This dynamic new Opel, to be introduced to the public for the first time at Frankfurt IAA, is every bit as good as it looks. Agile handling and rapid response to the controls were top priorities. A major highlight optionally available on the new Astra is adaptive IDSPlus suspension (Interactive Driving System), with electronic Continuous Damping Control (CDC), usually found only on larger luxury models and exclusive sports cars. Through the linking of sensors and control units for ESP, ABS and CDC, the new Astra is the first production car in the world with electronically integrated chassis control, which opens a new dimension of balance between comfort and active safety. A special sport mode can also be activated at the touch of a button: it selects suspension settings that will appeal to the enthusiast driver, adapts the steering and accelerator response and, with automatic and Easytronic transmissions, adjusts the shift points higher up the rpm range.
Additional state-of-the-art engineering includes the dynamic AFL (Adaptive Forward Lighting) headlamp system, a new electronic architecture, a newly developed generation of infotainment units in double DIN format, Twin Audio for separate listening pleasure in the rear, and new TWINPORT gasoline and common rail turbocharged diesel engines. The front-wheel drive Astra will be available with five gasoline and three turbo-diesel engines, with displacements from 1.4 to 2.0 liters and power outputs of 80 to 200 PS. The new Astra can reach top speeds of up to 230 km/h and needs only about eight seconds to accelerate from zero to 100 km/h. All engines are state-of-the-art ECOTEC units with four valves per cylinder, and comply with the Euro 4 exhaust emission limits which do not take effect until 2005. Particularly fun-to-drive are the 2.0 liter turbocharged gasoline engine (170 PS) and the new 150 PS 1.9 CDTI 'power diesel', with the 200 PS turbocharged gasoline engine marking the top of the range. These three engines are supplied as standard with a new six-speed manual transmission. In addition, Opel offering a five-speed manual gearbox, an automatic transmission and a further developed version of its "Easytronic" automated manual transmission, which now also includes a sport program.Appearance: Symbolizing the new dynamic of the Opel brand
With this technology package and its striking design, the third Astra generation is set to improve on the success of the previous model that was sold in 80 countries, with about 3.4 million units built worldwide by the summer of 2003. "The new Astra symbolizes the dynamic of the Opel brand as no other high-volume model has done before. With its expressive design it makes a bold statement in the compact segment," says Opel Chairman and Managing Director, Carl-Peter Forster. Since Opel is already strongly represented in the compact van segment with the Meriva and Zafira models, the company was able to emphasize individuality and emotion with the new Astra. "This sets us clearly apart from our competitors," comments Forster on the positioning of the all-new model range. From spring 2004 on, it will expand step by step into an impressively varied model family. A five-door version is the first Astra model version to be launched, and it will be followed later by a station wagon with a longer wheelbase and a dramatically sporty three-door hatchback (previewed by the GTC Genève concept).According to Carl-Peter Forster, the Astra's good prospects of success are not only based on it being "a car people love to drive and be seen in." The new Astra will also attract attention from new customers, because it meets drivers' individual needs and requirements by offering five different trim levels to choose from, as well as a host of practical features. These include the optional folding rear seat-back, that folds down in a 40/20/40 ratio, a new Hill-Start Assistant or the innovative "Quickheat" electric auxiliary heater.
Carl-Peter Forster is convinced: "With this combination of dynamic styling, agile handling, many practical innovations and a wide range of model versions, the new Astra is just the car that many buyers of compact cars have been waiting for!"Sign of the times: The next step in Rüsselsheim's new design language
With its emotive, dynamic looks, the third Astra generation is to usher in the next step in the evolution of the modern Opel design language first seen on the Speedster sports car and the Vectra, Meriva and Signum. Typical characteristics include well-balanced proportions, the interplay of taut surfaces with clean lines, technically crafted details and distinctive graphic elements.The strong and expressive design, realized by 250 employees from 16 countries, is also a reflection of renewed brand self-confidence. "We want to play a leading role in European automobile styling again," says Opel's Executive Director of Design, Martin Smith, "like we did so successfully in the 1970s with fascinating designs like the GT or the Commodore coupé. With our new design language we're going to bring the most dynamic and expressive vehicles to the market in every segment," he added. The company took a big step toward that goal at the 2003 Geneva Motor Show with the much-admired GTC Genève design study, which clearly showed the direction in which design at Opel — and in the new Astra generation — is headed.
New technology is helping Opel to achieve its goals even more rapidly than in the past. Today it is not only pencil and sketching pad, but computer mouse and screen that dominate the design studios. With Virtual Reality technology (VR) it is possible to make three-dimensional surface-data visible and with these simulations body forms can be perfected more quickly. "This technology is a wonderful tool for presenting creative ideas early on in the process without the need for hardware. We can use it to evaluate and work with numerous design proposals and transform a large number of ideas into realistic drafts within a shorter period of time," Smith says.Characteristics: Well-balanced proportions and striking front end styling
With its synthesis of emotion and dynamics, technical features and functionality the new Astra demonstrates impressively the rich harvest obtained from the interplay of creative thinking and computer technology. Well-balanced proportions form the basis for the dynamics of the Astra's hatchback body."Most of the styling and the overall effect is governed by the vehicle architecture, by the relationship between length, width and height. That's why we place special emphasis on good proportions and why we are deliberately pursuing a different course compared to our competitors, in order to make a distinctive statement with our new Astra," says Friedhelm Engler, Chief Designer of the Astra and head of the Compact Car Studio at the Opel Design Center
The onlooker can see this harmony of dimensions from every angle. The wide, trapezoidal grille with accentuated Opel emblem on the horizontal crossbar runs smoothly into the engine hood which, with its prominent crease line, is a typical Opel design characteristic. This is a major design element that passes through the interior and is seen again at the rear of the car. At the same time it emphasizes the V-shaped front, which is another unmistakable detail of the Opel Astra's confident design. Another factor in the formal balance of the new model range are the inward-tapering front and rear overhangs. They make the car look shorter than it actually is. In fact the new Astra is around 14 cm longer than its predecessor. This compact effect is enhanced by the three-dimensional design of the headlamps, which extend into the sides. With their facets embedded in the headlamp body and their technically interesting details, they are a further clue to the ongoing emotive development of Opel's design language.Silhouette: Aerodynamic roof and striking side outline
Another distinctive Astra characteristic is its sloping roof. At the rear it drops by almost five centimeters to enhance the aerodynamic shape. The clear-cut window contours above the muscular body have an almost slender appearance. However, this does not mean less space for the passengers. On the contrary, despite its dynamic exterior styling, the new Astra has grown in size; thanks to intelligent packaging it now offers 30 mm more shoulder room at the front, 55 mm more headroom in the rear and 17 mm more legroom at the rear."The Astra's silhouette is defined by the horizontal alignment of the side styling-elements and lines. This generates visual length and dynamics", explains Engler. The impression is enhanced by the long wheelbase. There is a smooth transition between A-pillar and front fender, and the C-pillars are located well back, making access to the rear seats more comfortable and providing a good view out of the rear side windows.
Together with the steep sides, it is the wide and strong shoulder line running from front to rear that signals the strength and stability of the body, with its pronounced wedge-shape. The side view is also influenced by the bold wheel arches: these "draw attention to the large wheels and tires, up to 18 inches in diameter, that are a factory-fit option for the new Astra," says designer Engler. Another significant feature are the flared body sills. Together with the wider track they underline the Astra's low-slung, athletic appearance. Astra five-door: key dimensions at a glanceLength | 4249 mm |
Width (excluding exterior mirrors) | 1753 mm |
Height | 1460 mm |
Wheelbase | 2614 mm |
Tread front/rear | 1488 mm |
Trunk volume (VDA) | 350 liters |
Point of view: Unmistakable rear end styling with new lighting technology
The powerful figure of the new Astra is also underlined by the wide chrome-strip at the tail and the rear screen extending round to the sides. With details such as the strong tapering of the body and the integration of the high-mounted, three-dimensional taillamps, the designers have intentionally adopted various formal aspects from the front end of the car. "Repeating the front graphics makes the Astra look as if it has been made out of one piece," explains Stefan Lamm, responsible for the exterior design. As with the headlamps, the designers' attention to detail and their adoption of the latest technology can also be seen in the large taillamps, which for the first time on a production-car, use a special, light-scattering "translucent" technology, also making the Astra hatchback unmistakable even in the dark.Finish: Top-quality materials add to the Astra's interior appeal
The interior, too, is part of the Astra's distinctive character. Dynamic forms and taut surfaces dominate, in harmony with the exterior. A striking styling cue is the characteristic crease on the clearly arranged center console, carried over consistently from the engine hood into the interior. Further eye-catching design elements in the Astra's cockpit include the three-dimensional instruments and an up to 6.5-inch monitor for the information display (14.3 cm wide, 7.9 cm high).The high standards that the designers set themselves are reflected throughout the Astra's interior. "We have only used materials and surfaces of particularly high visual and textural quality", explains Beat Finkbeiner, Interior Designer. "In terms of form and finish we used the class above the Astra as our reference-point." This progress can be clearly seen and felt in the form of technically oriented materials and painted surfaces that give the central area of the cockpit the appearance of a hi-fi system. This is confirmed not only by the climate control unit integrated in the center console — or an optional electronic climate-control with air-quality sensor — but also by the all-new generation of infotainment systems in double DIN format. This extensive range stretches from a top quality audio unit with MP3-function to a high-end system with digital sound processor, digital radio with CD quality (DAB, Digital Audio Broadcast) and a six-CD changer integrated in the front panel. Equipment such as a navigation system, color monitor and integrated voice-controlled telephone leaves little left to be desired. And for the first time in this car class, a twin audio system is available for separate music enjoyment for rear seat passengers.
The infotainment system user-interface has also been newly developed and is now comparable to those found in luxury cars. All the state-of-the-art units stand out due to their balanced mix of buttons with direct access and logical menu structures with intuitive usability. New steering wheel remote controls with four buttons and turn-press wheels similar to those on a computer mouse enable the safe and comfortable selection of the various functions, without having to take one's hands off the wheel.Executive Director Design, Martin Smith: "The Astra's interior clearly demonstrates the importance we attach to quality, appearance and ease of operation when designing the interior of our cars."
This principle is also evident in the elegant design of the Astra's ignition-key with radio remote control for the central locking system. Starting in fall 2004, this will be supplemented by the "Open & Start" transponder system, so that the Astra will recognize its driver and unlock both the doors and the trunk. The driver will then start the engine by pressing a button on the center console.Progress: Gasoline engines with TWINPORT technology for fuel economy
Impressive engineering and strong performance with low fuel consumption and good environmental compatibility are notable features of the new Astra's engines. In total, the Astra engine range consists of five gasoline and three diesel engines with power outputs from 90 to 200 PS (gasoline) and 80 to 150 PS (diesel). They are all four-cylinder, four-valve, ECOTEC units that comply with the Euro 4 exhaust emissions standard.The entry-level engine is the new 1.4 liter TWINPORT unit developing 66 kW (90 PS), with maximum torque of 125 Nm. In addition to its compact dimensions and reduced internal friction, this four-cylinder engine is notable for its use of the innovative TWINPORT concept. Thanks to variable intake control and high exhaust-gas recirculation levels, Opel's intelligent fuel-saving technology for gasoline engines up to 1.6 liters achieves substantial fuel economy of up to 10 percent in genuine everyday driving conditions. While under partial load up to 25 percent of the intake-charge is obtained from burned exhaust gases, power delivery and fuel efficiency at full load is retained — an important factor for smaller displacement engines, which often have to work harder than bigger motors.
"Despite the diesel boom, the majority of customers still buy cars with gasoline engines and, for price reasons, this is most often the entry-level engine," says Dr. Uhland Burkart, Executive Director, Sales and Service, describing the engine-selection dynamics in the compact class. "With the new, exceptionally economical yet lively 1.4 liter TWINPORT ECOTEC, the new Astra offers an outstanding base model."The 1.6 liter engine also features the TWINPORT induction system. This was introduced in the current Astra model in March 2003 and proved convincing right away by virtue of its exemplary fuel consumption. In the new Astra the 1.6 TWINPORT ECOTEC engine has a power output of 77 kW (105 PS) and develops maximum torque of 150 Nm. For the first time this engine is also available with the five-speed, Easytronic automated manual transmission, which also features a special sport program. In the sport mode the shift points are located at the top end of the rpm range for sportier shifting. Under braking — depending on the vehicle deceleration rate — the downshift to a lower gear takes place much earlier to ensure optimum pulling power during subsequent acceleration. As an option, the new Easytronic can be shifted via controls on the steering wheel — just like in a Formula 1 car.
A stage higher is the proven 1.8 liter engine with a power output of 92 kW (125 PS) and maximum torque of 170 Nm. The Astra 1.8 is optionally available with a four-speed automatic transmission.High performance: Two turbocharged engines with a six-speed gearbox
The two 2.0 liter turbo engines, based on the powerful and tractable unit in the current Astra and Zafira OPC versions, are capable of building up a real head of steam. Even the variant with 125 kW (170 PS) power output, delivers plenty of acceleration and pulling power. It is outperformed only by the 147 kW (200 PS), top of the line engine, which develops a maximum torque of 262 Nm.Performance data of the new Astra will then be approximately eight seconds from zero to 100 km/h, less than nine seconds for the overtaking sprint from 80 to 120 km/h in fifth gear, and a top speed in the region of 230 km/h. The two turbocharged engines come as standard with the new six-speed manual gearbox; the 170-hp version has an overdrive top gear, whereas the 200-hp car has sporty, narrow gaps between the ratios.
Power campaign: Three common rail diesel engines of the latest generation
Opel's diesel offensive is taking off: The new Astra can be obtained with three state-of-the-art common rail diesel engines, all with four valves per cylinder and complying with the Euro 4 exhaust emissions standard. Drivers can choose between two Isuzu 1.7 liter CDTI units rated at 59 kW (80 PS) or 74 kW (100 PS) and the all-new 110 kW (150 PS) 1.9 CDTI.In February 2003, the entry-level diesel with maximum torque of 170 Nm celebrated its world premiere in the current Astra, as the world's first-ever production diesel engine to comply with Euro-4 emissions. Second-generation common rail direct injection is just one of the technological highlights of this ECOTEC turbo-diesel engine. With high injection pressure, it has close control of the individual injection processes and highly effective fuel atomization. This helps to improve the engine's exhaust-emission behavior, its responsiveness — when pulling away from a standstill, for example — and its acoustics. In addition the engine offers a host of technical details underlining Opel's aim to rank among Europe's leading manufacturers of diesel-engined passenger cars in the future, including pneumatically controlled swirl valves in the intake manifold, and precise control of the water-cooled exhaust-gas recirculation (EGR) system.
New to the Astra is the more powerful version of the 1.7 CDTI engine. Thanks to its variable-blade turbocharger, it delivers a power output of 74 kW (100 PS) and maximum torque of 240 Nm.With 315 Nm maximum torque, the all-new 1.9 liter CDTI engine represents the ultimate in pulling power for the Astra program. Its performance and refinement are due to the use of the latest multi-point injection system. Driving as standard through a new six-speed manual gearbox, the Astra 1.9 CDTI can reach a top speed of 210 km/h and accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in well under 10 seconds.
World premiere: IDSPlus for electronically integrated chassis control
Impressive agility and a high level of safety were the development objectives for the new Astra's IDS suspension. It features further developed McPherson struts with lateral control arms attached to a subframe at the front, and a specifically adapted torsion beam with double-walled, U-shaped profile at the rear. In the new Astra this design combines all the advantages of a conventional torsion beam axle — such as minimum space requirements — with low weight and consistent control of the camber angle. It can also be precisely tuned to the specific requirements of different versions within the model range.A completely new dimension of ride-quality can be experienced in the new Opel Astra with the optional, adaptive IDSPlus suspension system and electronic Continuous Damping Control (CDC). The basis for the networked communication of the various control units is a new electronic architecture with three CANBUS (Controler Area Network) systems, where the high-speed data bus is used for the particularly sensitive powertrain and chassis controls. Thanks to CDC, the dampers react in real time to road surface or driving style variations and adapt themselves to prevailing conditions, which also means shorter stopping distances on uneven road surfaces.
The Opel engineers achieved another significant safety benefit through the electronic integration of CDC, ABS and ESP. When cornering at higher speeds, ESP increases stability in two stages: first, when the new Astra nears the ESP-limit, the system adjusts the damper forces at each wheel. Then, if necessary, ESP applies the brakes at individual wheels in order to bring the car back under control.Agile: Sport set-up by the touch of a button
Additionally, with the IDSPlus system, the Astra driver can switch to a firmer, more agile sport mode at the touch of button in the cockpit; this regulates the damping characteristics, accelerator response and the characteristics of the electro-hydraulic steering. With automatic transmission or Easytronic, the shift points are raised to higher rpm levels, for a sportier driving style. For special requirements the latest generation ESPPlus can be deactivated.Opel engineers have improved the efficiency of ESP and ABS by the intelligent networking of sensors and controlling programs, and added a series of further functions, including:
- Understeer Control Logic (UCL): If understeer occurs, road speed is first reduced by closing the throttle and secondly by braking the outer front wheel. If the ESP control range is reached, braking pressure at the outer front wheel is decreased and built up in parallel at the inner rear wheel until the car follows the chosen course again.
- Hill-Start Assistant (HSA): When starting the car on an uphill gradient, rolling back does not have to be avoided by using the handbrake. After releasing the brake pedal, pressure in the system is maintained for two seconds, giving the driver enough time to select a gear and squeeze the accelerator. As soon as the car starts to travel forward, brake pressure is released.
- Trailer Stability Program (TSP): This system monitors the yaw speed of the car-trailer combination. If any of the speed-dependent limits are exceeded, the car and trailer are slowed by closing the throttle and applying the brakes, until stability returns.
- Deflation Detection System (DDS): With the aid of signals from the wheel speed sensors, a warning lamp tells the driver if tire pressure has been lost. The system detects the probable loss of pressure by identifying a drop in the tire's circumference as a higher rotational speed in relation to the other wheels. The warning signal is triggered if the pressure loss reaches about 30 percent.
Well looked after: Adaptive Forward Lighting, Auto-Light and Quickheat
Opel enhances night-time driving safety by offering its Adaptive Forward Lighting (AFL) system for the first time in the compact class. When the car takes a corner, the bi-Xenon headlamps turn by up to 15 degrees so that the beams follow the bend in the road.A further headlamp function is automatic lifting of the main beams at high motorway speeds. In addition, Opel has included an automatic low beam function on the Astra for the first time: in tunnels, parking garages or as daylight fades, the low-beam headlamps are controlled by sensors and switched on automatically.
Comfort and safety are combined in a further intelligent new feature, the "Quickheat" system. This prevents the windscreen from frosting over in winter after it has been cleared of ice. Surveys have established that most accidents in winter take place within 15 minutes of starting the journey. The "Quickheat" system also warms the interior of the car more rapidly. Astra drivers therefore benefit from a fast and affordable windscreen-heater, without the irritating visual effect of wire heating elements in the glass.Protective package: New airbag technology for increased passive safety
The Astra has made further progress in the passive safety area, too. In the event of a side-impact, the new side-airbags protect not only the thorax, as before, of the driver and front passenger, they protect the pelvic area as well. The airbags each have a total air volume of 15 liters, but with two compartments at different pressures. This system complements the driver and front passenger airbags (standard equipment) and the head-curtain airbags, which are available in combination with active head restraints on the front seats. Also new is the acoustic seatbelt-warning signal for driver and front passenger, as well as the ISOFIX child's seat mountings for the front passenger seat (with transponder identification) and the two outer rear seats.Opel's Executive Director of Engineering, Hans H. Demant, on the subject of the new Astra's extensive chassis and safety systems: "Many of these features from the luxury and sports car segments are appearing for the first time on a car in this class. Apart from emphasizing the new Astra's outstanding dynamics, they also demonstrate our technological leadership in an automobile market segment where many customers can benefit from them."
Astra gasoline engines at a glance:Engine |
Transmission |
Output (kW/PS) |
Maximum torque (Nm) |
1.4 TWINPORT ECOTEC |
Five-speed manual gearbox |
66/90 |
125 at 4000 rpm |
1.6 TWINPORT ECOTEC |
Five-speed manual gearbox |
77/105 |
150 at 3900 rpm |
1.6 TWINPORT ECOTEC |
Five-speed Easytronic |
77/105 |
150 at 3900 rpm |
1.8 ECOTEC |
Five-speed manual gearbox |
92/125 |
170 at 3800 rpm |
1.8 ECOTEC |
Four-speed automatic transmission |
92/125 |
170 at 3800 rpm |
2.0 Turbo ECOTEC |
Six-speed manual gearbox |
125/170 |
250 at 1950 rpm |
2.0 Turbo ECOTEC |
Six-speed manual gearbox |
147/200 |
262 at 4000 rpm (250 from 1950 rpm) |
Astra diesel engines at a glance:
Engine |
Transmission |
Output (kW/PS) |
Maximum torque (Nm) |
1.7 CDTI ECOTEC |
Five-speed manual gearbox | 59/80 |
170 at 1800 rpm |
1.7 CDTI ECOTEC |
Five-speed manual gearbox |
74/100 |
240 at 2300 rpm |
1.9 CDTI ECOTEC |
Six-speed manual gearbox |
110/150 |
315 at 2000 rpm |