If you were wondering why Opel did not show the front end of its new Astra sedan (sold as the Buick Verano in North America) during its web presentation earlier this month, this is because the entire family of the compact model has received a mid-life makeover.
The new model year Astra has been treated to a minor restyling while Opel and its sister company Vauxhall have also introduced a new array of assistance systems and a fresh 192hp (195PS) twin-turbocharged diesel engine to the range.
While not so evident, the Astra gains a new front grille with the wing-like chrome bar and Opel logo now positioned in the center, plus a redesigned front bumper with a more pronounced lower grille and the availability of LED daytime running lights.
New front indicator lamps and a new design of fog lamps (when available) round out the changes up front.
At the rear, the license plate pocket of the five-door has been re-sculpted while both the five-door and the Sports Tourer get a new chrome strip in the bumper. All models are offered with newly designed alloy wheel options.
Opel and Vauxhall refreshed the interior by using new fabrics, colors and décor moldings with new glossy paint.
The updated compact model receives a host of available assistance systems that were first introduced on the Zafira minivan and Insignia such as a second generation Opel Eye front camera with enhanced traffic sign assistant (TSA II), lane departure warning (LDW), following distance indication (FDI) and forward collision alert (FCA), plus rear view camera, advanced park assist and side blind spot alert.
Under the hood, the most interesting news has to do with the new 2.0-liter BiTurbo CDTI turbo diesel that will be offered from this fall on the three-door GTC, the five door hatchback and the Sports Tourer estate.
The four-cylinder unit delivers an output of 192hp (195PS) and a peak torque of 400Nm (295 lb-ft) allowing for 0-60mph (96km/h) sprint time of 7.8 seconds, a top speed of 139mph (224km/h) and a combined fuel economy of 53.5mpg UK (5.3 lt/100km or 44.4mpg US) with CO2 emissions of 139g/km.
In GTC guise, the BiTurbo receives bespoke 18-inch alloy wheels, Electronic Climate Control, 6mm lower ride-height, a new body-kit and ‘Track’ interior trim, with a flat-bottomed leather steering wheel.
Opel also announce enhancements to the existing 1.4 liter turbocharged gasoline unit with 138hp (140PS), which now comes equipped with an overboost function that temporarily gives a 10 percent burst of torque from 200 to 220 Nm (162 lb-ft).
At the top of the range remains the newly launched Astra GTC OPC (VXR in the UK) sporting a 276hp (280PS) 2.0-liter turbo capable of 250km/h (155mph) and a 0-100km/h (62mph) sprint in 6.0 seconds.
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