Opel Astra News

Opel has confirmed that it is considering selling vehicles in Australia again, but – as per the New Zealand model – not in the traditional sense, and likely with electric vehicles (EVs) only.

When GM pulled the plug on Holden and Opel became part of Stellantis, we lost not only the Holden Commodore and its derivations, we lost the likelihood that overseas models yet to come would land on our shores.Now, here we are missing out on the 2023 Opel

You’re not imagining this. There are distinctly fewer options around nowadays for new-car buyers in Australia compared to just 10 years ago.

Opel has revealed its revamped Astra hatch ahead of the model’s Frankfurt motor show debut in September.Following the recent return of the current Astra GTC and VXR to Holden showrooms, an Australian version of the new bread and butter could also be on the cards, and if it were to be sold as a Holden it would likely share showroom space with the next-generation Cruze, a car which occupies a very similar space in the small car segment. The next-gen Cruze is set to be available only as a sedan initially, leaving room for a mid-size hatch in the Holden range.Styling will be another factor to differentiate the Astra from the Cruze, with the new European model offering a sharp and athletic design with well-defined lines. The Astra boasts an aggressive look with a heavily contoured front end, blacked out C-pillars and slick head and taillights. Similarly, the interior looks to feature upgraded materials compared with the sixth-generation Astra which was sold in Australia by Opel until it pulled the pin in 2013. The button-heavy layout of the outgoing Astra has also been replaced by a much cleaner design with an eight-inch touchscreen display featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality. The Astra boasts an aggressive look with a heavily contoured front end, blacked out C-pillars and slick head and taillights.Despite being physically smaller in almost every way than its predecessor, Opel claim the new Astra actually carries more interior volume with an additional 35mm of rear legroom. The seventh-generation model is 50mm shorter and 26mm lower with a 2mm shorter wheelbase than the car it replaces. The reduction in size combined with a brand new lightweight architecture result in a car that’s up to 200kg lighter than the one it replaces. The new body shell alone accounts for almost half of the weight loss, while clever subframes, axles and suspension components account for further reductions. Opel has confirmed three engines thus far for the new Astra, including a 70kW 1.6-litre turbodiesel, a 77kW 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo petrol and a 107kW/250Nm 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol. Buyers will have a choice of either a six-speed manual or automatic gearbox. In a segment first, the new Astra will also be fitted with LED matrix headlights which automatically distribute light depending on the situation to improve safety. Other features available include traffic sign assist, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, forward collision alert, eighteen-way adjustable driver’s seat with massage function and heated rear seats. The new Opel Astra will also form the basis for the next-generation GTC and VXR hot hatches which are likely already on Holden’s agenda. If the seventh-generation Astra hatch does make it to Australia, it will likely go on sale in the second half of 2016.

The Euro-built hatch - previewing at the Australian International Motor Show - will compete with Volkswagen's Scirocco R and the RenaultSport Megane RS265 for the premium performance hatch role and Opel is promising a high level of specification in the car to justify an expected mid-$40,000 price.The car has been widely expected as the hero model in the Opel range and with a class-leading 206kW/400Nm from a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, it shouldn't disappoint. Opel is stating a 0-100km/h time of six seconds flat for the two-door coupe, which is based on the sportily styled Opel Astra GTC.Beyond the engine, exterior changes include side skirts and deeper front and rear bumpers, a pair of trapezoidal exhausts, 19-inch alloy wheels and a limited-slip diff that helps the "HiPerStrut" front suspension improve roadholding for the front-wheel drive car A bespoke Brembo braking system, headlined by ventilated 355mm front discs help slow the hatch down. The system was tested in a 10,000km high-speed endurance run on the Nurburgring track in Germany, so it should survive the worst Australian drivers can throw at it.Opel says the Astra OPC will lap the ‘Ring in a staggering 8 minutes and 35 seconds. That time is within 30 seconds for the record 8min08sec time set by the recently launched Megane RS265, but the Renault doesn't have the same level of creature comforts as European-spec OPCs, giving the Opel an edge in the luxury stakes.The OPC also uses a variable three-mode "FlexRide" damper system, running Standard, Sport and OPC settings. Sport stiffens the dampers to improve control, but it is the OPC mode that gets interesting. Here, the system improves throttle response, sets the dampers to their maximum level and reduces improves roll. The instrument lighting changes from white to red in OPC mode to remind the driver they've truly entered hot hatch territory.Opel will release pricing and specification closer to next year's launch, but those at the motor show should take a long, hard look at the display car. 

This month’s Australian International Motor Show will be the host of two new marques in the Australian automotive industry. European manufacturer Opel will be utilising the Motor Show as part of its official launch strategy into the Australian automotive industry, where the Australian public will be able to see and experience its entire range. A wide number of variants from Opel’s three-model strong range of vehicles will be on display, consisting of the eagerly anticipated Astra, the medium-sized Insignia and the Corsa city car. Opel also has an extra surprise in store for the Australian public, with details to be announced closer to the Show. Also making its official Australian International Motor Show debut and offering local motorists a new choice in performance luxury will be Japanese manufacturer, Infiniti. Just over a month ago, Infiniti officially re-entered the Australian automotive market with the release of its first two model ranges, the FX performance crossover variants and the Infiniti M sports sedan. These will also be joined on stand by the Infiniti G37 coupe and convertible, giving the Australian public their first look at these two vehicles ahead of their official on-sale in December. “It is always a momentous occasion in Australian automotive history when a new manufacturer makes its debut and this year, we have not only one, but two, giving Australian motorists more choice and options,” said Russ Tyrie, Event Director. “I feel very proud that both Opel and Infiniti will be exhibiting at the Australian International Motor Show as part of their launch strategies in Australia which demonstrates not only their commitment and recognition of our local automotive industry, but as well, the importance and significance of the Motor Show to this industry.”  The 2012 Australian International Motor Show will be held at the Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre, Darling Harbour and will open daily at 10am from October 19 to 28.  

The new Cabrio is testing at the Nurburgring ahead of its 2013 motor show preview, but sales in Australia are unlikely before early in 2014.The big different for the Astra Cabrio, says Carparazzi, is a two-part retractable hardtop rather than a conventional canvas roof. Here some time in 2014 at around $50,000.

It has a two-part retractable hardtop, not the canvas roof seen in the earlier Holden Astra droptop in Australia, to give it a showroom advantage over the Volkswagen Golf. There is no confirmation yet that the fresh-air favourite will return down under but it looks highly likely.  

The Astra GTC OPC is Opel's hot hatch hero and would be guaranteed to give the European brand street cred when it sets up shop in Australia next year. The car is so good HSV even put its badge on it a few years back as the VXR. Carparazzi snapped the next-gen model testing. It is running a 225kW turbocharged 2.0-litre engine with dual exhausts exiting on either side of the bumper.Why the fuss: We could get itWhen's it here: Not before 2013How much:  Around $45,000 (estimate)

When Opel opens in Australia next year, on its own and not as part of the GM Holden family, it will need some impact cars to draw customers.The Astra is a long-term favourite and there will be several models, most likely including the CC shown here in Carparazzi scoop pictures.The new Cabrio is undergoing its first tests in Germany and is set for summer 2012 in Europe, so could easily be coming to Australia sometime late next year or early in 2013.