The station wagon comes shortly after the five-door hatchback: Opel presents not only the hatchback version of the Astra at the IAA, but also the Sports Tourer. The second body version of the new compact model can be ordered from October; it will be available from dealers in the leading year 2016.
The dimensions of the Sports Tourer are exactly the same as those of its predecessor. In contrast to this, the 4,70 meters outside length should also be reflected in a corresponding space in the interior. For example, Opel promises 2,8 centimeters more legroom in the rear, 2,6 centimeters more headroom for the driver and, last but not least, 80 liters more space for luggage. With the rear seat folded down, up to 1.630 liters are available - more than with the mid-range Insignia Sports Tourer. The smaller station wagon is also easier to load because the tailgate can now be opened without a key under the bumper.
The space saving of the new station wagon is made possible by a new platform, which puts an end to the wasted space of the predecessor even with the five-door model. It also pushes the vehicle weight. The new generation is said to have been up to 200 kilograms lighter; the basic model weighs 130 kilograms less. This has an impact on consumption, which should also decrease noticeably due to new engines. The range of 70 and 95 liter diesel and petrol engines ranges from 147 kW / 200 hp to 1,0 kW / 1,6 hp.
Just like the engines, the station wagon shares the rest of the technology with the sedan. For example, the first matrix full-LED headlights in the compact class. They illuminate the road particularly well and, thanks to individually controllable modules, enable glare-free continuous high beam. In addition, telematics service “OnStar” imported from the USA made its debut in the Astra Opels. The service offers a private telesecretary and wifi hotspots for up to nine mobile devices. There is also an emergency call system that automatically informs the emergency services when the airbags are deployed.
Opel has not yet announced a price for the Sports Tourer. In the previous generation, the station wagon cost 1.000 euros more than the five-door hatchback. That would now be expected prices from 18.260 euros.
Author: Holger Holzer / SP-X