By Breda Corrigan
The all-new Opel Astra Sports Tourer shares the same striking front end design as its hatchback sibling, and the tail-lights mirror the shape of the headlights which are incorporated in a single panel (Opel Vizor) that runs the full width of the nose. Opel’s latest design language is dynamic, elegant and distinctive, while the ingenious Opel Vizor face expresses the iconic German brands pioneering spirit. The new Opel Vizor is not just a design statement, it is also a gateway into the world of electric and autonomous driving, and makes all Opel models ‘future ready’ by housing the sensors and cameras as required by modern vehicles. The distinctive Opel Vizor is a hallmark design element for all Opel models on sale now, and into the future.
Practical and Visually Impressive.
While the new Astra Hatchback is a stylish and well-proportioned family car, the Sports Tourer adds practicality with no less visual sophistication. The horizontal lighting signature combines with the sharp crease running down the centre of the bonnet to create a compass-like appearance when viewed head-on, with the vertical centre brake light proving to be an eye-catching feature at the rear. The Sports Tourer’s wheelbase is 57mm longer than the hatchback, increasing legroom for rear seat passengers in the process, while also providing enhanced cargo space. The Sports Tourer has a flat load area with no lip to lift items over, and the rear seatbacks fold in a 40/20/40 fashion for ultimate practicality. When the retractable load cover needs to be removed to accommodate cargo on occasion, it can be stored under the boot floor so that it can be refitted when the cargo has been removed. While the standard cargo volume up to the window line, and with all rear seats in place, is a highly respectable 597-litres, this can be increased to a cavernous 1,634-litres with the rear seats folded.
Interior Detox.
Opel’s designers have come up with what they call an ‘interior detox’ for the Astra, meaning less clutter and a pared-back look. The dashboard fascia is a stylish gloss black affair with two display screens inset within. Ahead of the steering wheel is a 10-inch digital instrument panel, while a similarly sized touchscreen is subtly angled towards the driver and is supported by a bank of physical buttons for climate control and features such as the heated seats. Build quality within the Astra’s spacious cabin is commendable, and the materials used look and feel like they will stand up very well to the demands of family life.
Engine & Trim Variants.
Powering the new Astra Sports Tourer are turbocharged petrol and diesel internal combustion engines. Petrol power comes courtesy of a 1.2-litre 3-cylinder unit with 110bhp, while the diesel engine has a 1.5-litre capacity and produces 130bhp – both of which feature start/stop technology as standard. A 6-speed manual transmission comes as standard with the petrol engine, while an 8-speed automatic transmission is standard with the diesel powerplant. Trim levels in the Astra Sports Tourer consist of SC, Elegance and GS variants, all of which come with key standard safety systems such as; adaptive cruise control with speed limiter, lane keep assist, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, traffic sign recognition, driver attention alert system, hill start assist, and intelligent speed adaption (proposes correct speed to be approved by the driver). In-car technology features include a DAB digital radio with 6 speakers and USB connectivity, a 10-inch colour touchscreen and a 10-inch digital driver information cluster. Other key features that come as standard across the range are alloy wheels with anti-theft screws (16 to 18-inch, model dependent), towbar attachment provision, LED daytime running lights, automatic LED high beam assist headlamp control, and front & rear parking sensors.
Test Car.
My Astra Sports Tourer GS 1.5-litre turbodiesel test car was fitted with a slick 8-speed automatic transmission as standard, and was finished in Perla Black metallic paint. Exclusive GS specification includes tri-material upholstery (cloth, vinyl and Alcantara), AGR-certified driver and front passenger seats, power-folding door mirrors, dual-zone electronic climate control, a Black Pack (black Opel logo and Astra rear badge, black roof and a black Opel Visor), along with 18-inch alloy wheels. With 130bhp and 300Nm of torque on offer, the car can accelerate from 0-100km/h in 10.6-seconds, on its way to a top speed of 209km/h (where permitted). While the Astra Sports Tourer may share many of its underpinnings with the plush-riding Peugeot 308 SW, Opel’s engineers have tweaked the suspension and steering set-up differently, and the result is a car that is thoroughly engaging to drive. The Astra’s steering is light and accurate in equal measure, giving the driver plenty of confidence behind the car’s sporty multi-function steering wheel. The Sports Tourer’s terrific handling ability through corners results in minimal body roll, thereby ensuring that the car remains impressively level even during sudden changes of direction. Fuel consumption as low as 4.5l/100kms on a WLTP combined driving cycle enables a potential range of up to 1,155kms from the Astra’s 52-litre fuel tank. A 13-litre AdBlue tank is also present, and the driver will receive plenty of notice when this needs topping-up by way of a reminder on the digital dashboard display.
Verdict.
The all-new Opel Astra Sports Tourer has made a gracious return to form with a package that is suitably modern, stylishly-distinctive, comfortable and very well equipped. The Astra is a clear step forward in quality and driver enjoyment, and is more desirable and capable than ever before. Opel has to be commended for its competitive pricing policy too, with the new Astra Sports Tourer priced from just €31,295 (ex-works). My range-topping Astra Sports Tourer GS Diesel test car is priced from €39,995 (ex-works). Opel’s impressive new Astra Sports Tourer is on sale now, and it comes with a comprehensive 3-year/100,000km warranty, along with a 3-year AA Ireland roadside assistance package for total peace-of-mind.
