Opel-Vauxhall Astra (J) 2009-2015

[Ferrer]

Astra J

The Astra J is based on the General Motors' Delta II platform and debuted at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show in Germany. The car has taken most of its styling from the new Opel Insignia, with many of the higher options fitted as standard. Full production came on line at Vauxhall's Ellesmere Port Plant at the end of September 2009. Deliveries began in December 2009. Originally referred to as the "Astra I", it received the "Astra J" name instead to avoid confusing the letter I for the number 1.

The Astra was developed at Opel's 'International Technical Development Center' (ITDC) in Rüsselsheim and continues Opel's design language, ‘sculptural artistry meets German precision’ first introduced on the Insignia. The Astra features a torsion beam rear suspension with Watt's link. Infotainment and car navigation systems are supplied by Bosch.

The Opel Astra came third in the European Car of the Year award in 2010.

The station wagon version of the Astra - dubbed the 'Sports Tourer' by Opel, debuted at the 2010 Paris Motor Show, and went on sale shortly afterwards, with a starting price of £16,575 for the ES version, then Exclusiv, SRI and SE versions, with the SE costing from £20,345. This is cheaper than the previous estate, but has more standard equipment. The adoption of the "Sports Tourer" name finally brought to an end Opel's traditional "Caravan" designation for its station wagon derivatives.

Shanghai GM launched the Chinese version of the Opel Astra hatchback, which is badged as the Buick Excelle XT. This car went on sale in January 2010. Three engines were announced: Ecotec D-VVT 1.6 L, 1.8 L and 1.6 L Turbo.

The saloon version of the Astra was first presented at the 2012 Moscow International Automobile Salon. The 4-door saloon has a number of names depending on market: Buick Excelle GT in China, Buick Verano in North America and Opel Astra sedan/saloon elsewhere. This version is not sold in the United Kingdom, although it is available in some other right hand drive markets, such as Ireland (as the: Astra Saloon), Malta, and South Africa.

GTC
A 3-door version dubbed Astra GTC was introduced in July 2011. Externally, it retains very few design elements of the old 5-door model. It has a sportier appearance, with a much more 'sculpted' chassis. It features a HiPerStrut front suspension from the Opel Insignia OPC which helps alleviate torque steering. A Watt's linkage is present in the rear suspension, to minimize lateral movement of the axle. The wheelbase is enhanced to accommodate wider low-profile tyres. Similarly to the Astra H GTC, a 'panoramic windscreen' option is available. The Astra GTC was awarded a 5 star rating for its performance under Euro NCAP safety tests. In late 2013, a new 1.6 Turbo EcoTech engine with 200PS output replaced the older 180PS engine of the same capacity, meaning the 1.6 Turbo replaces the BiTurbo Diesel as the fastest non-OPC model in the range.

OPC
The OPC trim of the Astra GTC has been available since 2012. The car will feature a turbocharged 2.0 L direct injection engine with a power of 206 kW (280 PS; 276 hp) and torque of 400 N·m (300 lb·ft), HiPerStrut front suspension, a mechanical limited slip differential, an electronically controlled FlexRide active suspension, and Recaro-style sport seats, OPC badge on gear knob, steering wheel, and on instrument dials and different and distinctive front and rear bumper, rear standard spoiler as well as optional OPC spoiler compared to GTC version. It comes with 19 inch alloy rims as standard and optional 20 inch alloy rims which are lighter than those 19 inch. 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) time is 6 seconds and top speed is limited to 250 km/h (155 mph).

Facelift
In June 2012, a facelift was announced. Visual changes occurred at the front and back of the hatchback and sports tourer, and a saloon was introduced to certain markets. Engine wise, the 2.0 BiTurbo CDTI 195 PS from the Insignia from autumn 2012 and a new 1.6 L 170 PS turbocharged SIDI Ecotec direct injection unit from the new MGE engine family will be available from early 2013.

info from wikipedia.org

[Ferrer]

New Opel Astra: The First Class Compact

* Upscale: Exceptional technologies and innovations in the compact class
* Spirited: Athletic sculptured design promises a thrilling driving experience
* Agile: New mechatronic chassis raises bar in class for handling and comfort

Rüsselsheim. Integrating German engineering excellence, fluid sculptural design and accessible innovative technologies, the new Opel Astra captures the philosophy which quickly made the Insignia Europe's best-selling mid-sized sedan. Opel's new compact will premiere September 17 in Frankfurt at the IAA as a dynamic five-door hatchback with elegant touches that profits from the best of Opel engineering for a thrilling driving experience.

The next generation Astra brings many comfort and safety features to the compact class that the Insignia first introduced to mid-sized cars. Exceptional technologies like an all-new mechatronic chassis, the most advanced lighting system, a front camera that recognizes traffic signs and seat technology with the best ergonomics will be available.

"Opel's unique expertise of making new technologies accessible in compact cars is really highlighted with this tenth generation. In addition, the new Astra carries the spirit of the Insignia into the compact segment with unprecedented passion and commitment to excellence," says Alain Visser, Vice President of Opel.

At 4.42 meters, the new Astra offers increased passenger space and wellness in both the front and rear thanks to a 71 mm longer wheel base. Its slim and sleek body is designed for maximum efficiency in close collaboration between the designers and aerodynamic engineers who put the car through 600 hours of testing in a wind tunnel.

Elegant proportions give it a strong, cab-forward silhouette, with a steeply-raked windshield and falling rear roofline, adding visual excitement to the traditional hatchback format. The brand's new design language – sculptural artistry combined with German precision – is now seen in a different way.

"The design themes introduced in the Insignia, like the wing and the blade, have been given a fresh interpretation in the Astra, because it's important that each Opel model has its own personality," says Mark Adams, Vice President of Design, General Motors Europe. "This is why you see double wings in each of the rear lights and a dynamic inverted blade on the flank that visually connects to the powerful movement of the rear window and C-pillar."

The interior uses the same wing and blade design cues as the exterior, creating harmony inside and out. A special effort, too, has been made to add multiple flexible storage solutions.

"Opel's mission to make high tech innovations accessible has proven to be successful in the Insignia. We've set ourselves an even more ambitious goal in bringing most of these features to the compact segment with the new Astra," says Hans Demant, Managing Director of Opel.

Developed in Rüsselsheim, Germany, the Opel Astra also comes with an all-new chassis. Its longer wheelbase combines with wider tracks and a new rear axle construction to further enhance agility and stability with no compromise to comfort.

The Opel Astra's chassis has been developed as a mechatronic system that fully integrates mechanical functions and electronic controls. Like the Insignia, it can come with the clever Opel FlexRide electronic driving system, a rarity in this class, which offers the driver three settings – standard, Sport and Tour – while being fully and continuously adaptive to changes in driving style and cornering speed.

Other innovative technical features introduced to the compact class by the new Astra:

* A new generation of bi-xenon Advanced Forward Lighting (AFL+) that changes its intensity and reach to suit prevailing drive and road conditions using nine different lighting functions.
* The Opel Eye front camera system, which recognizes road signs and warns the driver when the car inadvertently departs from its lane.
* Ergonomic front seats, developed for optimal back support and safety.

The powertrain line-up focuses on efficient performance and features eight Euro 5 compliant engines. All except the lowest powered units are equipped with six-speed transmissions. One new compact automatic gear box with Active Select function, for a clutch-free selection, will debut.

The CDTI turbo diesel line-up includes four common-rail, multiple injection units from 1.3 to 2.0 liter with outputs ranging from 70 kW/95 hp to 118 kW/160 hp. All are equipped with a Diesel Particulate Filter. An ecoFLEX version with particularly low fuel consumption and CO2 emissions will naturally be part of the program.

The four gasoline engines with 1.4 and 1.6 liter give a power bandwidth from 74 kW/100 hp to 132 kW/180 hp. A new, downsized 103 kW/140 hp 1.4 Turbo replaces the current naturally-aspirated 1.8. Thanks to exceptional high-tech features in this displacement range, the 1.4 Turbo develops 14 percent more torque yet maintains sensibly lower fuel consumption.

Grounded in the compact class tradition Opel initiated in 1936 with the first Kadett, the Astra has consistently made the top-three list of Europe's best-selling compacts – a segment which accounts for 27 percent of the total car market. Astra sales make up a third of all Opel/Vauxhall purchases, for an average volume of nearly 500,000 units per year.

[cargirl1990]

opel astra #19

that looks better than ours!

[Ferrer]

that looks better than ours!

Yours is (was) ours too. This is the new one. Unfortunately though, I wouldn't count on getting it if I were you.

[Ferrer]

Opel Astra #21

[Ferrer]

Opel Astra #22

[Ferrer]

Opel Astra #23

[Ferrer]

Opel Astra #24

[Ferrer]

Rűsselsheim. Opel introduces the Astra Sports Tourer – a sleek wagon featuring first class practicality in an athletic and stylish shape. This compact wagon is set to build on the outstanding sales success of its five-door hatchback sibling, for which more than 160,000 orders have been placed in only six months.

Sharing the same Opel design DNA and Sports Tourer name as its larger counterpart the Insignia, the Astra Sports Tourer has a dynamic yet practical appeal: Its good looks are combined with an ample flexible cargo carrying capability. Efficient trunk design and premium features that enhance the functionality effortlessly raise load space up to 1,550 liters.

The Astra Sports Tourer is presented with a high quality finish and incorporates exciting Opel innovations that make life more comfortable and driving safer. These include the adaptive mechatronic FlexRide chassis, the AFL+ adaptive forward lighting, the ergonomic front seating systems and the Opel Eye front view camera system that recognizes traffic signs and warns drivers when they inadvertently depart from their lane. In addition, Opel engineers are developing a next-generation FlexFix integrated rear bike carrier, which will be introduced for the Sports Tourer next year.

Wagons traditionally account for about 25 percent of all Astra sales in Europe, a much higher proportion than the compact segment average of 17 percent. The new Astra Sports Tourer now draws on more than 50 years of Opel’s unique competence in designing and building station wagons. Opel was the first automaker in Europe to introduce this body style in Europe with the Rekord CarAvan in 1953. It continued to evolve the format by adding style and dynamic appeal to pure functionality as first seen in the 1971 Ascona Voyage.

The Astra Sports Tourer makes its world premiere at the Paris Motor Show (October 2-24), and goes on sale in November.

Efficient load carrier incorporates premium features

The new Astra Sports Tourer has been designed for smooth loading, while the clean, flat wall linings of the carefully contoured cargo compartment optimize useable space by eliminating odd, hard-to-use corners. Load volume can be easily adjusted between 500 and 1550 liters.

Efficient trunk design is a key aspect of the wagon concept and Opel engineers have taken great care to enhance functionality by incorporating features from premium station wagons with a rare sense of quality and precision.

They have developed a new FlexFold Rear Seat system, which allows each section of the 60/40 split-fold rear seatbacks to be lowered at the press of a button located in the side walls of the cargo compartment: A spring is electrically released, automatically activating quick, remote folding of the seatbacks. The Astra Sports Tourer is the first compact wagon equipped with this convenience feature.

With the seatbacks down, the cargo load length is increased to 1835 mm, 28 mm more than in the current Astra wagon.

Sporty design executed with first class quality

Families and business professionals using the Astra Sports Tourer benefit from the same harmoniously sculpted cabin as in the five-door hatchback. The wraparound wing front fascia and the flowing forms of the cockpit provide a great sense of space and security.

The cabin is as practical as it is comfortable. Sports Tourer users wish to stow a range of items where they need them, not just in the trunk. To help achieve that, 25 liters of cabin storage space has been added, 50 percent more than in the previous generation wagon. For long distance driving comfort, customers can choose the only front ergonomic seats in the segment certified by independent back experts from the Aktion Gesunder Rűcken (AGR).

The exterior design of the new Astra Sports Tourer brings a touch of athleticism and undeniable class to compact wagon looks. The tapered profile and the prominent side blade-shaped sculpted into the flanks of the body combine to give the Sports Tourer a powerful sense of forward movement. A muscular shoulder line leads gracefully into eye-catching, sculpted rear light units.

Astra Sports Tourer offers the same agile handing as the hatchback

Athleticism is also found in the Astra Sport Tourer’s mechatronic chassis. Opel Vehicle Dynamics engineers have ensured that it offers the same level of comfort and agility as that of the five-door hatchback. The Sports Tourer shares its footprint with its five-door sibling, with a similar 2685 mm-long wheelbase and wide front and rear tracks of 1544 and 1558 mm respectively.

The rear axle also benefits from the highly innovative combination of a compound crank and a Watt’s link as used on the five-door variant – an ingenious construction unique to Opel. The settings and damping calibrations are adapted for higher load capabilities, while the Watt’s link supports lateral forces during cornering to give the Astra Sports Tourer dynamic and agile handling without compromising stability or comfort.

Chassis behavior can be further enhanced by the sophisticated FlexRide adaptive suspension system, a true rarity in the compact segment. The system continuously adapts to changes in road conditions and driving style. In the Standard mode, the FlexRide offers the whole bandwidth of settings available. In the Sport and Tour modes that can be selected by the driver, the FlexRide system applies respectively the sportiest or the most comfortable settings. The Sport mode additionally tenses the throttle and steering responsiveness.

As the Astra Sports Tourer is likely to pull trailers, Opel’s electronic Trailer Stability Assist system is also available.

Extended powertrain line-up to soon include Start/Stop technology

The Astra Sports Tourer powertrain line-up includes eight vigorous yet frugal gasoline and diesel engines, ranging in power from 70 kW/95 hp to 132 kW/180 hp.

A new addition is the 1.4-liter turbo gasoline unit, giving 88 kW/120 hp. It comes with a six-speed manual transmission. The 103 kW/140 hp version of the 1.4 Turbo engine is now also available with a six-speed automatic transmission.

The 2.0 CDTI engine with 118 kW/ 160 hp tops the diesel line-up and is offered with a six-speed manual gearbox. It combines high performance and torque of up to 380 Nm (with overboost) with 5.1 liter fuel consumption and 134 g/km CO2 emissions. An automatic six-speed transmission is also available.

To optimize fuel economy all variants equipped with a manual transmission now include a shift-up indicator.

Start/Stop technology will be introduced soon in the Astra Sports Tourer and across the Astra line-up. The first application is the new ecoFLEX variant with the 1.3 CDTI engine delivering 70 kW/95 hp.

The new Astra Sports Tourer has been entirely designed and developed at Opel’s International Technical Design Center in Rüsselsheim, and will be built at the company’s production plant in Ellesmere Port, United Kingdom.

[Ferrer]

Opel Astra #26

[Commodore GS/E]

I've already seen pictures of the new Astra GTC on the web (spy photos, to be exact), and it looks pretty good. I have to say the new Astra drives rather good, too, although the ride and turning isn't the peak of sportiness. BTW, this thread lacks Astra H pics

[Ferrer]

The new Opel Astra line-up: More variety, engines and high-tech features

2012-06-15

New powerful engines: 195 hp 2.0 BiTurbo CDTI and 280 hp 2.0 gasoline turbo unit

-Full spectrum: from 99g/km CO2 ecoFLEX to high performance OPC version
-New assistance systems extend broad offer of innovative technology
-Sharper design underscores sporty style and high technical standards
-New sedan completes Astra line-up

Rüsselsheim. With its new sedan variant, new state-of-the-art powerhouse engines and assistance systems plus fresh design, Opel is enhancing its successful, award-winning compact bestseller and is making the new Astra line-up even more sporty and and diverse. A sharper exterior and interior appearance underscores the sportiness and technical strengths of the compact car line. With the new sedan, the five-door variant, the Sports Tourer station wagon and the three-door GTC coupé as well as its high performance OPC version, the diverse Astra line-up is now complete.

The Opel CEO, Karl-Friedrich Stracke: “The new Opel Astra line-up is off to a flying start. We are expanding our model spectrum as well as the offer of highly efficient engines and innovative assistance technologies. The design has been further updated and sharpened. In that sense, we are offering the most emotional execution of German engineering in the hotly contested compact segment.”

This claim is supported by new state-of-the art engines that as of now and during the next six months will expand the already diverse performance spectrum of the Astra powertrain offer. The new Astra OPC which can already be ordered with its 2.0 turbocharged direct injection gasoline engine promises lots of fun behind the wheel. With an output of 206 kW/280 hp and maximum torque of 400 Newtonmeters, the Astra OPC is not only the most powerful Astra ever but also the fastest: the top speed of this powerhouse coupé is 250 km/h and it can sprint from standstill to 100 km/h in just 6.0 seconds.

The fastest diesel Astra ever can be ordered starting in the fall: The new 2.0 BiTurbo CDTI with 143 kW/195 hp output and an impressive 400 Nm of torque is already known from the Insignia, but now for the first time introduces the sophisticated sequential BiTurbo engine technology to the mass production compact segment. Powered by two turbochargers that work together, this engine enables excellent performance combined with low fuel consumption in the Astra five-door, the Sports Tourer and the GTC. These three different body styles provide a choice of a high performance diesel models that is unparalleled in the compact segment.

Opel can also announce enhancements to its already existing 1.4 liter turbocharged gasoline unit with 103 kW/140 hp. This engine is now equipped with an overboost function that temporarily gives the vehicle an extra 10 percent burst of torque from 200 to 220 Nm which is very useful when overtaking for example.

Full spectrum – from 99 g/km CO2 ecoFLEX to high performance OPC variant

On the powertrain side, the new Astra line-up is able to satisfy an extraordinary array of customer wishes, from the most fuel efficient Astra ever, the 1.7 CDTI ecoFLEX (81 kW/110 hp and 96 kW/130 hp) with only 99 g/km CO2 (3.7 l/100 km) to the strongest diesel-powered Astra with its new 195 hp BiTurbo CDTI engine and the most powerful Astra in history, the new Astra OPC with 280 hp. Not forgetting the recent launch of the 1.4 turbocharged LPG versions (103 kW/140 hp) at the start of 2012, the powertrain offer of the Astra line-up is one of the most diverse in the compact segment. Furthermore, early next year the range will benefit from the introduction of the new SIDI (Spark Ignition Direct Injection) ECOTEC gasoline engine generation with a 1.6 liter displacement and turbocharging, providing not just ultra-efficient fuel consumption but also a very comfortable drive in the upper output level of up to 200 hp.

New assistance systems expand broad offer of innovative technologies

Further highlights which help to elevate the technical standards to an even more advanced level are also to be found in the field of driver assistance systems. Many premium technologies that have had their debut in the Insignia and the Zafira Tourer are now also available for the new Astra line-up for even more safety and comfort. These include the second generation Opel Eye front camera with the enhanced traffic sign assistant (TSA II), lane departure warning (LDW), following distance indication (FDI) and forward collision alert (FCA). These systems issue warnings to help prevent critical situations for example when the driver is distracted or loses concentration.

Other assistance systems include the rear view camera, advanced park assist that identifies spaces and aids with parking, as well as a side blind spot alert and a radar-based adaptive cruise control (ACC) with automatic collision imminent braking (CIB) which works in the range of 50 km/h to 180 km/h. The ACC helps the driver maintain the selected speed by automatically accelerating or decelerating while keeping a pre-set safety distance to the vehicle ahead.

The new systems complement the already existing broad Astra offer of innovative technologies, some of which are unique in the compact segment, while others are rarely found among competitors. These include the latest generation of intelligent adaptive forward lighting (AFL+) with bi-xenon headlamps and a host of sophisticated lighting functions, including high beam assist, dynamic curve light, cornering light, and variable light distribution that automatically adjusts according to prevailing conditions, including even the weather.

FlexRide for best possible ride and handling, HiPerStruts in all Astra GTC and OPC

On top of the already dynamic driving characteristics of the Astra, customers can opt for Opel’s intelligent mechatronic FlexRide system which adjusts automatically to the prevailing driving conditions and offers three modes: Standard, the comfort-oriented “Tour” mode and the more active “Sport” mode.

For sportier ride and handling, the Astra GTC and OPC models feature HiPerStruts (High Performance Struts) on the front wheel suspensions. The HiPerStruts improve grip, increase cornering power and significantly reduce torque steer allowing drivers to get the most out of the Astra’s performance.

For added comfort, ergonomic seats are offered in all Astra models. The AGR certified seats (Aktion Gesunder Rücken e.V) are easy on the backs of the driver and front passenger.

The FlexFix bicycle carrier system which is exclusive to Opel is fully integrated in the rear bumper where it disappears like a drawer when not in use. The clever onboard system of the latest generation allows the Astra Sports Tourer to transport up to four bikes at a time. The five-door version can take up to two-bikes.

The Panoramic windscreen invented and patented by Opel reaches all the way to the middle of the car roof and thus gives the driver and all passengers in the Astra GTC and OPC models an extraordinary visual, space and driving experience. In contrast to other glass roof solutions, there is no transverse spar that reduces visibility.

[Ferrer]

Fresh Astra design with more sporty and upmarket accents

The Astra five-door and the Sports Tourer have been given a fresh face that is even more, sporty and upmarket than before. This also applies to the new four-door Astra sedan. The Opel design team concentrated on the front by giving it a more pronounced lower grille inspired by the design of the recently launched Astra GTC, featuring a grille mesh with a more technically precise design. The upper grill of the five-door, Sports Tourer and the four-door sedan has been given a more prominent wing-like chrome bar with three-dimensional visual depth to it. The new chrome bar has turned up tips, is more centered and appears to be floating in the grille. By adding black inserts to the headlamps, the entry level “Essentia” and the “Enjoy” trim levels have been given a more sporty design execution of the lights. LED daytime running lights are now also available with standard halogen headlamps.

At the rear, the license plate pocket of the Astra five-door has been sculpted in a new way creating more visual width. In both the five-door and the Sports Tourer, there is a new chrome strip in the bumper just below the license plate pocket that also adds to the impression of width.

The new BiTurbo high performance diesel variants of the five-door, Sports Tourer and GTC have been given an even sportier and sharper exterior appearance which varies from model to model. The front fascia of the BiTurbo Astra body versions (GTC, Sports Tourer and 5-door) underscore the cars’ high performance and more aggressive nature. The upper grille has a similar shape as the one used on the Astra GTC, however the front bar is always in body color and the five-door sedan and Sports Tourer BiTurbo models feature the new wing-shaped bar across the grille. The lower air intake area has also been given a sporty design treatment: the area where the central grille merges into the outer grille has been sculpted in a shark-fin like shape, making the car appear more aggressive than a conventional Astra. The side window surround has chrome inserts. At the rear, two exhaust tail pipes and a more prominent rear bumper shape, give the car an added muscular stance.

Inside the cabin, the Astra five-door, the Sports Tourer and the four-door sedan have been made sportier, more lively and varied by using new fabrics, colors, décor moldings with new glossy paint. In the case of the BiTurbo models, JetBlack colored fabrics or leather are combined with Magic Red in the edge of the seats. Magic red stitching and seams in the seats, door inserts and the gear shifter boot add to the sporty atmosphere of the interior. A new flat bottom leather steering wheel and special floor mats with red surrounds are other sporty components of the BiTurbo cabin.

Astra customers can now also benefit from new wheel designs. New 17” alloy wheels come as standard in the Sport trim level and there are two new optional 18” and 19” alloy wheels, both with a 5-double spoke stylish design. In addition, a new sporty multi-spoke wheel alloy-style cover makes its debut in the Astra.

Astra continues Opel’s compact success story

With the greatly enhanced new Astra line-up Opel is building on the success of its bestselling compact car that won numerous awards including the prestigious German Golden Steering Wheel (2009) and was recently recognized with the best rating in the 2012 DEKRA used car quality report.

The Astra model family is a key component of the brand. Around a third of all Opel cars sold are Astras. Opel is now into its tenth generation of vehicles in the compact segment and its fourth Astra generation which has gained more than 641,000 customers across Europe. Thanks to its five-door Astra launched in the fall of 2009, followed by the Sports Tourer a year later and the three-door GTC Coupé (late 2011). This means that the Astra is the European number three (Germany: number two) in the sales ranking in the largest vehicle segment in Europe which makes up around a quarter of the entire marketplace.

Prices for the new Opel Astra line-up start at 16,770 euro (recommended retail price in Germany including VAT) for the five-door, 1.4 liter gasoline 64 kW/87 hp Astra entry level “Essentia” version. The new four-door Astra sedan with a 1.4 liter gasoline engine 74 kW/100 hp can be ordered from 18,270 euro (same conditions as above).

[Ferrer]

Opel Astra #55