Compact Class Future: New Opel Astra and Opel OnStar

•          At dealerships from October: World premiere for new #astra generation
•          Top connectivity: With personal connectivity and service assistant #opel OnStar
•          Smartphone integration: New IntelliLink systems with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
•          50 years ago: #opel presented its next bestseller, the Kadett B
•          This is Opel: Experts from many departments at booth D09 in hall 8.0

The new #opel Astra makes its world premiere at the #iaa in Frankfurt from September 17 – 27. The newcomer is 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 #opelonstar 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. 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 it is definitely worth it to visit the #astra Galaxy at the #iaa more than once.

Quantum leap in the compact class: The new #opel Astra

Lighter, more frugal and agile while offering even higher 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 its predecessor, 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 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 grille bar and radiator grille flow seamlessly into the sharply defined matrix headlights. The most significant design cue is the divided 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 its predecessor while its height has been reduced by 2.5 centimeters to 1.48 meters. With this leaner, streamlined body, already the standard version of the new #astra currently 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.

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 #opelonstar 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 #opelonstar 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. #opelonstar 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. #opelonstar 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.

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.