At dealerships from October: World premiere for new Astra generation
New Astra Sports Tourer world premiere: With foot-activated power tailgate
Top connectivity: With personal connectivity and service assistant Opel OnStar
Smartphone integration: New IntelliLink systems compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
50 years ago: Opel presented its next bestseller, the Kadett B
Lifestyle van with fun factor: World premiere for Vivaro Surf Concept
This is Opel: Experts from many departments at booth D09 in hall 8.0
Rüsselsheim/Frankfurt. The new Opel Astra and the new Astra Sports Tourer make their world premieres at the IAA in Frankfurt from September 17 – 27. The models are nothing less than a quantum leap for the compact class in terms of efficiency, connectivity and premium features, packed in a new, athletic design. Covering over 3,300 square meters, the Astra Galaxy-shaped booth D09 in hall 8.0 revolves around the next generation of the successful Opel model. Entirely created from a white sheet of paper, the lightweight-design Astra is powered exclusively by newest-generation engines. It features numerous safety and assistance systems that are unrivalled or even make their premiere in this class, such as the groundbreaking glare-free IntelliLux LED® matrix light system. The Astra is also the first new Opel model that comes with Opel OnStar - the second main attraction at the IAA - right from market launch. The personal connectivity and service assistant ensures best connectivity around the clock and makes driving more relaxing. In addition, the next generation of the IntelliLink infotainment system debuts two new devices, enabling top smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
“The Astra leads Opel into a new era. Two years ago in Frankfurt, we presented the visionary Monza Concept study that combines pure efficiency with comprehensive, one-of-a-kind connectivity. Now we present our brand-new Astra generation, which already realizes many of the study's trailblazing features. The new Astra is more efficient, lighter and more comfortable than ever before. Together with Opel OnStar and the next IntelliLink generation, it elevates the compact class to the next level in terms of connectivity and smartphone integration. Come visit us at the IAA and explore the fascinating Astra Galaxy with us,” says Opel Group CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann.
Not only will the new Astra be on display. Trade show visitors can take a close look at around 30 exhibition cars displayed at the spacious Opel booth – including the first ever Vivaro Surf Concept. The stylish sports and leisure vehicle with outstanding load capacity will celebrate its debut in Frankfurt. For those who would like to get to know Opel and the brand’s various fields of business activities better, experts from the product team as well as from vocational training, the Customer Info Center, Opel Bank and many other departments will be available to answer questions and share information. Opel has another special highlight on the public days, when many famous guests from the German Fußball-Bundesliga will be at the booth, so multiple visits to the Astra Galaxy at the IAA are definitely worthwhile.
Quantum leap in the compact class: The new Opel Astra
Lighter, more frugal and agile while offering even greater comfort – the role model for the eleventh generation Opel compact class car was the visionary Monza Concept presented at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show. It reflects efficiency with every component. The new Astra consistently realizes this vision: depending on the model and trim level, it is up to 200 kilograms lighter than the outgoing model, mainly due to its completely new vehicle architecture. The result of this weight reduction is improved agility and driving comfort. The new Astra is more fun to drive than ever before.
The Astra powertrain line-up also plays a big role in this enhanced driving experience: each new Astra features a member of the completely new engine portfolio with outputs ranging from 70 kW/95 hp to 147 kW/200 hp. The gasoline and diesel engines with a displacement up to 1.6 liters all combine highest efficiency with excellent responsiveness, running smoothness and low noise generation. The all-new 1.4 ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo engine makes its premiere in the Astra. The four-cylinder unit with weight-saving all-aluminum design delivers 92 kW/125 hp or 110 kW/150 hp and up to 245 Nm maximum torque. Depending on the output version, consumption in the combined cycle decreases down to 4.9 liters per 100 kilometers (114 g/km CO2). The three-cylinder 1.0 ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo engine with 77 kW/105 hp is the most frugal engine in the gasoline line-up, with consumptions that can be as low as 4.2 liters per 100 km (96 g/km CO2). And all versions of the 1.6 CDTI ‘whisper diesel’ with 70 kW/95 hp, 81 kW/110 hp and 100 kW/136 hp and a manual 6-speed transmission have CO2 emissions below 100 g/km – with the best currently at 3.4 liters per 100 kilometers and 90 grams of CO2 per kilometer.
The styling of the new Astra also radiates pure efficiency. The evolution of the Opel design philosophy ‘Sculptural Artistry meets German Precision’ ensures that the new Astra conveys a lighter, more athletic appearance. In front the newly designed double grill bar and radiator grill flow seamlessly into the sharply defined matrix headlights. The most significant design cue is the ‘breakthrough’ C-pillar, which creates the impression of a floating roof. With a total length of 4.37 meters, the newcomer is almost 5.0 centimeters shorter than the outgoing model while its height has been reduced by 2.5 centimeters to 1.48 meters. With this leaner, streamlined body, the standard version of the new Astra currently already boasts an outstanding drag coefficient of 0.285.
Smaller exterior with larger interior: Opel engineers get the credit for successfully squaring this circle. Rear-seat passengers benefit from a whopping 35 millimeters more legroom than before. The cockpit also embodies the efficiency maxim: the number of knobs and buttons has been reduced to a minimum and most infotainment functions transferred to the touch screen; control ergonomics remain outstanding while clarity has been dramatically improved. The award-winning IntelliLink infotainment system is located in the middle of the center console, where the driver has an excellent view of the display and ideal access to its operation.
The new Astra is also a trailblazer in terms of connectivity, comfort and safety technologies: it is the first new Opel model that is available with the personal connectivity and service assistant Opel OnStar from its launch. In addition, two new IntelliLink versions celebrate their debut in the Astra, enabling top smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The intelligent IntelliLux LED® matrix light in the new Astra, which automatically ensures maximum use of high beam lighting efficiency without glaring other drivers is another absolute novelty and safety highlight. There are also many innovative assistance systems based on the latest-generation Opel Eye front camera that further support the driver: more extensive and accurate traffic sign assist, lane keep assist now with automatic steering correction and front collision alert with autonomous emergency braking. The new generation AGR (Campaign for Healthier Backs) certified premium ergonomic seats offer additional comfort with their unique combination of side bolster adjustment, massage and memory function as well as ventilation.
Fit for job & family: The next Astra Sports Tourer generation
The second world premiere Opel presents at the IAA is the new Astra Sports Tourer. It comes with the same trendsetting development features and innovations as its five-door sibling. The station wagon variant also shows what efficient packaging really means: with similar dimensions – and depending on variant also up to 200 kilograms lighter than before – the driver enjoys 26 millimeters of additional headroom and rear-seat passengers benefit from 28 millimeters more legroom. And the new Astra Sports Tourer can carry more luggage than before – now up to 1,630 liters.
The compact class station wagon makes stowing luggage child’s play: for the first time, the tailgate can be opened and closed without a touch or a remote control. In combination with “Keyless Open” and start, a simple small kicking motion under the rear bumper is enough to open the tailgate. And it can be closed just as effortlessly: another kicking motion under the bumper gently closes the tailgate. The clever system can detect any obstruction and stops the mechanism in case of emergency. In order to increase loading space, the new Astra Sports Tourer comes with optional 40/20/40 foldable rear seats, enabling even more flexible loading space configurations.
The new 1.6 ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo that also makes its premiere in the Astra Sports Tourer and the five-door hatchback is the top-of the-range engine available. The 147 kW/200 hp direct injection turbo unit mobilizes an impressive 300 Nm of torque (with overboost).
The new benchmark for relaxed driving and top connectivity: Opel OnStar
With the beginning of the new Astra era, Opel is also driving into a new age of vehicle connectivity. The first cars with Opel OnStar hit the roads a few days ago. The personal connectivity and service assistant makes driving more comfortable and above all more relaxed. The groundbreaking system is now being gradually introduced in the brand’s passenger car lines. It will first be rolled out in 13 European markets, with more following later. Customers will be able to use the entire service portfolio provided by Opel OnStar including Automatic Crash Response, 24-Hour Emergency Call Service, Roadside Assistance, Stolen Vehicle Assistance and the high-speed 4G LTE Wi-Fi Hotspot – free of charge for the first 12 months after registration. With this, Opel yet again demonstrates its commitment to making premium technologies available to a wider audience.
With Opel OnStar, drivers can contact an advisor at the push of a button 24/7, 365 days per year. Opel OnStar identifies the driver’s language with the help of the car’s infotainment system settings. In this way, the customer is directly connected to an OnStar advisor who can fluently speak with them in their preferred language. And even when they are not near their car, via the myOpel smartphone app drivers can call up vehicle data, locate their car as well as lock and unlock it. Opel OnStar is solely a service and emergency system without any monitoring function. At a push of the Privacy Button, the current vehicle location is masked. Only in case of an airbag deployment does the system automatically unmask the location for emergency services – because saving lives has priority!
Innovation 50 years ago: IAA premiere of Kadett B bestseller
Making visions come true and innovative technologies affordable for a wide audience – both have a long tradition at Opel. Exactly 50 years ago – half a century before the premiere of the most efficient Astra ever – Opel caused a sensation in Frankfurt with another trendsetting model. At the IAA in 1965, the automaker presented the forebear of today’s Astra, the Kadett B. The successor to the first post-war Kadett was available in three body versions right from market launch: as a two or four-door sedan, as a CarAvan station wagon and as a chic coupé. The model was a resounding success. In the following years, a total of 2.6 million units rolled off the assembly line – and the rallye Kadett became a familiar winner in motorsports.
Stylish roomy van for leisure time fun: The Opel Vivaro Surf Concept
The Opel Vivaro Surf Concept also has series production potential. The concept is also making its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show and showcases the Vivaro as a lifestyle van. One year after the successful launch of the new generation midsize light commercial vehicle, Opel will demonstrate how much fun the passenger version can be. Five to six passengers (depending of the seating configuration) along with the entire sports and fitness equipment? No problem for the Opel Vivaro Surf Concept. The roomy CrewCab van shows how outstanding load capacities can be combined with a high level of comfort and stylish design. It also has one especially practical detail: It offers a separate cargo area of 3.2 cubic meters – or 4.0 cubic meters for the long wheelbase version. Thus, the Opel Vivaro Surf Concept is ideal for transporting wet or dirty utensils after a trip to the beach or to the mountains without people in the classy passenger compartment even noticing.
The close-to-production Vivaro Surf Concept is a real eye-catcher with its shiny copper-brown and white paint and foliation. It has a special surfboard bracket so that stylish longboard fans do not have to go on vacation without their beloved board. The air suspension of the rear axle adds an additional level of ride comfort. Furthermore, in combination with the shortened springs, it reduces the vehicle’s height by roughly seven centimeters to 1.90 meters, thus ensuring that the Vivaro Surf Concept can access most multi-storey car parks.
Cars and much more: This is all at Opel
The new Opel compact class is the highlight of the Astra Galaxy at the IAA. But visitors can learn much more about the Rüsselsheim automaker at the Opel booth D09 in hall 8.0. This year, Opel celebrates 150 of vocational training – whoever would like to learn more about job and career opportunities at the brand can ask the department specialists on site in hall 8.0 or in the exhibition area “job and career at IAA 2015” in hall 4.0. In addition, co-exhibitors around the Astra Galaxy (booth D09) are the Opel Bank, Opel Rent and Opel car insurance. All potential private car renters can learn more about Opel’s innovative carsharing model CarUnity, and specialists from the “Opel Certified Used Car” program and Customer Info Center are also on site at the IAA. For all those who would like to take home a personal Opel memento, the Opel shop offers a large selection of products from model cars to t-shirts.
More text and photos can be downloaded at media.opel.com.
