autoevolution
 

2016 Opel Astra K Sedan Rendered: Lighter and More Stylish

Ahead of the official debut during September's Frankfurt Motor Show, Opel revealed the all-new Generation of the Astra hatchback, the K series.
2016 Opel Astra K Sedan 1 photo
Photo: X-Tomi Design
Today, we bring you the first re-sharpened rendering for the 2016 Astra K sedan, based on press images. X-Tomi Design is the man responsible for these photos, and he seems to have chosen the back end of a Nissan Maxima. You can very clearly see that distinctive kink in the rear pillars which only Nissan has.

In any case, quite a bit seems to have changed from the previous generation Astra to the next. The Germans have used a new platform (GM D2UX/D2XX) to reduce the weight of the vehicle by up to 200 kilograms (441 lbs). This is sure to have a dramatic effect on fuel consumption.

That means they can use smaller engines, which is precisely what they've done. At launch, the Astra K will be available with a 1-liter turbo rated at 105 PS that replaces the old 1.6-liter base engine (-10 hp and +15 Nm compared to the 1.6). There will also be an all-new 1.4 SIDI Turbo rated at 145 PS and 220 Nm (235 Nm with overboost, equivalent to 163 lb-ft) and a base 1.6 diesel with only 95 PS.


We think this shows Opel is taking a back-to-basics approach to making its compact cars, leaving only the features that customers want. By contrast, the previous generation Astra made its debut with an 180 metric horsepower 1.6-liter that grabbed headlines.

It doesn't mean there won't be any powerful engines available with the Astra K sedan, just that they're probably a little smaller. For example, Opel is apparently developing its first twin-turbo 1.6-liter diesel that will produce around 170 PS under the bonnet of the Astra GSi warm hatch.

We know that the Astra K hatchback is 5 centimeters (about 2 inches) shorter than before. But because the 2016 Astra Sedan's development is linked to that of the Chevrolet Cruze, it might not have shrunken proportions.
If you liked the article, please follow us:  Google News icon Google News Youtube Instagram X (Twitter)
About the author: Mihnea Radu
Mihnea Radu profile photo

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.
Full profile

 

Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?

You will only receive our top stories