle. This and various other improves point towards a “more responsive” machine that “corners better and gives a much more direct overall driving experience.” Opel Group CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann declared: “Our engineers developed it from the proverbial white sheet of paper,” and, from the looks of it, the Astra conforms with that.
Looks are a subjective matter, but let’s be frank here: everything related to exterior aesthetics, including the IntelliLux LED headlights, represents a departure from the outgoing Opel Astra J. Under the skin, every Astra K is equipped with all-new powerplants, with outputs ranging from 95 HP (70 kW) to 200 HP (147 kW). In terms of volume, the biggest mills displace 1.6 liters.
In Europe, the pick of the bunch will be the all-new 1.6 CDTI “Whisper Diesel” family, with outputs starting at 95 horsepower (70 kW). On the gasoline-fed front, the entry-level unit is a 1.0 ECOTEC SIDI Turbo with 105 (77 kW) on tap. There’s an all-new 1.4 ECOTEC SIDI Turbo available as well, with 145 horsepower (107 kW) and 250 Nm (184 lb-ft) from 1,800 to 4,000 rpm. We’re hardly awaiting the arrival of the Opel Astra OPC, but more on that later in 2016 according to insider reports.
The floating roof trick of the divided C-pillar isn’t just for show. According to the manufacturer, the 2015 Opel Astra K is 4.37 meters long (roughly 5 cm shorter than it’s predecessor). In terms of height, the 1.46-meter K is approximately 2.6 cm lower than the Astra J. Despite the smaller body shell, inside there’s more room than ever. The wheelbase is 2 centimeters smaller, but the rear passengers enjoy an additional 35 millimeters of legroom thanks to newly designed seats and more distance between the front and rear seats.
Once you step inside, you’ll like what designers did with the cabin. The dashboard loses some of the J’s buttons and gains an 8-inch IntelliLink R 4.0 media system. Compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, the touchscreen infotainment system offers the ability to use WhatsApp, Skype, Spotify, Google Maps and Google Play Music, as well as Apple Maps and many more iOS-bound apps and functions. 4G LTE mobile Wi-Fi hotspot via Opel OnStar ensures Internet connectivity for up to seven devices at a time.
The safety front is augmented by a selection of features. Traffic Sign Assistant, Side Blind Spot Alert, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, Following Distance Indication, Forward Collision Alert with Collision Imminent Braking, Advanced Park Assist, and a rearview parking camera are the highlights. Last but not least, the 2015 Opel Astra K (2015 Vauxhall Astra in the United Kingdom) will be available with an 18-way adjustable driver’s seat with massage function, ventilation and seat-width setting while the rear seats make do with a heating function.
UPDATE: the release and photos of the 2015 Vauxhall Astra have been added.
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