share on BufferThe design of the new Astra aims at expressing a lighter, more athletic appearance. Compared to the outgoing model, the new Astra has more compact dimensions, with a total length of 4.37 meters (-50 mm), a width of 1.81 meters (-5mm) and a height of 1.48 meters (-25 mm), while the wheelbase has been shortened by 2 cm.
At the front, the Opel design team wanted to make the new Astra look as wide as possible
This allowed to improve the aerodynamic efficiency, which results in an average drag coefficient below 0.30.
The most significant design cue is the ‘breakthrough’ C-pillar, which creates the impression of a floating roof while simultaneously stretching the car visually and making it look lower.
“We wanted the design of the new Astra to continue the evolution of our design philosophy: ‘Sculptural Artistry meets German Precision’. It has strong links to our Monza Concept, with an athletic, lean, sculptural body that communicates dynamism and lightness.
“It’s smaller on the outside but larger on the inside, highlighting our focus on great efficiency. All of the design elements, like the way the grille flows seamlessly into the lamps, the dynamic divided C-pillar and stretched, taut surfaces down the bodyside, support the visual effect in making the new Astra look lower, longer and wider, while still offering excellent interior space.
“Overall, the design reflects new Astra key messages: leaner, lighter, more efficient, dynamic,” said Opel’s Vice President of Design, Mark Adams.
Interior Design
Despite the leaner dimensions, the interior spaciousness has been increased, also thanks to the newly designed seats (+22mm of headroom and + 35 mm of legroom for rear passengers).
“The interior is a blend of sculptural dynamic shapes, premium materials, and an absolute focus on quality of execution and craftsmanship. We seamlessly integrated full width decors, bordered by a signature galvanized blade, to visually emphasize the width, spaciousness, and efficiency of the interior,” added Mark Adams.
The Opel OnStar and IntelliLink infotainment and connectivity systems include personal connectivity and service assistant services as well as a 4G LTE connection that creates a mobile Wi-Fi Hotspot for use with up to seven devices.
In addition, the IntelliLink will be available with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto systems.
Platform
The main concepts behind the new Astra are derived from the Monza concept car, presented at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show, which introduced a completely new vehicle architecture focused on weight reduction.
As a result the new Astra will be will be up to 200 kilograms – at the very least 120 kilograms – lighter than its predecessor – the bodyshell weight alone was reduced by 77 kilograms (more than 20 percent).
This result was made possible by the adoption of ultra-high-strength low-weight steels, compact subframes as well as weight reductions to the front and rear axle.
Furthermore, a full underbody paneling was left out in favor of an aerodynamically optimized chassis and powertrain elements.
(Source: Opel)
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