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Pros: Stylish, modern cabin, fun to drive.
Cons: Rear legroom tight for tall passengers, hybrids and electric version not on sale yet.
The Opel Astra is one of the perennials of the compact class and this year it returns for the eighth generation of one of Ireland’s best known family hatchbacks. Opel is now part of motoring giant Stellantis so this really is a new chapter for the Astra, with a stunning new look, digital cabin and upcoming electrified powertrains for the very first time.
But has Opel done enough to help the Astra shimmy back up the rankings and take on the popularity of the Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus and Volkswagen Golf, and maybe even convince a few SUV buyers to slip back into a hatchback?
Opel Astra Design
Opel has clearly got their design mojo back and this new Astra is now one of the most striking cars in the compact class. Modern and retro all at the same time, Opel has gone back in time for inspiration and tapped into their sporting heritage to create a unique look for the new Astra. At the front the Astra gets the brand’s new defining ‘Vizor’ face – a black panel with the Opel blitz in the centre that comes together sharply at the centre, enhanced by a charismatic crease that now runs down the bonnet. Sharp new LED lights front and rear and chiselled styling all round complete the sporty look.
SRI models like the Astra on test for Carzone really stand out with an even sportier finish enhanced by a blacked-out Opel blitz, glossy black vents in the front bumper, rear privacy glass, black contrast roof and 17-inch black alloy wheels.
Opel Astra Interior
The Astra’s interior has been suitably modernised for this new version of the car so it can really compete now with the best in class. It feels sporty and driver-focused from behind the wheel. There has been a significant digital upgrade with two 10-inch digital screens as standard, giving a kind of widescreen effect that’s very fashionable right now. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto also feature for the first time. Other standard features include climate control, cruise control, leather steering wheel, keyless start, and front and rear parking sensors.
Quality is generally good, but the Astra is let down by quite a lot of exposed hard plastic in the door panels, which just seems at odds with how polished this car is in other areas. However, the Astra does have excellent seats. They’re comfortable, supportive and AGR-approved, which simply means they are some of the best you’ll find in a compact car.
The new Astra hasn’t grown dramatically in size but manages to pack in a 422-litre boot, which is one of the biggest in class. The upcoming Astra estate will have over 600 litres of space when it gets here. Space in the rear of the hatchback is okay, but legroom could be tight for taller passengers.
Opel Astra Performance & Drive
The latest Astra is built on a new platform that is shared with the Peugeot 308 and some other cars from the Stellantis Group. But Opel engineers say they have tuned it to make it ‘feel like an Opel’. On the road, the new Astra is fun and engaging to drive, particularly with a six-speed manual gearbox. The steering and handling are sharp and composed, making this one of the best hatchbacks to drive. It's comfortable for the most part and being an Opel and a German car, it’s also ‘Autobahnproof’, so feels nice and steady on the motorway.
The Astra range kicks off with a 1.2-litre petrol engine with a manual or automatic gearbox, and there’s also a 1.5-litre diesel. Plug-in hybrid versions are on the way and we can also expect a fully electric Astra, pencilled in for 2023. The most affordable entry into the range is the Astra 1.2 petrol. In SRI trim it comes with 130hp and a six-speed manual gearbox. It’s a great option that really suits the new Astra. It offers lively performance and is reasonably efficient too, though for now the 1.5 diesel is still the most economical. The Astra petrol does get noisy if you rev it to move up the gears quickly, but it’s got a pleasant tone we can certainly live with.
Opel Astra Pricing
The new Opel Astra is available in three trim levels – SC, SRI, and Elite. It goes on sale priced from €27,995 for an Astra SC 1.2 petrol with 110hp. The Astra SRI 1.2 petrol has 130hp and is priced at €31,995. Elite models start from €34,995.
Carzone Verdict
The Opel Astra has got the modern upgrade it needed with stunning good looks, a digital cabin and lots of new equipment. While it’s just petrol and diesel for now, there are more electrified Astras coming. The new Opel Astra offers a stylish and fun to drive alternative to an SUV at a very appealing price, and is good enough to compete at the top the compact class.