Opel Astra 2007: New Edition of Successful Model

Optimized engine range and refined design

With new, more economical engines, a refined look, enhanced technology and an expanded equipment range, the new edition of the Opel Astra is available at dealerships from February 2007. The whole Astra family benefits from the model update, from the five-door and station wagon variants to the sporty three-door GTC and dynamic, elegant TwinTop cabrio-coupé.

Astra customers have a choice of eleven different engines from 90 to 240 hp. The Astra engine range is expanded with two new highly efficient 1.6-liter gasoline engines and two 1.7 CDTI common-rail turbo-diesel units that are already capable of meeting future emissions standards.

The new weight-optimized 1.6 ECOTEC (85 kW/115 hp) with a variable camshaft joins the bestselling 1.6-liter TWINPORT engine (77 kW/105 hp). With the 115 hp engine coupled to a five-speed Easytronic transmission, the Astra needs only 6.3 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers. Continuous variable control of both camshafts is the main reason for the performance benefits. With this “Cam-Phase” system, valve timing can be varied depending on the speed and load range of the four-valve unit for optimal performance or consumption. The new 1.6-liter turbo engine (132 kW/180 hp), which replaces the 2.0-liter turbo with 125 kW/170 hp and comes with a six-speed transmission as standard, boasts an even greater reduction in consumption. Compared with its predecessor, total consumption is reduced by more than 13 percent to 7.7 liters per 100 kilometers.

The new 1.7 CDTI engines with 81 kW/110 hp and 92 kW/125 hp both come with six-speed manual transmission and feature common-rail injection, four-valve technology with swirl control and a maintenance-free particulate filter. They replaced the 1.9 CDTI units with 74 kW/100 hp and 88 kW/120 hp.

The new edition of the Astra also offers plenty of technological highlights that are still unusual in this segment. For example, the Astra GTC is the only production passenger car that is available with a panorama windshield. An exclusive dimension of driving comfort and safety is provided by the optional IDS^Plus system with electronic Continuous Damping Control (CDC) enabling immediate optimization of chassis fine-tuning in all driving situations. The AFL bi-xenon headlamp system (Adaptive Forward Lighting) with dynamic curve light made its compact-segment debut in the Astra. The new model generation’s further improved trailer stability control is also far from a matter of course when looking at other brands.