Updated Opel Astra Shows Hatchbacks Still Have Value | Carscoops

      The Opel Astra hatchback and the Sports Tourer wagon are poised to undergo a mid-lifecycle update shortly.

      Stellantis has teased the updated design of the Opel Astra ahead of its official unveiling.

      The compact hatchback features sharper styling highlighted by a lighted Vizor grille.

      The model is anticipated to offer diesel, hybrid, plug-in, and electric powertrain options.

      While SUVs lead sales across Europe, compact hatchbacks continue to maintain a subtle charm that endures. Following the update of the Peugeot 308, Stellantis is now focusing on the revised Opel Astra, which shares a connection with Peugeot and directly competes with the VW Golf's longstanding market presence.

      The sixth-generation Astra (L), introduced in 2021, represented a significant departure from its GM roots by adopting Stellantis architecture for the first time. After four years, it is set for a mid-lifecycle update aimed at maintaining buyer interest and reinforcing its market stance against Opel's growing SUV lineup.

      The teaser suggests slight styling enhancements, primarily focusing on the front. The Opel Vizor grille now features wider LED elements surrounding the illuminated Opel Blitz emblem.

      These elements together form what the company identifies as the Opel Compass, a design theme that will be present across future models.

      There are also indications of larger bumper air intakes and a more modern alloy wheel design that incorporates three double spokes and a two-tone finish. The rear appears largely unchanged, though minor modifications to the bumper may enhance its proportions.

      In addition to the conventional five-door hatchback, Opel has confirmed that the facelift will extend to the Astra Sports Tourer wagon.

      CEO Florian Huettl stated that the refreshed Astra lineup aims to “delight customers with new, sharper, and more precise design elements as well as innovative technologies.”

      This likely indicates an updated interior with larger digital displays, new trim options, and enhancements to the latest driver-assistance technologies.

      Regarding the powertrain options, it is expected to mirror that of the updated Peugeot 308. This includes a 1.5-liter diesel engine with 129 hp (96 kW / 130 PS), a mild-hybrid 1.2-liter turbo petrol generating 143 hp (107 kW / 145 PS), a 1.6-liter plug-in hybrid providing a combined 192 hp (143 kW / 195 PS), and an all-electric variant rated at 154 hp (115 kW / 156 PS).

      Opel is set to unveil complete details of the updated Astra soon. Upon its release, it will compete in a market still dominated by the VW Golf and the Peugeot 308, while also facing rivals such as the Toyota Corolla and Hyundai i30, as traditional competitors like the Ford Focus and Renault Megane have recently exited the segment.

      The current Opel Astra (left) and Astra Sports Tourer (right).