2016 Opel/Holden Astra officially breaks cover

Further to yesterday’s leaked photos, Opel has officially unveiled its 2016 Astra K ahead of its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.

Headlining the new model is a weight reduction of up to 200kg, depending on model and trim. The car’s bodyshell itself is 20% lighter than outgoing model while use of high-strength and ultra-high-strength steels, more compact subframes and lighter front and rear axles contributes to a further 50kg reduction.

Thanks to the weight reduction, Opel promises the Astra to be more agile and more comfortable than before.

Under the car’s bonnet is a range of petrol and diesel engines. The highlight of the engine range is the all-new 107kW/250Nm 1.4-litre ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo, a four-cylinder unit from the same family as the 1-litre, three-cylinder engine found in the Corsa, Adam and Viva.

In keeping with the weight reduction philosophy, the aluminium block of the engine weighs 10kg less than the forged steel block of the current 1.4-litre turbo.

There’s also an entry-level 77kW1.0-litre ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo and a 1.6-litre CDTi ‘Whisper Diesel’ range with outputs starting from 81kW up to 118kW.

Said to be inspired by the Monza concept from the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show, the new Astra sports a more chiseled look with tighter lines.

Despite some 5cm shorter overall than its predecessor and sitting on a 2cm shorter wheelbase, Opel claims the Astra is more spacious. Rear passengers enjoys 35mm more legroom thanks to improved packaging and newly-designed seats.

Inside, a large colour touchscreen is linked to a new-generation IntelliLink infotainment system that supports both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Also making its debut in the Astra in Europe is 4G LTE WiFi hotspot.

In terms of safety, the new Astra will be available with Forward Collision Alert with Collision Imminent Braking, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, Traffic Sign Assist, Advanced Park Assist and Side Blind Sport Alert.

Matrix LED headlights are available as an option. It uses 16 LEDS and works with the Opel Eye front camera to avoid dazzling oncoming traffic on high beam.

The 2016 Opel Astra will arrive in Australia next year wearing a Holden badge.