Opel Astra and Astra GTC variants ready to launch

Opel is reviving the well regarded Astra model name for its first entry in the VFACTS small car segment. The Astra nameplate was worn by Holden models from as long ago as 1987, but the model name can be traced even further back in Opel's European lineage. Spearheading the German company's first foray into the Australian market under its own brand, the latest Astra will be sold in the form of either five-door hatch or wagon (Sports Tourer). Astra sales will commence from September 1 and the small car is odds-on favourite to be the volume selling model in the range. It will sit between the entry end Opel Corsa and range-topping Opel Insignia.

Astra models are available with a choice of three turbocharged engines, beginning with a 1.4-litre four-cylinder petrol. Offered with a choice of six-speed manual (hatch variants only) and six-speed automatic transmissions, the entry-level engine generates 103kW/220nM and returns a fuel consumption average of 5.9L/100km (6.7L/100km auto) on the combined cycle, emitting 139g/km of CO2 (156g/km auto). It is available in base model and Astra GTC variants only and is priced from $23,990 for Astra manual models. Automatic models attract a $2000 premium, as do Sports Tourer (wagon) models. Astra GTC 1.4 Turbo is priced from $28,990 for the manual and $30,990 for the automatic.

Pricewise, the next engine in the new flock of Astra models is a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel. It is offered in base model and mid-spec Astra Select variants with the choice of a six-speed manual (hatch only) or six-speed automatic transmission from $27,990 and $29,990 respectively for base models, and $31,990 (manual, hatch only) or $33,990 (automatic) for Astra Select variants Wagon models again attract a $2000 premium. The 2.0T Diesel engine is rated at 121kW/350Nm and returns a combined cycle fuel economy figure of 4.7L/100km (5.9L/100km auto). Official CO2 emissions are 124g/km (156g/km auto). Manual-equipped diesel models also receive idle stop-start as standard.

Mid-spec Astra Select models are also the first in the line-up to be offered with Opel’s 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine. Again, the variant is mated to a choice of six-speed manual (hatch only) and six-speed automatic transmissions and in the case of Astra Select models is priced from $28,990 for the manual and $30,990 for the automatic. Good for 132kW and 230Nm, the engine is shared with the top-spec Astra Sport hatch and wagon variants -- the only engine option in this grade -- from $33,490 in manual guise or $35,490 coupled to the self-shifter. It consumes 7.0L/100km (7.3L/100km auto) of fuel on the combined cycle and emits 164g/km (171g/km auto) of CO2.

The high output 1.6 Turbo Petrol is also found beneath the bonnet of the range-topping Astra GTC Sport 1.6 Turbo, matched exclusively to a six-speed manual transmission. It is priced from $34,990.

Across the range, Astra models are offered with a long list of standard features. Options include FlexRide adaptive suspension, AGR-accredited seats, adaptive bi-xenon headlamps, USB music connectivity, Bluetooth telephony, climate control, voice control and alloy wheels, to name but a few, and Opel also reserve a $2750 luxury pack for the base-grade Astra, although no other details were available concerning this pack as we went to press.

Mid-spec Astra Select models are offered optionally with a Navi Pack comprising satellite navigation, seven-inch colour display and premium seven-speaker audio system from $1250; Leather Sports Seat Pack offering leather trimmed AGR-certified heated sports seats from $2500; or Prestige Pack comprising the aforementioned Leather Sports Seat Pack and adaptive headlamps from $4500.

Stepping up to Astra Sport models brings a solitary option pack, imaginatively dubbed Premium Forward Lighting Pack and comprising adaptive bi-xenon headlamps with high-pressure washers and daytime running lamps, from $2000. The model is also available with Opel’s FlexRide adaptive chassis system from $2000 and 19-inch alloy wheels from $1000.

Astra GTC 1.4 Turbo models are also offered with the Leather Sports Seat Pack found on Astra Select models, from $2500 and Navigation Pack from $1250. Top-spec Astra GTC Sport 1.6 Turbo models are available optionally with the Premium Forward Lighting Pack from $2000, FlexRide adaptive chassis system from $2000, and 20-inch alloy wheels from $1000.

All Astra models achieve a five-star EuroNCAP safety rating with stability control, traction control, antilock brakes and front, side and curtain airbags fitted as standard to every model in the range.

Visit motoring.com.au again soon for our full launch review of the 2012 Opel Astra.