One thinks back fondly on the old- and the not so old times at Opel. Those were success stories, where one could still hope, that he thread could be picked up again. A lot has been done since the historic low. The head of the company, Dr. Karl Neumann himself, took on the challenge in the below video, not only in his private- but also in his professional capacity.

At the latest in 2016, Opel would like to show a positive balance and here, the Astra is an eminently important building block. Far more important than the Karl, which comes from South Korea anyway, or the Corsa, which by no means, has undergone such radical changes. There are also more courageous steps planned. As far as design is concerned, they can perhaps carry out the planned steps themselves.

The new car won't be any bigger, at least not from the outside. Perhaps the statement 'inside bigger than outside', will be applicable here. Opel is also the first manufacturer, who not only speaks of 'up to' 200 kg of weight-saving, but adds: 'at least 120 kg'. This message is ardently awaited and will hopefully, be applicable to the other models as well. Another brave decision is not to offer an all-wheel drive, which could lead to all together more loading space. Nobody really believes that there won't be a two-door, particularly if one day a coupé should be presented.

There is however, no hybrid and, perhaps a real mistake, no direct-shift-gearbox. At the time, Opel was one of the first companies to take it on. The air-resistance (c_W less than 0,30) has indeed, been drastically reduced and the roof-height somewhat less (-26 mm). What can be welcomed, is the 50 mm shorter body-length with almost the same wheelbase.

The 1,4 litre-petrol engine with turbocharger and 107 kW (145 HP), is ready for the motor-press, whereby starters will have to be satisfied with the same engine but without charging and producing 'only' 74 kW (100 HP). Of course and once again, the most reasonable engine is not the most economical one. That would be the three-cylinder, which promises more temperament than its 77 kW (105 HP) suggest. At least in the case of the 1,4 litre turbo, there are already two or three direct-injection models to be had.

As far as the Diesel-engine is concerned, there's not much happening. Here, the same as with the other manufacturers, the same engine with different performance variations will be available. One could wish for a bit more sovereignty as far as the suspension is concerned, particularly over small uneven stretches of road. The steering is already crisp anyway, thus accurately following the trend. Perhaps this and the lack of adjustable damping, will give cause to give it a bit more thought. 06/15