New Opel Astra - Details

Press Release

New Opel Astra

High-Tech and Dynamics in The Compact Class

• Distinctive design sets Astra apart from the competition
• Premiere: IDSPlus adaptive suspension with continuous damping control (CDC)
• Segment-first: Steering-linked AFL headlamp system
• More passenger room, largest trunk in class, high quality and safety

Progressive design and driving dynamics are the outstanding features that distinguish the new five-door Opel Astra. This third-generation of the Opel bestseller will make its sales debut in March. The Astra introduces into the segment the adaptive IDSPlus suspension with Continuous Damping Control (CDC), which was previously reserved for luxury vehicles and for exclusive sports cars. Other technical highlights include the steering-linked AFL (Adaptive Forward Lighting) headlamp system with dynamic curve light - another a first in the segment - newly-developed Infotainment systems, and a broad range of ECOTEC engines (80 - 200 hp), including new TWINPORT gasoline and common rail turbo-diesel units. Passengers in the new five-door Astra have more room compared to the preceding model, and 380 liters of trunk space make it the leader in its class. "The new Astra symbolizes the dynamics and the quality of the Opel brand more than any previous volume model. The Astra also offers advanced technology that meets customer needs, at really fair prices. I'm convinced that the new Astra will make a bold statement in the compact segment," says Opel Chairman and Managing Director, Carl-Peter Forster. Following the debut of the five-door Astra, Opel will introduce a station wagon with longer wheelbase and a performance oriented three-door. The new Astra is offered in five equipment lines and six engine combinations. Despite the increased standard specification, prices are lower than similar previous models. The latest electronic stability program, ESPPlus, head curtain airbags, active head restraints on the front seats, a height and reach-adjustable steering column and heated power mirrors are among the standard features. The new 66 kW (90 hp), 1.4-liter engine with fuel saving TWINPORT technology provides lively and economical performance.

Dynamic design: Clearly different from the competition

The new Astra, with its exciting and dynamic appearance, sets itself apart from its competitors and sends a clear signal within the compact segment. Its well-balanced proportions are the basis for the harmonious, aerodynamic form (Cd: 0.32). Taut surfaces, crisp lines, technically crafted details and distinctive graphic elements underscore Opel's new design language. Measuring 4.25 meters long, 1.75 meters wide, 1.46 meters high, with a 2.61-meter long wheelbase, the dimensions of the five-door Astra are among the most generous in its class. It is about 35 mm higher, 44 mm wider and 139 mm longer than its predecessor. Shoulder room in the front and in the rear, as well as the headroom in the rear, are noticeably increased. The already generous amount of legroom for the Astra's rear passengers has grown by an additional 17 mm. The new Astra also has a lot of space for luggage. In combination with a tire repair kit (available from the summer of 2004) the new Astra offers a class-leading trunk volume of 380 liters (VDA standard). This expands to a maximum of 1300 liters when the rear seat backs are folded down. Intelligent packaging, together with the longer wheelbase, is the key to the Astra's improved roominess.

Interior: High-quality, ergonomic and spacious

Interior design was of great importance during the development of the new Astra, as displayed by the high level of visual and textural quality. The interior forms harmonize perfectly with the car's dynamic exterior. A characteristic styling cue is the crease on the clearly arranged center console, carried over from the hood. Further eye-catching design elements in the Astra cockpit include the three-dimensional instruments and the centrally positioned, easy to read 6.5-inch monitor. The seats feature state-of-the-art ergonomics with enhanced contours, higher lateral supports, longer cushions and optimized adjustment. Particularly agile handling and high levels of active safety were the development objectives for the new Astra's IDS chassis (Interactive Driving System). The suspension features McPherson struts and a subframe at the front, and a patented torsion beam with double-walled, U-shaped profile at the rear. The state-of-the-art design used in the new Astra not only retains all the advantages of a conventional torsion beam axle - such as minimal space requirements, low weight and high camber control - it can also be precisely tuned to the specific requirements of different variants within a model range.

Advanced chassis: Premiere for IDSPlus with electronic adaptive suspension CDC

A completely new dimension of balance between comfort and active safety can be experienced in the new Astra with the optional, adaptive IDSPlus suspension system and electronic Continuous Damping Control (CDC). This integrated chassis control network (ICC), where the control units and sensors of ESPPlus, ABS and CDC communicate constantly via the high-speed CAN (Controller Area Network) data bus system, is making its premiere in the compact segment. With IDSPlus, Astra drivers can activate a special performance mode by pressing the Sport Switch. This selects suspension settings for the enthusiast-driver, adapts the steering and accelerator response and, with automatic and "Easytronic" transmissions, adjusts the shift points higher up the rpm range.

State of the art: New TWINPORT gasoline and common-rail turbo-diesel engines

The new front-wheel drive Astra will be available with five gasoline and three turbo-diesel engines, with displacements from 1.4 to 2.0 liters and power outputs of 59 to 147 kW (80 - 200 hp). The new Astra can reach top speeds of more than 230 km/h and needs less than eight seconds to accelerate from zero to 100 km/h. All engines are state-of-the-art, four-cylinder ECOTEC units with four valves per cylinder, and comply with the Euro 4 exhaust emission limits which do not become mandatory until 2006. The TWINPORT gasoline engines and common rail turbo-diesels are especially pro-environmental, thanks to their low fuel consumption. For example, the combined fuel consumption of the new 1.4 TWINPORT with 66 kW (90 hp) is only 6.3 l/100 km, while that of the 59 kW (80 hp) 1.7 CDTI diesel is even lower at 4.9 l/100 km. Particularly fun-to-drive are the newly developed 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine 125 kW (170 hp), the new 110 kW (150 hp) 1.9 CDTI 'power diesel' with optional diesel particulate filter, and the 200 hp gasoline turbo at the top of the range. These three engines are supplied as standard with a new six-speed manual transmission. In addition, Opel offers a five-speed manual gearbox, an automatic and a further developed version of its "Easytronic" automated manual transmission for the new Astra. "Easytronic" now features as standard a sport mode and HSA (Hill Start Assist), which prevents the car from rolling backwards on a slope. HSA is also available with manual transmissions.

Specification: Comprehensive standard equipment and SAFETEC safety package

In addition to its advanced chassis and engine technology, the new Astra also impresses with its exceptionally extensive standard and safety equipment, including SAFETEC. This comprehensive protection system consists of passive and active safety features such as the highly stable body shell with deformation zones, the IDS chassis with ESPPlus, TCPlus traction control, CBC (Cornering Brake Control) and ABS with brake assistant and four disk brakes. Front and thorax/pelvis side airbags for the driver and front seat passenger, head curtain airbags in the front and for the outer rear seats, active head restraints in the front, lap-and-shoulder seat belts for all passengers, two mountings in the rear for the ISOFIX child's seat system, pedals which automatically release in the event of a frontal collision (PRS, Pedal Release System) and a steering column which can be adjusted for reach and height are all part of the SAFETEC package. Visual and acoustic warning signals remind the driver and front passenger that seat belts should be fastened.

Model range: Five different versions for various customer requirements

With a total of five versions (Astra, Enjoy, Elegance, Sport and Cosmo), each with differing looks and functions, the Astra fulfills the most varied of customer requirements. There are also eight equipment packages and many options tailor-made for individual preferences and requirements. These include leather trim, the steering-linked AFL (Adaptive Forward Lighting) headlamp system with dynamic curve light, bi-xenon headlamps with automatic beam adjustment and cleaning system, TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System), electronic climate control with air quality sensor and automatic air recirculation, and Quickheat. This heating system prevents windows already freed of ice from fogging up again in winter, and it speeds up the interior heating process. There is also a new generation of infotainment systems. The audio and telematic units now available cater for a wide range of customers, from price-conscious radio and cassette listeners to multimedia fans. The systems are in a user-friendly double-DIN format, which means that features such as a telephone and a 6 x CD changer can be directly integrated. With the Twin Audio system passengers in the front and rear of the new Astra can also listen to different music or radio programs. In addition to the already popular voice-based service, Opel's "OnStar" mobility portal now offers server-supported off-board navigation, electronic travel log and an emergency call function with tele-diagnosis.

Quality: More than one billion euro invested in production and employee training

The new generation Astra also fulfills the highest requirements in terms of quality, reliability and durability, thanks to the high production standards and strict quality control at the Astra plants in Antwerp (Belgium), Ellesmere Port (United Kingdom) and Bochum (Germany). Opel has invested more than one billion euro in the modernization of these Astra production facilities and the training of their staff.