2010 Opel Astra revealed in full

2010-opel-astra-1

If you are a regular reader of MotorWard these pictures look familiar to you because we have featured them about a month ago. Now though there are these official shots giving you the best view of the car yet, before its launch at this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show. And yes, there is a video too so you can watch it in motion!
The new Astra inherits many of its body lines and features from the bigger Insignia that also means that it has grown in size. At 4.42 meters the new Astra is about 17 cm longer than the old one so it is considerably more spacious in the cabin and in the boot.
It is much more sophisticated as well, it features a new chassis and a very clever electronically-controlled suspension system. So you can change its settings at the touch of a button and change the feel of the car according to your needs. This is a feature usually seen in bigger more expensive cars. Another amazing technology that is a first with the Astra is a camera system called the ‘Opel Eye’. It can be used to read the traffic signs or act as a lane assist system which warns the driver in case he or she is not sober!! That’s not the end of it of course, we can mention adaptive bi-xenon headlights or ergonomically shaped seats as well.
As for the engines there is a wide range of options to satisfy every taste. And they all meet the Euro5 emissions standard. Diesel ones include a 1.3, a 1.7 and a 2.0 liter ranging from 95 to 160 hp. An Eco-flex model will be added to the lineup in 2010. As for the petrol engines, there is a 1.4 liter which can produce 120 hp normally and 140 hp if fitted with a turocharger. Then there is the 1.6 liter turbo with 180 hp which replaces the current 1.8 liter. Petrol units will also get the Ecoflex treatment.

If you are a regular reader of MotorWard these pictures look familiar to you because we have featured them about a month ago. Now though there are these official shots giving you the best view of the car yet, before its launch at this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show. And yes, there is a video too so you can watch it in motion!

The new Astra inherits many of its body lines and features from the bigger Insignia that also means that it has grown in size. At 4.42 meters the new Astra is about 17 cm longer than the old one so it is considerably more spacious in the cabin and in the boot.

It is much more sophisticated as well, it features a new chassis and a very clever electronically-controlled suspension system. So you can change its settings at the touch of a button and change the feel of the car according to your needs. This is a feature usually seen in bigger more expensive cars. Another amazing technology that is a first with the Astra is a camera system called the ‘Opel Eye’. It can be used to read the traffic signs or act as a lane assist system which warns the driver in case he or she is not sober!! That’s not the end of it of course, we can mention adaptive bi-xenon headlights or ergonomically shaped seats as well.

As for the engines there is a wide range of options to satisfy every taste. And they all meet the Euro5 emissions standard. Diesel ones include a 1.3, a 1.7 and a 2.0 liter ranging from 95 to 160 hp. An Eco-flex model will be added to the lineup in 2010. As for the petrol engines, there is a 1.4 liter which can produce 120 hp normally and 140 hp if fitted with a turocharger. Then there is the 1.6 liter turbo with 180 hp which replaces the current 1.8 liter. Petrol units will also get the Ecoflex treatment.

So, there you go, the new 2010 Opel Astra with all its glory and heritage in new style and with new technologies on board! Now check out the video of the car:

Press Release:

“The Opel Insignia has newly interpreted the mid-size segment. Now, with its dynamic design and innovative technology – much of which has been the preserve of higher-class vehicles before now – the new Opel Astra generation will continue the pioneering role of its large model brother,” says Alain Visser, Chief Marketing Officer at GM Europe, describing the future model. “To put it in a nutshell, the next Opel Astra will carry the spirit of the Insignia into the compact class.”

The all new fourth Opel Astra generation will make its world debut as a five-door hatchback at the 2009 IAA (September 17-27) in Frankfurt, Germany. “Sculptural artistry meets German precision – that was our design claim with the Insignia and it remains so with the new Opel Astra but with an even more sporty presence,” explains Mark Adams, Vice President of Design at GM Europe. “The present Opel Astra already combines a high level of technical substance with emotional styling. You can see that most clearly with the Opel Astra GTC. With the next Opel Astra generation we are taking another big step forward in both respects and emphasizing its sporty credentials.”

With its flowing lines, the next Opel Astra will carry on from the Insignia. At the same time, it will pick up on design features that have been found in many models throughout Opel’s history- especially in the compact class. The integrated front headlamps of the first Kadett of 1936 are one example. Another is the aerodynamic design of the 1984 Kadett E. Other areas in which the next Opel Astra will evolve the Opel language are its proportions, which give the car its sporty and muscular look. Typical style characteristics of the new, finer design language- elements like the flowing dynamic surfaces, the signature sculpted blade and the warm, wrap-around interior theme with wing-line sweep that links the instrument panel to the door – are found in modified form in the new compact class model. Also characteristic is the high attention to detail and craftsmanship. It could well set new standards in its class.

Hans Demant, Managing Director Adam Opel GmbH, referring to the present Opel Astra, whets people’s appetite for the next generation: “Just think of all the innovations Opel has introduced into the previous compact class generations. Moreover, the current Opel Astra is the most innovative compact class model Opel has ever built. It cost us a great deal of effort, but it has placed us among the leaders in the market on a permanent basis. It made the development of the next Opel Astra generation an even bigger challenge, but it was one we were pleased to take up.”

With technical innovations like the Adaptive Forward Lighting (AFL) headlamp system, which has been taken to a higher level and supplemented by new functions, and the “Opel Eye,” the new compact class generation will once again assume an outstanding position in this segment.

The all-new chassis will be mated with equally new engines designed following the right-sizing concept that combines high low-end torque with moderate fuel consumption.

Versatility is another traditional strength of Opel vehicles, as demonstrated by the FlexFix integrated rear end carrier in the Corsa and Antara. The new Astra will also pick up on clever and practical ideas like this.

TECHNICAL INNOVATIONS

The Opel philosophy has always been to make top-level innovative technology affordable for a wide range of buyers. Accordingly, the new compact class generation will offer plenty of comfort and safety features that have previously been confined to higher segments. Here are just two of the many examples.

CAMERA SYSTEM

When it made its debut in the Insignia, the driver assistance system “Opel Eye” created considerable buzz as a safety innovation. In the compact class, the camera system will create at least as much of a stir. “Opel Eye” will make driving the Opel Astra safer. A camera integrated between the interior mirror and the windshield assists drivers in two ways. The traffic sign recognition function scans traffic signs that indicate speed limits or overtaking bans and displays them in the instrument panel. In addition, a lane departure warning alerts drivers if they unintentionally leave their chosen lane. Both systems improve traffic safety, reduce stress and help avoid expensive fines.

NEXT GENERATION CORNERING LIGHT

Around 80 percent of all road accidents occur at night. This is where the upgraded AFL system in the next Opel Astra comes into its own, helping drivers to see better at night. It is also evidence of how Opel is democratizing active safety. The Opel Astra H was the first compact class car to offer AFL lighting with steering-linked bi-xenon headlamps. The AFL system on this next generation will offer a variety of light functions, providing better visibility because AFL automatically adapts to different road and driving conditions.