Opel is all set to debut the new Astra K Sports Tourer in less than a week at the Frankfurt Motor Show (September 17-27), and it’s crammed the new model with loads of tech, slashed weight, and somehow kept it the same size.
Then again, it’s no niche version; the Touring model typically accounts for 30 percent of Astra sales in Europe, with the majority gobbled up by Germany, the UK and Italy. Lots to live up to, then.
But let’s get to the good stuff, shall we? Like the Astra hatchback, the elongated Opel Astra Sports Tourer sits on completely new architecture that makes it up to 200 kilograms– yes, kilograms– lighter than the outgoing model. That’s a full 440 lbs trimmer than its forbearer, which should lead to drastically improved handling and fuel consumption.
Somehow, Opel has also managed to keep it the same length (185 inches), height (59 inches) and width (73 inches) as the outgoing Astra Sports Tourer, though it’s worth mentioning that last dimension is measured with the mirrors folded in. Still, it’s an impressive feat when you consider the driver will enjoy and extra inch of headroom, while rear passengers also get an extra 1.1-inches of legroom.
As usual, buyers will be able to pick from a range of engines, with outputs ranging from 95 hp to a 200 hp, while a host of diesel and gas engines displace 1.0L to 1.6L.
Frankfurt also marks the debut of Opel’s new, range-topping 1.6 Liter Turbo I4 Ecotec LWC engine, which kicks out 200 hp and up to 221 lb-ft of torque on full overboost.
The new wagon’s also crammed with loads of goodies like segment-exclusive, IntelliLux LED headlamps with glare-free high beams, the latest generation Opel Eye front camera, Opel OnStar, a “keyless Open” tailgate that opens with a wave of the foot, and a new Intellilink infotainment system fitted with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
If the spec sheet, looks, and features are anything to go by the new Opel Astra Sports Tourer should be a total knockout. Order books in Germany open October 10, 2015, with other countries soon to follow.
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Comments
Why, oh why, can’t they simply bring this model to us Yankees as a Buick?
Not yet another four-door sedan badged as a Verano. There are more customers out there than twenty-somethings needing to go everywhere with their peeps and early thirty-somethings obsessed with small crossovers to haul the Labrador or the baby. Some of us would like a sport wagon that offers utility with some style, some kick and some great handling.
Some color choices beyond white, black, grey, silver and garish blue would be nice also.
In order to get something like this, I have to buy a BMW or move to Europe, apparently.
Michael, you read my thoughts! Every one of them.
2017 insignia rendering
http://www.ultimatecarblog.com/will-2017-opel-vauxhall-insignia-continue-increase-sales-opel/