With 15 million predecessor model units sold and building on 40 years of rich success, the much-anticipated sixth-generation Opel Astra has arrived in Ireland.
With an Irish retail price from €27,995, plus delivery related charges, for the SC 1.2 petrol 110hp version, the all-new Astra is available to test drive and order at Opel dealerships nationwide this July.
Speaking at the Irish press launch at The Heritage, Killenard, Co. Laois, James Brooks, managing director at Opel Ireland, said: “Introducing the all-new Astra. A new Blitz is born! With sensational design, precision engineering, class-leading technology and highly efficient powertrains, the new Astra brings us into a new era. We are confident that the next generation Astra has all it takes to become another bestseller for Opel.”
The new Astra is 4,374mm long, just 4.0mm longer than the previous model, 1,860mm wide and 1,470mm high. The wheelbase has been increased by 13mm to 2,675 mm. The new Astra’s practical boot with adjustable floor offers the driver and four passengers up to 1,339 litres of luggage volume with the rear seats folded down.
The new Astra is the first Opel to be built on the third generation of Stellantis’ highly flexible EMP2 multi-energy platform. With Opel DNA built in from the very start of development, the new Opel Astra has been designed to be “Autobahnproof”; handling is composed, with excellent body control and steering response, even at high speed.
The torsional rigidity of the new Astra is 14 per cent higher than that of the previous model. Under braking, the new model delivers strong stopping power and remains highly stable in curves as well as in a straight line.
Available from launch in three trims – SC, SRI, Elite – and in both petrol and diesel guise, matched to manual and automatic transmissions, power ranges from 110hp to 130hp. A plugin electric hybrid 180hp variant will follow in the coming months, with a more powerful 225hp version expected thereafter.
A Sports Tourer version will also join the hatchback here in Ireland in 2023.
The all-new sixth generation Astra sports the new brand face, the latest evolution of the distinctive Opel Vizor. Housing the Opel Blitz emblem in the middle, the Vizor stretches across the front, giving the new Astra a robust, wide stance.
The highlight of the interior is the next generation of the Pure Panel, first introduced in the Mokka. This expansive, digital cockpit features two 10-inch seamlessly integrated horizontal displays, standard across the three trims.
Key settings such as climate control can still be operated via physical controls in the form of finely crafted keys, achieving the optimum balance between digitisation and intuitive operation.
There is no need for cables either since the new generation of infotainment systems can be connected as standard on all model variants to wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, operated by voice control or by touch.
