2022 Opel Astra Has Stellantis Underpinnings And A Bold New Face

This is the all-new 2022 Opel Astra and to say it is a radical departure from its predecessor would be an understatement.

The new Astra, also sold as a Vauxhall in the UK, shares its EMP2 platform with other Stellantis models including the Peugeot 308. Opel / Vauxhall will sell the new Astra with a handful of different petrol, diesel, and PHEV powertrains.

Sitting at the base of the range is a 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder petrol available in 108 hp and 128 hp configurations. A turbocharged four-cylinder diesel with 128 hp is also offered. These petrol engines all come standard with a six-speed manual transmission but customers can spec out an eight-speed automatic.

As for the plug-in hybrids (PHEV), the entry-level variant combines a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine delivering 148 hp with a 109 hp electric motor, creating a combined 178 hp. The flagship PHEV model pairs this same 109 hp electric motor with a 178 hp version of the 1.6-liter turbo-four, producing a combined 222 hp. Both models have an all-electric range of approximately 31 miles than to a 12.4 kWh lithium-ion battery pack.

Looking beyond the engines, the new Opel Astra is 4,374 mm (172.1 inches) long, 4 mm (0.15 inches) longer than its predecessor. It is also 51 mm (2 inches) wider than the old Astra at 1,860 mm (73.2-inches) and stands 1,470 mm (57.8-inches) tall, 15 mm (0.59-inches) lower than before. Opel has also stretched the wheelbase b 13 mm (0.5-inches) to 2,675 mm (105.3-inches).

The exterior design is a radical departure from the old Astra and similar to some other new Opel / Vauxhall products. The front end is characterized by matrix LED headlights that are connected by a piece of gloss black trim. There are also small fog lights neatly incorporated into the bumper. Viewed from the side, the black pillars and roof immediately catch the eye, as does the angular C-pillar that is body-colored.

Welcome to the digital era

Significant changes have also been made in the cabin. For example, there is a 10-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10-inch infotainment screen that dominate the dashboard. The 2022 Astra also features a unique three-spoke steering wheel and features a tiny shifter incorporated into the transmission tunnel. Among the key options include a Head-Up display and a 360-degree camera.

Opel has yet to announce pricing details for the 2022 Astra.