Opel Europe has announced the details of its new Opel Astra line-up on Friday and General Motors South Africa has confirmed that the 2013 face-lifted Opel Astra hatchback will be available in South Africa in the fourth quarter of 2012. At this stage it’s unclear which updated model will make its way into the South African car market.

New Opel Astra – Specifications and Upgrades

Astra Models

Five models complete the new Opel Astra line-up and include the new Astra sedan, the five-door variant, Sports Tourer station wagon, the three-door GTC coupé and the performance enhanced GTC OPC version.

Astra Engines

A new 2.0-litre twin turbo CDTI diesel engine capable of 143kW with 400Nm of torque combines excellent performance with low fuel consumption and will be available with the Astra five-door, Sports Tourer and the Astra GTC.

The high performance OPC version which is the fastest and most powerful Astra ever made makes use of a 2.0-litre turbocharged direct injection petrol engine that has a maximum power output of 206kW and a maximum torque figure of 400Nm. The OPC has a top speed of 250km/h and sprints to 100km/h in 6 seconds.

The baseline Astra is fitted with a 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine capable of 103kW and is equipped with an overboost function that gives the Astra a 10% temporary boost of torque from 200Nm to 220Nm.

Astra Assistance Systems

Safety and comfort have been improved in the new Opel Astra line-up and includes the Opel Eye front camera with enhanced Traffic Sign Assistant (TSA II), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Following Distance Indication (FDI) and Forward Collision Alert (FCA). Also included are a rear view camera, advanced park assist, side blind spot alert and the radar based adaptive cruise control with automatic Collision Imminent braking (CIB).

Astra Styling

The styling of the new Opel Astra is seen in the revised front end with a larger Opel ‘flash’ logo placed in the centre of a chrome, V-shaped grille. The front end also incorporates new indicators, a new bumper with larger air intakes with LED running lights. The interior has been updated with new fabrics, colours and trim options to complement the Astra’s new sporty design.

More details regarding the arrival of the new Opel Astra hatchback in South Africa will be available later in the year.