CARS GLOBALMAG September 2016 | Page 42

FIT FOR FUN Lighter , more frugal and agile and at the same time even more comfortable – the new Opel Astra meets all of these demands thanks to its successful fitness program. The visionary Monza Concept, unveiled at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show, was the role model for the eleventh generation Opel compact class car. Depending on the model and trim level it’s up to 200 kilograms lighter than its predecessor. The completely new vehicle architecture plays a major role in the weight reduction. Every component was checked for compact design and lightweight materials. The bodyshell weight alone was reduced by 20 percent from 357 to 280 kilograms. Additional, chassis-related measures resulted in another 50 kilograms of weight reduction; these include high-strength and ultra-high-strength low-weight steels, compact subframes as well as weight reductions to the front and rear axle. The end result of this fitness program: it is more responsive, corners better and gives a much more direct overall driving experience. THE LATEST POWERTRAIN PORTFOLIO The engine in the new Opel Astra supports this claim. Outputs range from 70 kW/95 hp to 147 kW/200 hp. The diesel and gasoline engines with a displacement of up to 1.6 liters all have three things in common: they combine highest efficiency with excellent responsiveness and running smoothness. The 1.6 CDTI with a wide range of outputs starting at 70 kW/95 hp covers the diesel offer whereas the 1.0 ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo (77 kW/105 hp) is the base level