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Opel Astra K Detailed in Prototype Review: 145 HP 1.4 Turbo, Torsion Beam Suspension

This is the first test footage we've seen taken from inside the all-new Astra K hatchback, the most important Opel model coming out this decade. It details many of the features we were curious about, including the weight reduction and new engines.
Opel Astra K Test Footage Details Emerge: 145 HP 1.4 Turbo, Torsion Beam Suspension 6 photos
Photo: screenshot from Youtube
Opel Astra K Test Footage Details Emerge: 145 HP 1.4 Turbo, Torsion Beam SuspensionOpel Astra K Test Footage Details Emerge: 145 HP 1.4 Turbo, Torsion Beam SuspensionOpel Astra K Test Footage Details Emerge: 145 HP 1.4 Turbo, Torsion Beam SuspensionOpel Astra K Test Footage Details Emerge: 145 HP 1.4 Turbo, Torsion Beam SuspensionOpel Astra K Test Footage Details Emerge: 145 HP 1.4 Turbo, Torsion Beam Suspension
First of all, Opel says all the engines will be new. The highlight is a 1.4 SIDI Turbo rated at 145 PS and 220 Nm (235 Nm with overboot, equivalent to 163 lb-ft). It replaces the old 1.4 turbo, which the video reviewer says was noisy and rough.

The naturally aspirated 1.6-liter base engine will also be dropped in favor of a 1.0 SIDI Turbo making 105 PS and 170 Nm or 123 lb-ft (-10 hp and +15 Nm compared to the 1.6). We tested the same engine on the Corsa E recently, and it was by far the best thing about the car.

Opel has kept the torsion beam rear suspension with Watt's linkage, though the setup has been optimized both in terms of weight and comfort. It shows that in the cost-competitive compact car market, the Astra will be more of the cheap and cheerful type of car. We've heard that the next Ford Focus will go the opposite direction, chasing the Golf by offering both independent and adaptive suspension, as well as all-wheel-drive.

Have Opel lost touch with reality? No, far from it, in fact. Nissan pulled a similar move with the Qashqai in order to keep the weight down and as long as the ride is more refined, we have no reason to be worried. Most customers don't want AWD in this segment anyway.

The Astra K will be about 5 centimeters shorter than its predecessor, which would make parking easier. Despite this, interior space has increased, and the luggage capacity is a respectable 370 liters. The D2XX platform will help shed between 120 and 200 kg (264-441 lbs), which will have a dramatic effect on fuel consumption.

In a recent company press release, Opel CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann said their car will feature "an awesome design". So it looks like they have all the bases covered.

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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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