More luggage space: Opel is pushing the Astra sports tourer

more luggage space
Opel advances the Astra Sports Tourer

03/24/2022, 5:50 pm

It was clear that the new Opel Astra hatchback would be followed by a sports tourer as well. Now the company based in Russellheim has presented the station wagon on a large scale for the first time. Although it has shrunk in length, it provides more cargo space and space for passengers in the second row.

In addition to the new Astra hatchback, which is already available, Opel will put the station wagon version of its compact model in dealer showrooms this summer. Prices for a station wagon called the Sports Tourer start at 23,565 euros and cost 1100 euros more than the five-door.

Opel’s compact class and station wagons have been a successful team for nearly 60 years. In 1963, the Russellham Company added a caravan version to the Cadet A. Even when the Cadet became the Astra in 1991, the station wagon remained steadfast in range. It was not until 2010 that the station wagon designation, which seemed conservative from the company’s point of view, became obsolete, and Opel has since called its station wagon sports tourer. Nearly two-thirds of Astra customers have recently opted for the station wagon version.

The new Astra station wagon generation which is now making its debut is the first to be presented by Opel as a PSA member and part of the Stellantis group. At least at first glance, you don’t notice that the Peugeot 308 SW is a close relative of the Astra sports tourer. The station wagon with flash has a new visor face, its stands with LED lights and is similar to the five-door up to the B-pillar.

small but large space

Compared to its predecessor, the length of the sports tourer has been reduced by six centimeters. It spans 4.64 meters. The wheelbase has increased by 5.7 cm. It makes a good place for the occupants. Not only is it big at the front, but two people can also sit comfortably at the back. Despite the slightly sloping roof line, tall passengers at the rear don’t have to worry about their hair.

The longer wheelbase also allows better use of the trunk. The luggage volume has increased by about 60 liters to 597 liters as compared to the previous model. By folding the rear seat backrest, up to 1634 liters of storage space is available. The rear seat, which has been split at the factory in a 40:20:40 ratio, can now be unlocked and folded down from the trunk. A height-adjustable loading floor can be locked at a 45-degree angle to make loading the underfloor compartment easier. Drivers of plug-in hybrid models have to make concessions. The loading volume here ranges from 516 to 1553 liters. Depending on the engine, the maximum payload varies from 453 (plug-in hybrid) to 497 (diesel) kg.

The interior design is familiar to the hatchback model. During first seat testing in a vehicle with the highest level of equipment, the Ultimate, the interior gave a high quality impression. “Pure Panel Display” is style-defining here and there, made up of two screens and surrounded by a nearly invisible glass frame in the higher version. There are also button or rocker switches to operate the air conditioning, ventilation or heated seats and the steering wheel. The volume of the music system is controlled by means of a rotary knob. The heads-up display can also be adjusted manually using the rotary knob on the armrest.

Same as plug-in hybrid

PSA under the hood are well-known aggregates off the shelf. You can also choose from a 1.2-liter three-cylinder turbo with 110 hp and 130 hp and a 1.5-liter diesel with 130 hp. The 130 hp engine can be mated to a manual transmission or an eight-speed automatic. The program also has a plug-in hybrid. It combines a 1.6 liter petrol engine producing 150 hp along with a 110 hp electric motor.

The system output is 180 hp, the electric range is 60 kilometers. Another plug-in hybrid will follow during the year, with a system output of 225 hp. In 2023, Astra will also run purely electric. With its 136 hp electric motor and battery size of 50 or 75 kW compared to the E-Corsa, a revised technical layout could be used here for greater range and performance.

Apart from the basic equipment for the sports tourer, the Edition, Elegance, GS Line and Ultimate level are offered. Anyone who opts for the highest equipment line (36,700 euros, from a 130 hp petrol engine) has almost everything that Opel has for the Astra including features such as matrix lights, navigation, heads-up display, automatic air filter. is in the case. A comprehensive package of assistance systems along with systems, AGR seats for the driver and front passenger.