New Opel Astra range arrives in Ireland

The new generation range of Opel Astras have gone on sale here with prices starting from €18,995 for the 5-door model, writes Trish Whelan. The saloon version starts from €19,495. The range also includes the Sports Tourer station wagon and the 3-door GTC coupé as well as the high performance OPC version.

The range includes 1.4 and 1.6 petrol engines from 100/115/149/180hp as well as 1.3, 1.7 and 2.0 diesels of 95/110/130 and 165hp.

The 1.7 CDTI ecoFLEX emits just 99g/km C02 and returns 3.7 L/100km. The most powerful Astra ever is the new OPC with 280hp.

On the outside, the five-door, new 4-door saloon and Sports Tourer have been given a fresh face bringing the car more upmarket than before. Interior changes see a more sportier look, the use of new fabrics, colours and new glossy paint.

Many of the premium technologies that debuted in the Insignia and Zafira Tourer are now available in the new Astra line-up. These include the second generation Opel Eye front camera with the traffic sign assistant, lane departure warning, following distance indication and forward collision alert.

Early next year we will see the new SIDI (Spark Ignition Direct Injection) ECOTEC petrol engine generation with a 1.6hp and turbocharging, with the upper output level of up to 200hp.