We usually get our fair share of leaks right before a vehicle’s auto show debut, but this one comes significantly earlier than usual. Months ahead of its intended Frankfurt Auto Show unveiling, a leak has prompted Opel to reveal the details of its all new Astra.
Opel, GM’s European subsidiary, is a continuation of the brand’s success in the C-segment which started all the way back with the Opel Kadett in 1936. Based on an all-new architecture, the Astra promises to lighter and thus more agile and efficient. Based on the Monza Concept shown at Frankfurt in 2013, the Astra is now between 265 to 440 pounds lighter than the outgoing car, depending on the model and trim level.
Under the hood, the Astra will have a host of diesel and gasoline engines available, depending on what part of the globe it’s being sent to. Some of the highlights include a new 1.4-liter direct injection turbo that will generate 145 horsepower and will also allegedly be supremely fuel efficient. The all-aluminum block is as least 22 pounds lighter than its steel counterpart, adding to the Astra’s mission to shed the extra bulk.
One of the cooler things about the compact is that it will be the first new Opel to sport Onstar from launch, giving the car the ability to use 4G LTE and act as a wifi hotspot on top of the roadside assistance that a subscription brings. The Astra will also get the IntelliLink infotainment system that will be compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
Opel is also bringing features usually reserved for the luxury segment to the Astra, including comfort seating with massage functions and cooling ventilation. LED matrix lighting will be included as well, which automatically reshapes the light beams when oncoming traffic is detected, illuminating the road ahead without dazzling other drivers.
The Astra will officially be on show later this fall when the sheet is pulled off of it at the Frankfurt Auto Show in Mid-September. We expect that pricing and availability info will be announced shortly thereafter as well.
