Opel has shrunk its new Astra Sports Tourer in length and at the same time increased the loading volume.
In addition to the new one already available Astra With a hatchback, Opel is putting the station wagon version of its compact model in dealer showrooms this summer. The station wagon, called Sports Tourer, starts at prices from 23.565 euros and costs 1.100 euros more than a comparable five-door model.
Compact station wagons
Opel's compact class and station wagons have been a successful team for almost 60 years. In 1963, the Rüsselsheim company added a caravan version to the Kadett A. Even when the Kadett became the Astra in 1991, the station wagon remained a constant in the range. It was not until 2010 that the station wagon designation, which sounded conservative from the company's point of view, had become obsolete, and since then Opel has called its station wagons Sports Tourer. Around two-thirds of Astra customers recently opted for the station wagon variant.
The new Astra station wagon generation that 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 the flash bears the new Vizor face, stands out with its LED lights and is identical to the five-door up to the B-pillar. The interplay of vertical and horizontal lines stretches across the entire body; it gives the impression of self-confidence.
The long one has been shortened
Compared to its predecessor, the Sports Tourer has lost 6 centimeters in length. It stretches to 4,64 meters: However, the wheelbase has increased by 5,7 centimeters. On the one hand, this allows for good space conditions for the occupants. Not only is it spacious at the front, at least two people can also sit comfortably in the rear. Despite the slightly sloping roof line, tall passengers in the back don't have to worry about their hair. The longer wheelbase also allows better use of the trunk.
Compared to the previous model, the luggage volume has increased by almost 60 liters to 597 liters in the basic position. If you fold down the backrests, up to 1.634 liters are possible. The rear seat, which is split at the factory in a 40:20:40 ratio, can now also be unlocked and folded down from the trunk. A height-adjustable loading floor can be locked at a 45-degree angle so that the underfloor compartment can be easily loaded. Drivers of plug-in hybrid models have to make concessions. Here the loading volume is between 516 and 1.553 liters. Depending on the engine, the maximum payload varies from 453 (plug-in hybrid) to 497 (diesel) kilograms.
The interior design is familiar from the hatchback model. During a first seat test in a vehicle with the highest level of equipment, Ultimate, the interior conveyed a high-quality impression. The “Pure Panel Display”, which consists of two screens and is surrounded by an almost invisible glass frame in the higher version, is style-defining here and there. There are also buttons or rocker switches to operate the air conditioning, ventilation or heated seats and steering wheel. The volume of the music system is controlled via a rotary knob. The head-up display can also be adjusted manually using the rotary knob on the armrest.
engines the acquaintances
Under the hood there are the well-known aggregates from the PSA shelf. You can choose between the 1,2-liter three-cylinder turbo in the expansion stages with 81 kW/110 hp and 96 kW/130 hp as well as a 1,5-liter diesel also with 130 hp. The 130 hp engines can be combined with an eight-speed automatic as an alternative to the manual transmission. Also in the program is a plug-in hybrid. It combines a 1,6 liter petrol engine with 110 kW/150 hp with a 110 hp electric motor.
The system output is 133 kW/180 hp, the electric range is 60 kilometers. Another plug-in hybrid with a system output of 165 kW/225 hp will follow in the course of the year. In 2023, the Astra will also be driving purely electrically. Compared to the e-Corsa with its 100 kW/136 hp electric motor and battery sizes of 50 or 75 kWh, a modified technical layout for more range and performance could be used here.
In addition to the basic equipment, the Edition, Elegance, GS Line and Ultimate levels are offered for the Sports Tourer. Anyone who opts for the highest equipment line (from 36.700 euros, 130 hp petrol engine) has almost everything on board that Opel has in store for the Astra in terms of amenities, including matrix light, navigation, head-up display, automatic air filter system, AGR seats for driver and front passenger as well as an extensive assistant package.
