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2016 Opel Astra GSi Hot Hatch Powered by 160 HP Twin-Turbo Diesel?

It seems German automaker Opel is keen on blending fuel economy with fun. A few days ago, our spies in Germany shared with us photos of the new hot hatch, not an OPC model, but the revival of the GSi moniker.
2016 Astra GSi 1 photo
Photo: CarPix
We expected it to have less power than the current 280 hp blue rocket. However, we didn't know it packed by a twin-turbo diesel engine. No, it's not the 195 hp 2-liter currently available on the Astra, but a smaller 1.6-liter.

CAR Magazine
reports that it has learned of a bi-turbo diesel hot hatch that packs an extra turbo over the 1.6-liter Whisper Diesel, boosting output from 136 hp to around 160 hp. This engine falls in line with identically set up mills from Renault (dCi 160 on the Espace) and Honda (160 hp i-DTEC for CR-V).

When you consider that single-turbo diesel hot hatches from this segment have about 180 to 190 hp, Opel's attempt seems like an ill-fated one. However, we need to remember how much lighter this compact 5-door will be. If we take the current Astra 2.0 CDTi BiTurbo's 1453 kilograms and subtract 200 kilos like Opel told us to expect, we end up with something that weighs as much a Polo GTI.

With strictly enforced speed limits and ever-increasing fuel prices, the Astra CDi could prove successful. It should also be able to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in around 8 seconds and on to a top speed in the region of 210-220 km/h.

All the engines available with the Astra K will be brand new. For example, the 1.6 base petrol will be replaced by a 105 hp 1-liter turbo, while the 1.4 turbo is said to offer 145 hp, 220 Nm and be better power delivery.
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About the author: Mihnea Radu
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Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida.
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