Opel is counting on this facelift to attract buyers away from SUVs | Carscoops

      The Opel Astra hatchback and Sports Tourer wagon have been updated with a new lighting signature as part of a mid-cycle refresh.

      8 hours ago

      by Thanos Pappas

      Opel has unveiled the refreshed Astra hatchback and Sports Tourer.

      The updated design features a newly illuminated grille and a sportier bumper.

      Available powertrains include diesel, hybrid, PHEV, and electric options.

      Update: We’ve included official images and technical specifications for the refreshed Astra and Astra Sports Tourer, which have just been released by Opel.

      While SUVs dominate sales figures in Europe, compact hatchbacks continue to maintain their subtle charm. After the facelift of the Peugeot 308, Stellantis now focuses on the updated Opel Astra, a close relative and a direct competitor to the VW Golf's enduring presence.

      The sixth-generation Astra (L), introduced in 2021, represented a significant departure from its GM heritage, adopting Stellantis architecture for the first time. Four years later, it is receiving a mid-cycle update aimed at keeping it top of mind for buyers and enhancing its competitiveness against Opel’s growing SUV lineup.

      The model remains easily identifiable, with revisions primarily at the front. The Opel Vizor grille now features wider LED elements surrounding the illuminated Opel Blitz badge. Together, these form what the company describes as the Opel Compass, a design element that will be integrated throughout the range.

      The Astra also sports a newly designed bumper with glossy black accents between the air intakes. Although the profile and rear section remain mostly the same, the introduction of new 17 and 18-inch alloy wheels adds a contemporary touch.

      In addition to the classic five-door hatchback, Opel has also updated the Astra Sports Tourer with the facelift. Other wagons in this compact segment include the Peugeot 308 SW, Toyota Corolla Touring Sports, Hyundai i30 Wagon, VW Golf Variant, Seat Leon ST, and Skoda Octavia Combi.

      The interior essentially remains unchanged, but the ergonomically designed Intelli-Seats, which were once exclusive to higher trims, are now standard across the range, enhancing comfort. The seats are made from a recycled and recyclable fabric called ReNewKnit, and feature options for multi-stage heating, electro-pneumatic lumbar support, massage, and memory functionalities.

      While the Astra keeps the dual 10-inch displays, Opel claims that the cockpit and infotainment user interface have been improved to be “clearer and more intuitive.”

      Powertrain Options

      Opel has not provided specific details about the powertrain lineup, which is expected to resemble that of the refreshed Peugeot 308. This lineup includes a 1.5-liter turbodiesel engine generating 129 hp (96 kW / 130 PS), a mild-hybrid 1.2-liter turbo petrol engine with 143 hp (107 kW / 145 PS), a 1.6-liter plug-in hybrid with a combined output of 192 hp (143 kW / 195 PS), and a fully electric version rated at 154 hp (115 kW / 156 PS).

      The Astra Electric features a larger 58 kWh battery, which extends its WLTP range by 34 km (21 miles) to a more competitive 454 km (282 miles) and includes Vehicle to Load (V2L) capabilities for charging external devices.

      The refreshed Astra will debut to the public at the Brussels Motor Show on January 9, ahead of its launch in European markets. Pricing and availability details will be revealed soon.

      The compact model faces stiff competition, led by the VW Golf and the closely related Peugeot 308, as well as rivals like the Toyota Corolla and Hyundai i30. Traditional contenders such as the Ford Focus and Renault Megane have recently exited this segment.

      The facelifted Astra lineup (above) compared to the previous models (below).