Although premium hatchbacks aren’t popular in South Africa anymore – unless they’re performance derivatives – the unveiling of the new, 6th-generationOpel Astra (the first new Astra launched under PSA custodianship and in the Stellantis era) is still noteworthy.

The 6th-generation Astra (also known as the Astra L) is based on the EMP2 platform that underpins the newcomer’s Stellantis cousin, the recently unveiled Peugeot 308, which means that it will also be offered in plug-in petrol-electric hybrid guise for the first time.

There will be a pair of plug-in hybrids (with combined outputs of 132 kW and 165 kW), which pair either a 110-kW or 132-kW 1.6-litre 4-cylider turbopetrol engine (mated with an 8-speed automatic transmission) with an 81-kW electric motor and 12.4-kWh lithium-ion battery. Their claimed electric-only range is about 50 km.

Although the new Astra is mechanically similar to the 308, it is, predictably, more conservatively styled than its French cousin. Having said that, the understated Opel does have a few standout features, such as the brand’s “Vizor” front fascia (a gloss black panel that stretches the width of the front end), Matrix LED headlamps (that contain 84 light-emitting diodes per headlight cluster), a contrasting (black) roof finish, alloy wheels up to 18 inches in size, plus the eagle-eyed will spot that the newcomer sports tiny ribbed black triangles on its C-pillars –it’s a subtle nod to the Opel Kadetts of the 80s!

The new model is 4 374-mm long, 1 860-mm wide, 1 470-mm tall and has a 2 675-mm wheelbase; compared with its predecessor, it is 4 mm longer, 51 mm wider, 15 mm lower and has gained 13 mm between the front and rear wheels.In terms of luggage capacity, the Astra has an adjustable boot floor and its load bay is said to have grown (by 52 litres) to 422 litres.

The 6th-generation Astra’s exterior design might not be particularly ground-breaking, but the newcomer’s minimalist and tech-laden interior is certainly a revelation…

Opel’s “Pure Panel” dashboard design combines a 10-inch digital instrument cluster with a similarly sized (Apple CarPlay- and Android Auto compatible) touchscreen infotainment system, which is complemented by a redesigned ‘wheel, a shift-by-wire transmission selector, an electric parking brake, (ostensibly) a wireless charging pad (under the central vent) and optional driver’s head-up display.

Rows of gloss black buttons, trimmed with tasteful metallic inserts, features below the expansive central touchscreen and while Opel didn’t specify all the features that will be offered on the new Astra, the line-up willinclude adaptive cruise control (with stop and go function), as well as a 360-degree camera system.

The range’s internal combustion engine-only line-up will include a 1.2-litre 4-cylinder turbopetrol producing 81 kW or 96 kW, and a 96-kW 1.5-litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel. These motors will be mated with either 6-speed manual- or 8-speed automatic transmission.

An OPC version coming?

Meanwhile, there are persistent rumblings that a high-performance derivative of the new Astra – powered by an all-wheel-drive 220-kW hybrid powertrain – is in the works. According to reports, it will also be produced at the brand’s Russelsheim plant and wear either an OPC or GSe badge.

The new Opel Astra won’t be offered in the European market until early 2022; however, feedback from the local Opel arm suggest that due to the decline in sales of the C segment hatch (buyers are choosing SUVs instead), the new Astra will not be coming to SA.

Further reading:

Peugeot reveals its new Golf, Corolla rival

Opel Astra vs Volkswagen Golf

Opel Astra Sport vs Renault Megane GT

Astra OPC Line Review