Opel Astra Gets Facelift, New Engine Range

[Toto]

2007 Opel Astra

Astra customers will have a choice of eleven different engines from 90 to 240 hp. The Astra engine range is expanded with two new highly efficient 1.6-liter gasoline engines and two 1.7 CDTI common-rail turbo-diesel units that are already capable of meeting future emissions standards.

The new weight-optimized 1.6 TWINPORT ECOTEC (85 kW/115 hp) with a variable camshaft joins the bestselling 1.6-liter TWINPORT engine (77 kW/105 hp). With the 115 hp engine coupled to a five-speed Easytronic transmission, the Astra needs only 6.3 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers. Continuous variable control of both camshafts is the main reason for the performance benefits. With this “Cam-Phase” system, valve timing can be varied depending on the speed and load range of the four-valve unit for optimal performance or consumption.The new 1.6-liter turbo engine (132 kW/180 hp), which replaces the 2.0-liter turbo with 125 kW/170 hp and comes with a six-speed transmission as standard, boasts an even greater reduction in consumption. Compared with its predecessor, total consumption is reduced by more than 13 percent to 7.7 liters per 100 kilometers.

http://www.globalautoindex.com/news.plt?no=1618









Opel replace the low pressure 2.0 Turbo Ecotec w/ 170hp with the new 1.6 Turbo Ecotec w/ 180hp. Consumption was improved around 13 percent compared to the old one.


Pics taken from Auto Bild (www.autobild.de)

EDIT: Better pics and more details here http://www.worldcarfans.com/news.cfm...elift-revealed

[GM-10]

I'd mortgage what I dopn't have to own an Astra GTC or 5-door.

Those are some sweeeet vehicles.

[Toto]

Available engines:

1.4 Twinport / 90hp / 39mpg (combined / EU mix)
1.6 Twinport / 105hp / 36mpg
1.6 / 115hp / 36mpg
1.6 Turbo / 180hp / 31mpg
1.8 / 140hp / 32mpg
2.0 Turbo / 200hp / 25mpg
2.0 Turbo / 240hp / 25mpg

1.3 diesel / 90hp / 49mpg
1.9 diesel / 100hp / 41mpg
1.9 diesel / 120hp / 40mpg
1.9 diesel / 150hp / 40mpg

[Platt_Mallar]

Look at that freaking windshield! That's awesome!

[coaster.n3rd]

So... On-Star would not be in the mirror with that particular setup would it? A compass or even auto dimming?

[Butz]

So a new engine and IRS, is that it? Still greater than what GM have in NA.

[Quickening]

This car needs to be here and owning the compact market.

[Toto]

Originally Posted by Butz

So a new engine and IRS, is that it? Still greater than what GM have in NA.

Yep, it's more under the hood and a little bit more chrome at the front end. Unfortunately the pictures don't show it because of the bad quality, but the materials used for the interior are also improved.

As everybody can see it, even GM Europe don't make the most beautiful photos.

[tosil]

I have a question in regards to that roof/windshield?... I've seen sun visors (I think) mounted at the base of the windshield, which is right above the driver/passenger's head. How would it be possible to block the sun that way? If anyone has experienced a drive in one of these cars, please let me know.

[paul8488]

I saw an Astra with a Panoramic roof at an autoshow... there's a huge sliding panel that converts the car into one with a regular roof. I took some pics... I'll find them and post them...

[paul8488]

I'm so pleased that GM is consistently showing signs of 'getting it'. The Astra hasn't even had time to become stale and it's getting a touch-up. A few of GMs models are beyond hope, but I really hope cars like the Aura and GMT900s get the kind of TLC that the Astra and Solstice and G6 are getting.

[throwback]

Originally Posted by Platt_Mallar

Look at that freaking windshield! That's awesome!

Yes it is. I sat in a 3 door Astra in Germany, I loved the panoramic view. SAAB needs to make this an option on their cars. This is a close to the AERO X canopy as you can get.

[throwback]

Originally Posted by tosil

I have a question in regards to that roof/windshield?... I've seen sun visors (I think) mounted at the base of the windshield, which is right above the driver/passenger's head. How would it be possible to block the sun that way? If anyone has experienced a drive in one of these cars, please let me know.

Their is a sliding shade that includes the visors. Similar to a sun roof shade. You pull it down and it comes to the top of the windshield. From inside the windshield looks conventional. Slide the shade back and VOILA. Why GM has not added this feature to more cars is a mystery to me. I know it is expensive but make it an option. IMO this much nicer than a large sunroof.

[paul8488]

For comparison:






Headlights are the same shape but have different lenses, the front clip has a more pronounced centre section, the fog lights and surrounds are different, the grille has gained a bar... nothing major but still nice to see a freshening.

[DanCBJMS1988]

Not bad for a facelift! I'd take the top-spec wagon in dark green with a 1.9L 150hp diesel please - so long as I have enough money!