Opel has quickly reacted to the leaked Astra photos and has released full details and more images of its all-new compact hatchback.

The new Astra is slightly smaller on the outside but bigger on the inside. It has also lost up to 200 kg (441lbs) compared to the current model.

Based on an all-new lightweight vehicle architecture, the new Astra is equipped with latest generation engines and offers features previously only reserved to higher segments.

The significant weight reduction is mainly due to the new platform, as the bodyshell weight alone was reduced by 20 percent from 357 to 280 kilograms. Chassis-related measures shaved another 50 kilograms off the Astra’s weight, with the end result being improved agility and driving comfort. Opel says the new model is “more responsive, corners better and gives a much more direct overall driving experience.”

The new Astra will be offered with petrol and diesel engines with a displacement of up to 1.6 liters, ranging from 95PS to 200PS. All diesel units have 1.6 liters and start from 95PS, while the petrol offer starts with the 1.0 Ecotec Direct Injection Turbo with 105PS.

But the highlight in the Astra engine family is the all-new 1.4 Ecotec Direct Injection Turbo, an all-aluminum four-cylinder unit which produces 145PS and 250Nm (184 lb-ft) of torque.

With a length of 4,370mm, the Astra is almost 50mm shorter than its predecessor, while the height of 1,460mm is also 26mm smaller. Unusually, even the wheelbase has been reduced by 20mm, but Opel says the amount of space inside has actually increased.

As a result, rear-seat passengers have an additional 35mm legroom, while the distance between the front and rear seats is larger than before. The reduction in size has had an impact on aerodynamics and efficiency, with the new Astra having a drag coefficient below 0.30.

Opel is really proud of the fact that the new Astra offers technologies and innovations from higher segments, such as the new personal connectivity and service assistant Opel OnStar. The system offers customers a broad range of safety and comfort services including automatic alert in case an airbag deploys and the 4G LTE mobile Wi-Fi hotspot.

The new generation of the IntelliLink infotainment system will also debut in the Astra with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility. For the first time in the C-segment, the new Astra will be offered with the IntelliLux LED matrix headlights. Other safety, driver assistance and comfort systems include Traffic Sign Assistant and the Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning along with Following Distance Indication and the Forward Collision Alert with Collision Imminent Braking.

OPEL ASTRA

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