2013 Opel Astra Hatch And Tourer, Astra GTC On Sale In Australia

• 

Opel will launch itself into Australia's hugely competitive small-car market in September with the Astra five-door Hatch and Tourer wagon, along with the three-door Astra GTC. The new sedan will not be offered in Australia.
Local pricing for all three cars has been revealed today, with the practical Astra kicking off at $23,990 in hatch form and $27,990 for the wagon. The sporting Astra GTC will enter at $28,990.
In Australia, Opel will put the Astra against the market-leading Mazda3 and Hyundai i30 cars, along with platform mate the Holden Cruze and German compatriot the Volkswagen Golf.
While it will share the honour with the Cruze and the Golf, the Astra will have one advantage over the strong-selling Mazda3 and i30 cars: the option of a wagon body.

Depending on specification, the Astra range will be offered with two petrol engines and one diesel engine. Six-speed manual and automatic transmissions are available.
Buyers shopping for a petrol option will choose from a 1.4 litre turbo engine - the same unit driving the Cruze 1.4 iTi - or a larger 1.6 litre turbo option.
The 1.4 litre engine produces 103kW and 200Nm of torque. Matched with a six-speed manual transmission, fuel consumption is listed at 5.9 l/100km, while the six-speed auto lists 6.7 l/100km. (6.9 for the Sports Tourer automatic.)
Opel promises a 0-100km/h time of 9.9 seconds for the manual hatch, and 10.2 seconds for the auto hatch. The auto-only Sports Tourer lists a 10.8 second sprint.
The 1.6 litre engine delivers 132kW and 230Nm. Fuel consumption is listed at 7.0 l/100km with the manual, and 7.3 l/100km with the auto.
The 0-100km/h time falls to 8.5 seconds in the manual hatch, and 9.0 for the auto. The auto-only Sports Tourer lists 9.5 seconds.

In 2.0 litre CDTi turbodiesel form, output is rated at 121kW and 350Nm. The manual lists fuel consumption at 4.7 l/100km, and the auto at 5.9 l/100km (equal to the auto-only Sports Tourer.)
The diesel boasts a 0-100km/h time of 9.0 seconds for the manual, and 7.9 seconds for the auto (and for the Sports Tourer).
The Astra's suspension package includes McPherson struts at the front and a Watt's link arrangement at the rear, with both standard in the five-door and wagon bodies.
Astra GTC
The three-door Astra GTC is available with both the 1.4 and 1.6 litre petrol engines. While the 1.4 litre model can be had with six-speed manual and auto transmissions, the 1.6 litre model gets the manual only.
With the 103kW 1.4, the GTC lists fuel consumption at 6.0 l/100km for the manual, and 6.9 l/100km for the auto.

The 0-100km/h sprint is complete in 9.9 second for the manual, and 10.3 seconds for the auto.
The 132kW 1.6 GTC lists fuel use at 7.3 l/100km, with the 0-100km/h sprint covered in 8.3 seconds.
The GTC benefits from a more sports-focused HiPerStrut front suspension package, along with a specially tuned Watt's link arrangement at the rear.

Features

Standard features for the basic 1.4 petrol and 2.0 turbodiesel models include 16-inch alloy wheels and a space-saver steel spare, halogen projector headlamps with LED daytime running lights, front and rear foglights, a rear spoiler, automatic headlights and wipers.
There is also a tilt and telescopic adjustable steering column, sports front seats, Mondial leather-accented trim, power windows, steering-mounted audio controls, cruise control, leather steering wheel, heated exterior mirrors, iPod/USB/aux/Bluetooth connectivity (phone only for Bluetooth), remote keyless entry, trip computer.
For the Astra 'Select' 1.6 petrol and 2.0 litre diesel models, additional features include 17-inch alloy wheels and space-saver steel spare, OPC line exterior and interior styling pack, leather seats and steering, satellite navigation, dual-zone climate control, electric park brake will hill-start assist.

The top-shelf Astra Sport 1.6 petrol adds 18-inch wheels, OPC line exterior and interior pack, premium climate pack, HiPerStrut front suspension, Navi900 premium audio and navigation and a 7-inch display.
Depending on specification, options packs include the Lux pack, Navi navigation pack, Leather Sports Seats pack, Premium Forward Lighting pack, and the Prestige pack. There is also the option of Opel's FlexRide adaptive chassis system and 19-inch alloy wheels. See your Opel dealer for details.
Safety features across the range include dual front, front side and curtain airbags, electronic stability and traction control, anti-lock brakes, active headrests, pedal release system.
GTC
Along with its own unique body and styling kit, the three-door Astra GTC 1.4 gets 18-inch alloy wheels and a space-saver steel spare, sports chassis with HiPerStrut front suspension, chrome highlights, projector headlights, sports front seats, cloth and leather trim, and a leather sports steering wheel. The GTC's features are otherwise shared with the regular Astra.
In 1.6 litre form, the GTC adds 19-inch alloy wheels, leather seats, and the OPC line interior and exterior pack, along with the additional features in the five-door 1.6 models.

Rear storage capacity in the Astra five-door is listed at 370 litres with the rear seats upright, and 1235 litres when laid flat.
For the Sports Tourer wagon, capacity grows to 500 litres with the rear seats up, and 1500 litres when flat.
In GTC form, rear storage capacity is 380 litres with the rear seats up, growing to 1165mm with the rear seats laid flat.

Opel Cascada Revealed In Europe

The 2012 Australian International Motor Show opens to the public today, and while the motoring world has turned its eyes to Sydney, Europe is far from quiet.
Opel's new model onslaught continues this week, with the recent Adam city-car followed now by the unveiling of the new Cascada convertible.
The new Opel also follows the Mokka crossover (bound for Australia in Holden Trax form) and the Volt-based Ampera. The Cascada is also the carmaker's first convertible since the Astra Twin Top.

The Cascada is also a good deal larger than its predecessor. In fact, at 4697mm, the Cascada is 71 and 85mm longer than the Audi A5 Cabrio and 3 Series Convertible, respectively.
The two cars are connected however, with the Astra five-door and Estate wagon sharing a 2685mm wheelbase with the Cascada.
Opel says the longer dimensions make the Cascada a true four-seat convertible, instead of the tight 2+2 configuration offered with the Astra three-door based 2006 Twin Top.
The Cascada rides on the Insignia OPC's HiPerStrut suspension up front and a crank beam axle at the rear.
Opel's FlexRide adaptive suspension will be available as an option, which will come in handy on the line-up's larger wheel choices.
The triple-layer roof can be raised and lowered in 17 seconds and at speeds of up to 48km/h or it can be done remotely using the key.

Engines
Opel's new 1.6 litre SIDI ECOTEC turbo petrol will be available, good for 125kW and 280Nm of torque, and mated to a six-speed automatic.
Other engine options include a 100kW 1.4 litre petrol and a 2.0 litre turbodiesel good for 122kW and a substantial 380Nm of torque.
Both of these are available with six-speed manual or automatic transmissions.
In the UK, the Cascada will be sent into battle at around £25,000 ($39,000), or about the same price as the smaller BMW 118i Convertible in that market.

"The midsize cabriolet segment is only occupied by very high-priced cars from premium manufacturers," Deputy Chairman of Opel, Thomas Sedran said.
"With the Cascada, Opel offers all the typical features and premium qualities of a midsize convertible, but at an affordable price."

2014 Opel Insignia Update Reveals New Lighting Design: Spy Photos

Opel's midsized Insignia sedan and Tourer wagon made their way to Australia last year, but a significant styling makeover is not far away.
Like its smaller Astra stablemate, the four year-old Insignia will benefit from a mild styling refresh ahead of the 2014 model year, giving the award-winning sedan a new lease on life.
Caught in Europe this week, these latest spy photos offer the clearest look yet at the Insignia's redesigned lights at both ends.

At the front, the Insignia's headlights taper to a sharper point, stretching further back along the front quarter panel. An Audi-like step to the bottom edge is also evident.
At the rear, a new garnish extends into the inside edge of the restyled tail-lights, although light camouflage continues to obscure this section.
We can likely also expect a refreshed interior, with new trim options, an updated dashboard and new additions to the Insignia's range of comfort, convenience and entertainment features.

The styling update follows a light overhaul announced in mid-2011, which saw GM's Cruze-powering 1.4 litre turbo four-cylinder engine join the range, along with an updated 2.0 litre turbo four.
The 1.4 litre engine replaced the earlier 1.8 litre unit and, paired with a six-speed manual transmission, brought fuel consumption down to 5.9 l/100km.

Top speed for the 1.4 litre models is listed at 205km/h, and the 0-100km/h shuffle is over in 10.9 seconds.
All variants also gained an engine start/stop system, along with a more aerodynamic underbody and low rolling-resistance tyres.
Late in 2011, a bi-turbo CDTI engine joined the range, with the new 2.0 litre four delivering 143kW and 400Nm, compared to 118kW and 350Nm for the mid-range diesel option.

In 2012 and in recent weeks, Opel has also begun to reveal details of three new engines it will launch this year, including a pair of 1.6 litre petrol and diesel engines. Both of these options are likely to figure in the updated Insignia range.

Opel Australia Launches Extended Test Drives, New Drive-away Prices

Opel has responded to a growing demand for a longer "try before you buy" experience, announcing a new extended test-drive program for Australian buyers.
Dubbed the German Exchange Program, the new offer gives buyers a 24-hour loan of a demonstration car - a plan Opel is backing up with new drive-away pricing across the range.
New drive-away pricing starts with the light Corsa hatch, available from $16,490 - compared to its regular Manufacturer's List Price (MLP) of $16,490.

Moving up one step in size from the Corsa, the Astra five-door hatch is available from $22,990 drive-away - shaving $1000 off its regular MLP and a good chunk in on-road costs.
At the big end of the line-up, Opel's midsized Insignia is available from $39,990 drive-away, saving more on-road costs over the entry sedan's regular $38,490 MLP.

“We think that the combination of the 24-hour test drive experience and the current driveaway pricing offer is one that customers are going to find too good to pass up”, Opel Australia boss Bill Mott said.

The Opel brand made its local sales debut in August last year, arriving with a full Corsa, Astra and Insignia line-up. The performance-focused OPC range is due to launch here in the coming weeks.
In 2012, Opel sold 365 Astra models, 111 Insignia sedans and wagons, and 65 Corsa hatches.

Opel Adam To Rock Geneva

Opel has confirmed it will unveil a new crossover version of its Adam city car in Geneva next month, confirming reports in recent months.
Based on the retro-futuristic styling of the Euro-market Adam, the new concept will be known as the Adam Rocks, and will likely preview a new production model.
The light crossover style is a popular concept in European markets, with many brands offering high-riding rugged-looking versions of their regular models.

As others have done in the segment, Opel has given the Rocks a set of black bolt-on flares and bumpers at both ends. And, as a teaser sketch, the requisite 30-inch sports wheels can also been seen here.
The Rocks rides 15mm higher than the regular model, while those fat wheels and flared over-fenders gives the little faux-crossover an extra 20mm in width.
Opel has also graced the Adam Rocks with rollback fabric cover over an open-top roof, reminiscent of models like the Fiat 500C and Citroen's new DS3 Cabrio.

Australia

An Australian debut for the Adam remains unclear, with the carmaker's local arm focused on building recognition for the newly-arrived brand.

"Not in the immediate future," Opel Australia's Michelle Lang told TMR. "For now, we're focusing on establishing the announced launch range, and it's unlikely that we'll be considering other models in the next couple of years."

Opel launched in Australia last year with three familiar models: the Corsa (earlier generations sold as the Barina here), the returning Astra range, and the Vectra-replacing Insignia.
The brand's sports-focused Opel Performance Centre (OPC) range will also launch in Australia this month, bringing the Corsa OPC, Astra OPC and Insignia OPC to local showrooms.

Opel GTC Paris : 2010

Sculptural artistry meets German precision.
The Opel GTC Paris will be shown for the first time at the Mondial de l’Automobile 2010 in Paris on October 2–17.

---

2010 Opel GTC Paris hatchback.

Coming close on the heels of the new generation Astra Sports Tourer, which will also debut at the Paris motor show, the GTC Paris is the next bold step of a newly shaped Opel line-up.
Inspiration for the concept was partly derived from a quote from Richard Bach’s famous novel, Jonathan Livingston Seagull “…and the speed was pure beauty.” This phrase is embodied throughout the character of the car with dynamic sweeping lines, beautiful sculptural surfaces, and a wide muscular stance. This three-door compact is bold yet pure and is very iconic in presence. The GTC Paris is conceived to be the obtainable dream car delivering German engineered precision and innovation, matched with eye-popping design.
“We wanted to express the most emotional side of the Opel brand and we believe this vehicle creates an appropriate visual impact to reinforce our dynamic sporty character,” Adams said.
Distinctly a new Opel – with an emotional tribute to performance.
At 4.46 meters, the GTC Paris is the ideal size for a compact, sporty car, but it still offers room for five passengers. Most iconic cars have been drawn from the side. Many can be sketched with two or three sharp lines. So, too, with Opel’s new concept car: In profile, the designers have maximized tension by limiting the amount of lines in the GTC Paris. Similar to tendons in a sprinter, these lines create tension and provide a sculpted shape. They serve as the foundation to which the highlights and surfacing react and press to the wheels in a very athletic fashion.
The Opel signature blade is introduced in the same direction as first seen in the Insignia – a fine, tense crease along the rocker panel. A second line shoots from the door handle to the rear, emphasizing the vehicle’s dramatic stance by spreading the surfaces to a fine undercut and a broad shoulder. The third line following the silhouette of the roof is finished in finely brushed aluminum that accentuates the window graphic, guiding the eye to the sharply distinct integrated spoiler.
The front is clean yet full of character and features Opel’s typical centerline crease. It is further accented by intense, very slim eagle-eye shaped headlamps acting as parenthesis between the refined chrome emblem bar and the dramatic low trapezoidal grill which hints at its sporty character. Signature LED daytime running lights are outlined with finely crafted chrome inserts that can stand as a piece of sculpture by themselves.
The wide stance is accentuated in the rear, where the proportion of the vehicle is most imposing. This is further enhanced with the LED taillights showcasing a long, stretched “wing” nighttime graphic.
Innovative technology enhances performance.
The best of Opel’s compact car technology is brought to its sportiest level on the GTC Paris. The chassis has a special design with an extra-wide stance. It features a compound crank with an Opel-exclusive Watt’s link in the rear, a new, updated execution of the adaptive mechatronic FlexRide suspension and a front electronic limited slip differential. The GTC Paris is planted to the ground with dynamic 21-inch wheels.
The powertrain in the GTC Paris is a four-cylinder, 2.0 liter Turbo with direct injection, packing maximum horsepower and torque. It is fitted with Start/Stop technology, proving that drivers can combine high performance with maximum fuel efficiency in urban driving conditions. The transmission is a six-speed manual gearbox.
(source: Opel)

---

2010 Opel GTC Paris hatchback.

.

Opel Astra : 2010

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, 2009 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.

---

2010 Opel Astra.

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.

---