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The development of the fifth Astra generation was not messy, but big. But the Opel itself likes to make a mess.
The fifth generation of the Opel Astra (2015 to 2021) with the designation K is something special. It was the last to be developed while GM was the Opel owner. The designers and engineers really worked hard for this.
Body and interior
On his debut in 2015, he fell Astra optically positive. Compared to its predecessor (Astra J), it had slimmed down considerably by up to 200 kilograms, thereby discarding its chubby design and also ending its rampant growth in length. The fifth generation is still 4,37 meters long and thus 5 centimeters shorter than its predecessor. Despite the downsizing, the compact offers a decent amount of space - even in the rear. The trunk volume is 370 liters, if you fold down the rear seat backs, the value increases to up to 1.210 liters.
In addition to the five-door hatchback, Opel also had the 4,70 meter station wagon called Sports Tourer on offer. The scores with a trunk volume of 540 liters, which can increase to 1.630 liters depending on the rear seat backrest position. A tidy cockpit and comparatively simple operating functions also speak for the Astra.
In 2019, the Opel received a facelift. It can be recognized by slight retouching on the radiator grille. The interior was upgraded and there was a new infotainment system with a larger screen.
Motors and drive
The Astra launched with a wide range of four-cylinder engines and one three-cylinder. This one-liter turbo with 77 kW/105 hp and a manual five-speed gearbox is one of the entry-level petrol variants with the 1,4-liter four-cylinder with 66 kW/90 hp. Opel also had the 1.4 in the expansion stages with 92 kW/125 hp and 110 kW/150 hp and a 1.6 with 147 kW/200 hp. Instead of the usual six-speed manual transmission, a six-speed automatic was also available.
The fuel consumption of the Otto engines is between 4,3 and 6,6 liters. On the diesel side, Opel offered a 1.6 with 70 kW/95 hp, 81 kW/110 hp, 100 kW/136 hp and 118 kW/160 hp (since 2018: 150 hp). The diesels are quite economical with consumption values between 3,6 and 5,2 liters. Interested parties can also save with the natural gas variant. The Astra CNG is powered by a 81-liter turbo engine with 110 kW/200 hp and 1,4 Newton meters of torque. The standard consumption was given as 4,1 to 4,3 kilograms of natural gas.
With the facelift in summer 2019 came the big tidying up and sorting out. The portfolio was now limited to four petrol engines and three diesel engines, each with three cylinders, which were said to be up to 20 percent more economical than the engines they replaced. The petrol engines covered a power range from 110 hp to 107 kW/145 hp. A 1,5-liter four-cylinder diesel was available in two power levels with 105 hp and 90 kW/122 hp. In addition, the range of automatics has been rearranged: the 1,4-litre petrol engine with 107 kW/145 hp has a CVT transmission for power transmission, while the more powerful diesel has a nine-speed automatic as an alternative to the manual switch.
Equipment and safety
The equipment differences of the comfort lines are large and range from lean ("Selection" and "Astra") to comfort-oriented ("Ultimate" and "Elegance"). While the basic equipment was more likely to be purchased by fleet customers or first-time owners who were very willing to sacrifice comfort, the higher levels also offer dual-zone automatic climate control, better seats, rear-view and front-facing cameras.
In addition, there were always special models that lured with extras and price advantages. Opel also offered special packages for certain equipment versions, for example with LED matrix lights, LED taillights, navigation system and DAB radio. Anyone interested in a used car should therefore take a very close look at the equipment list for their desired model. Frequent drivers pay best attention to the ergonomic AGR seats. The Astra achieved all five stars in the NCAP crash test. Numerous driver assistants were available as standard or at extra cost.
Quality
The Astra has so far shown itself to be unremarkable in the two TÜV main inspections that have already been completed. He masters the test criteria chassis, lights and brakes almost flawlessly. However, used car buyers should pay attention to oil loss. The Astra likes to make a mess. A look at the parking space of the vehicle does no harm to prevent unpleasant surprises.
Conclusion
Good results at the TÜV, plenty of choice in engines and equipment and a handsome design with plenty of space: there are a number of things to be said for the Opel Astra as a used car. But you have to invest at least 7.500 euros.