Car manufacturer Opel has launched the 2019 facelift version of its Astra hatchback and estate/wagon series. Neither of the cars changed much on the outside, but both received substantial technical updates.
If it weren’t for the new alloy wheels and the ever-so-slightly retouched front bumper, you would have trouble telling the new Astra from the old one. An interesting feature comes in the form of active aerodynamic shutters built into the front grille that can automatically open and close to optimize the airflow and minimize fuel consumption. The hatchback now has an aerodynamic drag ratio of 0.26, and the estate/wagon can go as low as 0.25 with the shutters closed. The company claims the numbers are class-leading.
As for the engine range, the refreshed Opel Astra gains access to new PSA-branded turbocharged engines. These include gasoline three-cylinders rated at 110, 130, and 145 hp (82, 97, and 108 kW) and diesel four-cylinders good for 103 and 122 hp (77 and 91 kW). Customers may choose either a six-speed manual or a nine-speed automatic transmission.
Finally, the Astra series now ships with an expanded range of standard and available equipment, including a digital dashboard, a high-end multimedia system with an 8-inch display, a wireless phone charging device, and a front-facing camera for traffic sign reading and pedestrian detection systems.
Photos: Opel