New Opel Astra arrives with plug-in hybrid power

The drapes have come off the eighth-generation Opel Astra in Europe, revealing a stylish premium hatchback that is designed to better challenge the latest Volkswagen Golf.

On sale in Europe early next year and a chance to be sold in Australia if a fresh tilt is mounted by the PSA/Stellantis-owned brand, the 2022 Opel Astra has emerged with two plug-in hybrid powertrains.

Both PHEVs combine a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine with an 81kW electric motor.

The most powerful version produces more than 165kW and should boast a pure-electric range of up to 50km, thanks to its 12.4kWh lithium-ion battery. The entry version produces 133kW.

Opel says both models need less than two hours to have their battery replenished, owing to the inclusion of a 7.4kW on-board charger.

As well as the two PHEV variants, a 1.2-litre turbo-petrol and 1.5-litre diesel engine will be offered, with the German car-maker confirming that power will range from 81kW to 96kW.

A new low-friction six-speed manual transmission will be available with the regular combustion engines, plus an eight-speed automatic that will be standard on the plug-in hybrid models.

Based on an updated third-generation version of the PSA-developed EMP2 architecture upon which the Peugeot 308 is based, the new Astra measures in at 4372mm long and 1860mm wide.

This is 4mm longer than the current model, but the wheelbase has been stretched by 13mm for more room inside and up to 422 litres of luggage space is available – 42 litres more than the Golf.

Unlike the Volkswagen, all Astra models come with pseudo MacPherson struts up front and a torsion bar rear suspension configuration, missing out on the option of VW's more sophisticated rear multi-link set-up.

That said, body rigidity has been boosted by up to 14 per cent over the previous model, which should translate into more precise handling.

Adopting Opel's latest Vizor design language, the new Astra features the car-maker's next-gen Intelli-Lux LED Pixel headlights that incorporate 168 LED elements.

Inside, the Astra gets the Opel's recent Pure Panel 10-inch digital instrument display that's mirrored by another 10-inch infotainment touch-screen which boasts wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Like the most recent Volkswagen Group products, designers have worked hard to slash the number of physical buttons but there are shortcuts for the ventilation system to help reduce the need for cycling through sub-menus.

A new multifunction steering wheel has also been introduced.

Other changes include new driver and passenger front seats that are claimed to be both more comfortable and supportive and sit 12mm lower for better positioning. They also come with a ventilation and massage function, plus the option of Alcantara trim.

New driver assistance tech has also been rolled out, with all models coming with four cameras, five radars and front and rear ultrasonic sensors to provide for semi-autonomous cruise control that's capable of auto lane changes on the highway. The system does, however, require the driver to keep his or her hands on the wheel at all times.

Astras equipped with the eight-speed auto also come with a stop-start self-driving feature that's set up for traffic jams. Other new driving assistance aids include a 360-degree parking camera, traffic sign recognition and rear cross traffic alert.

Once launched in 2022 it's thought a new Sports Tourer wagon will follow shortly after, possibly arriving before the end of next year.

Both the all-new Astra and Opel Mokka SUV could spearhead an Opel revival in Australia following the revelation just last year that senior Opel execs were considering a comeback in the wake of GM pulling the plug on Holden.

Under Stellantis ownership, the brand has already confirmed grand expansion plans into new territories, with Opel moving into 20 new global markets alone in 2022, including Russia, Columbia and Ecuador.

But Australia may prove more of a challenge for the German brand.

Under GM, Opel dipped a toe in the Australian market back in 2012 before pricing pressures and fierce competition saw it withdraw in August 2013 after just 12 months.