Opel has released the all-new Astra sedan along with four new derivatives to complete the Opel Astra Range in South Africa. The small c-segment family car features visual changes to the front and rear end crafted according to Opel’s latest design language.

Engine specs

The all-new Opel Astra sedan comes with a four model range which includes three different petrol engines and three transmissions. All three engines are part of Opel’s ECOTEC engine family and clear of Euro 5 emissions regulations.

The new Astra Essentia is fitted with a normally aspirated 1.6-litre petrol engine producing 85kW at 6000 rpm and 155Nm of torque available at 4000 rpm. Mated to a five-speed manual gearbox, the front-wheel drive sedan returns a combined fuel consumption of 6.6-litres/100 km with CO2 emissions of 154 g/km.

The other four new models are available with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic gearbox. The Astra Turbo Essentia models benefit from a forced induction motor delivering 103kW of power between 4900 rpm and 6000 rpm and 200Nm of torque between 1850 rpm and 4900 rpm. The reduced fuel consumption on the combined cycle is rated at 5.9-litres/100km with CO2 emissions of 139 g/km in the manual version and 6.6-litres/100 km with 154 g/km in the automatic.

The range topping Astra Turbo Cosmo is equipped with a powerful 1.6-litre engine delivering 132kW at 5500 rpm and 230Nm of torque at 2200 rpm. Acceleration from 0-100km takes just 8.7 seconds reaching a top speed of 223 km/h. In addition to its sporty dynamics, the model’s fuel consumption is rated at an impressive 6.8-litres/100km with CO2 emissions of 159 g/km.

Comfortable ride characteristics

Opel says the new Astra sedan range has been developed to provide communicative yet comfortable ride characteristics. This can be seen in the 1.6 Essentia model which features a compound crank rear suspension design while sharing its MacPherson strut front suspension design with the rest of the range. While all Turbo models feature a more communicative Watt’s link rear suspension setup and a sportier chassis for the 1.6 Turbo Cosmo with a lowered ride height.

Superior luggage space and class leading features

The highlight of the new Opel Astra sedan is its class leading boot capacity of 460-litres with seats up and the additional metalwork to the rear end which adds 230mm to its overall length.

The Essentia and Turbo Essentia models come equipped with electric and heated side mirrors, a multi-function steering wheel with rake and reach adjustment, front and rear fog lamps, halogen daytime running lights, height adjustment for the driver’s seat, folding rear seats and cloth trim, along with air conditioning, front electric windows with tinting all-round, cruise control with a speed limiter, a radio/CD player with USB, auxiliary and Bluetooth functionality, seven speakers, a multi-info trip computer and remote central locking with an alarm/immobiliser.

The range-topping Cosmo sedan comes with the same equipment as the other two models, with the addition of 18-inch rims, chrome detailing on the door handles and side window profile, a leather-bound steering wheel, automatic headlights and wipers, a sports seat for the driver with powered lumbar support adjustment, leather upholstery, heated front seats, automatic dual-zone climate control, electric windows all-round, hill start assistance, rear parking sensors, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror and a smart electronic parking brake.

Safety features

On the safety front, the new Opel Astra sedan boasts a five-star EuroNCAP rating and all models are fitted with ESP stability control, trailer sway control, active front head rests and six airbags. As well as ISOFIX child seat anchors, hydraulic brake fade assist and brake disc cleaning.

All-new Opel Astra Sedan Price

Opel Astra 1.6 Essentia – R239 900

Opel Astra 1.4 Turbo Essentia – R250 900

Opel Astra 1.4 Turbo Essentia AT – R261 800

Opel Astra 1.6 Turbo Cosmo – R284 500

All models in the new Opel Astra range come standard with a 5-year/120000 km warranty and a 5-year/90000 km service plan with service intervals of 15000 km.

All-new Opel Astra Sedan gallery