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2016 Opel Astra Sports Tourer

Just like its five-door sibling, the Opel Astra Sports Tourer will be available with Opel OnStar and the new IntelliLink infotainment systems ensuring that it has an ultramodern and extensive connectivity offer. The same applies to the numerous safety and assistance systems along with the equipment features previously only known from cars from higher segments. And last but not least, the new Astra Sports Tourer will turn heads with its elegant, lean and athletic styling. The aerodynamics and interior demonstrate perfectly just how intelligent the design and the entire packaging are. With a cd-value of 0.272, the Astra Sports Tourer is just as efficient as the five-door version. Furthermore, the newcomer has exactly the same dimensions as the outgoing model but is considerably more spacious inside. Occupants can enjoy more headroom, more legroom in the back and loading space has been increased by 80 liters to 1,630 liters in total. In general, the new Opel Astra Sports Tourer offers more all-round comfort. This makes the Astra Sports Tourer the perfect car for everyday use as a comfortable company or a multifunctional family car.

"Our new Astra Sports Tourer and our new Astra hatchback - they are two sides of the same coin. Both represent a quantum leap for Opel and for the compact class. Apart from offering ultramodern connectivity and evolutionary design, the station wagon version focuses even more on efficiency," said Opel Group CEO Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann. "Our Sports Tourer is the perfect combination of practicality and dynamism: more space, less weight and in addition clever, trendsetting equipment details and features such as the power tailgate that opens and closes automatically with a little kick of the foot. This is how compact class station wagons should be nowadays."

Efficient packaging: Athletic design with amble space

The new Opel Astra Sports Tourer impresses with its athletic appearance. Just like its five-door sibling, it takes Opel's design philosophy 'Sculptural Artistry meets German Precision' to the next level: efficient, light and dynamic. The newly designed double chrome bar on the grill carries the Blitz and the front headlamps melt into the radiator grill to form a graphic unity. The Sports Tourer further extends the dynamic lines of the 5-door. The slightly arched sloping roofline gives the station wagon a longer appearance - an effect that is further enhanced by the divided C-pillar. The rear view combines high functionality with sporting, elegant design. The Astra Sports Tourer has a stable, robust and safe stance - the muscular rear-wheel arch contours and the divided rear light clusters add to this impression.

The latest generation Sports Tourer has almost the same dimensions as the outgoing model with a length of 4,702 millimeters, a width of 1,871 millimeters (with exterior mirrors folded in) and a height of 1,510 millimeters - however, it offers much more space for passengers and luggage. The driver can enjoy 26 millimeters of additional headroom, passengers in the rear have 28 millimeters more legroom - two convincing improvements for spatial perception and travelling comfort. In addition, it can now shoulder 1,630 liters of luggage thanks to the efficient packaging.

Clever and variable: Loading space improvements that help on a daily basis

Opel offers an extremely practical novelty for the new Astra Sports Tourer, which will help on a daily basis: for the first time, the tailgate can be opened without a touch or a remote control. In combination with "Keyless Open" a simple small kicking motion under the rear bumper is enough to open the tailgate. A further kicking motion under the bumper will close the tailgate. The clever system can detect any obstruction and stops the mechanism in case of emergency. Furthermore, the tailgate can still be opened by a switch on the driver's side of the car, buttons in the luggage compartment or via the key's remote control.

In order to increase loading space the new Astra Sports Tourer comes with optional 40/20/40 foldable rear seats enabling even more flexible loading space configurations. Furthermore, the FlexOrganizer product range with side rails, dividing nets and various fastening options is available and an option so that all loaded materials can be stored safely and tidily.

Lightweight construction + new generation engines = great driving fun and economy

Each Sports Tourer component was looked at with practicality and efficiency in mind. This is not only visible when it comes to the efficient use of space but especially when it comes to the weight. Compact design on the in and outside and the lightweight bodyshell helped the station wagon shed up to 190 kilograms. High-strength and ultra-high-strength steels, modifications to the axles, to the front and rear along with new production process all played a part in the impressive result. The entry-level Astra Sports Tourer weighs just 1,188 kilograms (excluding driver) and is thus lighter than before. This obviously has a positive effect on agility, ride comfort, consumption and costs.

The engine portfolio with outputs ranging from 70 kW/95 hp to 147 kW/200 hp (fuel consumption and CO2 emissions combined: 6.2-3.4 l/100 km; 142-89 g/km) also adds to the aforementioned virtues. The Sports Tourer will only be powered by engines of the latest generation. The diesel and gasoline engines with a displacement range of 1.0 to 1.6 liters all combine highest efficiency with excellent responsiveness.

A new engine in the portfolio is the two-stage turbocharged top-of-the-range 1.6-liter diesel. The especially compact 1.6 BiTurbo CDTI with 118 kW/160 hp develops its maximum torque of 350 Nm from only 1,500 rpm. The superiority of the common rail engine comes from the sequential, two-stage turbocharging. A small VGT (variable geometry turbine) turbocharger is responsible for the exemplary responsiveness without "turbo lag" in the low rpm range. The Astra Sports Tourer with the 1.6-liter BiTurbo under the hood only needs 8.1 seconds to accelerate from 80 to 120 km/h. But it is not only powerful - it is also frugal and in combination with six-speed manual transmission, Start/Stop and low-rolling-resistance tires, only needs 4.1 liters of diesel per 100 kilometers (109 grams of CO2 per kilometer). With this brand new powertrain, the diesel offer in the Astra family is now extended to four power levels, all based on the similar 1.6 displacement, with 70 kW/95 hp, 81 kW/110 hp, 100 kW/136 hp and 118 kW/160 hp.

Five different gasoline engines are available for the Astra Sports Tourer including the all-aluminum 1.0 ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo and the 1.4-liter, four-cylinder turbo. The new 1.6 ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo that will celebrate its premiere at the IAA is the top-of the-range engine available for the Astra Sports Tourer. The 147 kW/200 hp direct injection turbo unit mobilizes an impressive 300 Nm of torque (with overboost, fuel consumption and CO2 emissions combined: 6.0 l/100 km, 139 g/km, with low-rolling-resistance tires).

Money-saver: Premium quality, low total cost of ownership

However, the outstanding efficiency proposed by the new Astra is not only linked to the innovative powertrain technologies. Thanks to ultra-modern production methods and high-quality materials, it reaches an excellent level of quality - attributes that also have a positive impact on the total cost of ownership, where the new Astra also sets the standard in its class. Predicted residual value of the Astra Sports Tourer 1.4 ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo Business CDTI Business is up around seven percent or €2,485 over a five-year period and 100,000 kilometers. In total, savings add up to €3,374.

The Opel Astra Sports Tourer 1.6 CDTI Business with 81 kW/110 PS goes one better with a predicted residual value of 48.8% after three years or 90,000 kilometers respectively - almost twelve percent or €3,465 more than the previous model. This sees the new Astra Sports Tourer climb to the top of the total cost of ownership table - no competitor is more cost-conscientious and economical. The attractive terms for the Business models along with generous service intervals of 30,000 kilometers, play just as important a role as reduced fuel consumption.

Innovative technologies: Safety, comfort and connectivity taken to a new level

Apart from impressing with ultramodern, trendsetting engine, the new Astra Sports Tourer also sets new standards in safety, infotainment and comfort. The intelligent IntelliLux LED® matrix light in the new Astra is another absolute novelty in the compact segment. It enables permanent extra-urban driving with glare-free high beams and automatically and continuously deactivates individual LED modules when oncoming traffic or a vehicle immediately ahead are detected. The area around the light source is simply masked out and the rest of the road remains brightly illuminated. The groundbreaking system thus increases the active safety of all road users while also bringing additional comfort to the Astra Sports Tourer driver when driving at night. Numerous innovative assistance systems drawing on the latest generation Opel Eye front camera offer the driver further support - starting with the more extensive and precise Traffic Sign Assist over Lane Keep assist, that even offers active steering corrections in case of an emergency, right up to the Forward Collision Alert with Collision Imminent Braking.

On the inside, another unique element for the compact segment can be found: Opel OnStar, the personal connectivity and service assistant, serves as a guardian angel for the driver and passengers. In addition, two new IntelliLink systems will be introduced. The latest generation of the infotainment system is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Elsewhere, frequent and long distance drivers will be able to enjoy additional comfort with the new AGR-certified premium ergonomic seats with side bolster adjustment, massage and memory function along with ventilation. Passengers in the rear can also look forward to an additional optional comfort feature with seat heating being available for the two outer rear seats.

This is how Light and Agile a Station Wagon Can Be

Lighter, more frugal and compact while offering more generous interior space - the same key premises applied to the development of the new Opel Astra Sports Tourer as to the five-door variant. The latest generation consistently continues the maxim of highest efficiency. All components and design features are aligned to this touchstone. Just like its five-door sibling, the Sports Tourer is based on an all-new lightweight architecture, its body is more athletic and more aerodynamic and is also driven by powerful, weight-optimized engines. All told, the new Astra Sports Tourer is up to 190 kilograms lighter than its predecessor. Furthermore, it is the most aerodynamically efficient compact station wagon ever built by Opel with a cd-value of 0.272 making it just as streamlined as the five-door variant.

Consistent lightweight design: The vehicle architecture

The visionary Monza Concept presented at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show was the role model for Opel's latest compact class generation. In line with the priorities set by Dr. Karl-Thomas Neumann for Opel and the development of new models, every component of the study reflected the efficiency maxim. The new Astra already consistently realizes this vision both as a five-door and as a Sports Tourer variant: depending on the model and trim level, the station wagon it is up to 190 kilograms lighter than its predecessor. The new, thoroughly weight-optimized vehicle architecture plays a decisive role. The bodyshell (body-in-white) and structure alone are around 85 kilograms lighter. High-strength and ultra-high-strength lightweight steels, more compact subframes as well as modification to the front and rear suspensions all contributed to this result. Further size and mass-optimization measures include shorter front and rear overhangs, the up to 25 percent lighter exhaust system as well as smaller wheels and tires that weigh up to 11.5 kilograms less. The same is true for the brakes: as the system has less mass to decelerate, a more compact design weighing 10 kilograms less was possible - while delivering even better braking performance.

Furthermore, the engineers decided to omit underbody paneling and instead aerodynamically optimized chassis and powertrain components. All flow-related chassis and bodyshell components were optimized to ensure unobstructed airflow without any disturbing turbulences. Even the C-pillar was designed with small edges that efficiently split the airflow and thus reduce drag. By doing so, the engineers managed to achieve the same cd-value as they did for the five-door despite the rear end of the Sports Tourer dropping steeply. Thanks to the detailed fine-tuning of the entire body the most aerodynamic version of the compact class station wagon shines with a cd-value of 0.272, making it one of the station wagons with the best drag coefficient worldwide.

Lose the weight: Engines make their contribution

Another plus on the efficiency side is the new-generation engines. They distinguish themselves with their compact and ultra-efficient design: for instance the new 1.4 ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo engine weighs much less than comparable units did in the past. Its aluminum engine block alone is ten kilograms lighter than the cast-iron block of its predecessor.

Reduced weight also leads to noticeably higher agility while saving fuel and CO2 emissions. The Sports Tourer with the 1.0 Turbo and Easytronic 3.0 combination impresses as an economical and clean high-tech gasoline engine. The 77 kW/105 hp three-cylinder unit reduces consumption in the combined cycle to 4.2 liters per 100 kilometers and CO2 emissions to an exemplary 97 g/km.

The interior was also put through a fitness program. Take, for instance, the seats: after five years of detailed work, the development team presented compact class seats that are more functional and comfortable, while featuring more of a space and weight-saving design than ever before. State-of-the-art packaging calculation methods enable this, as do lighter polyurethane foams and ultra-high-strength steels that are built in under the robust seat upholstery. So the new Astra seats in front and rear are a total of around ten kilograms lighter than in the previous model.

Intelligent packaging: No bigger on the outside yet more spacious

The new Opel Astra Sports Tourer not only looks more sophisticated and athletic, it is also offers more space on the inside for passengers and luggage even though it has not grown in length. The wheelbase for the five-door and the Sports Tourer is two centimeters shorter, while interior space is more generous. Together with the newly designed seats, rear-seat passengers now benefit from 28 millimeters more legroom than before greatly enhancing traveling comfort and sense of space. The same is true for upper-body freedom of movement for passengers in both front and rear seats. Especially in terms of headroom, the new Astra sets standards in its class: the driver has 26 millimeters more headroom than in the predecessor. And safety also gets a boost in the latest generation compact class bestseller: thanks to optimized design of the pillars, the driver enjoys noticeably better all-round visibility.

Drive and Save: New Turbos for the Compact Class Station Wagon

Lighter, more powerful and more efficient - the new Opel Astra is a quantum leap in the compact class. This is valid both for the new Sports Tourer and for the five-door variant. They come with leading technologies, trendsetting assistance systems, unique comfort features - and the extremely efficient turbocharged engines. Lightweight construction also distinguishes the new engines available for the latest generation Astra. They are smaller, more compact and lighter. Simultaneously, the new engines are more powerful and frugal. The new Astra Sports Tourer diesel with 81 kW/110 hp, for example, only consumes 3.4 liters per 100 kilometers (CO2 emissions: 89 grams per kilometer).

The latest-generation engine portfolio has an output range from 70 kW/95 hp to 147 kW/200 hp (fuel consumption and CO2 emissions combined: 6.2 - 3.4l/100 km, 142 - 89 g CO2/km). The displacement range is from 1.0 to 1.6 liters for gasoline engines, whereas all diesel units have a displacement of 1.6 liters - including the newly developed top-of-the-range BiTurbo.

Powerhouse with two-stage turbocharging

A new engine in the portfolio is the two-stage turbocharged top-of-the-range 1.6-liter diesel. In combination with six-speed manual transmission, Start/Stop and low rolling resistance tires, the 1.6 BiTurbo CDTI with 118 kW/160 hp only needs 4.1 liters of diesel per 100 kilometers, which is equivalent to 109 grams of CO2 per kilometers.

Performance and power generation of the unit are comparable to those of a 2.0-liter engine. The top-of-the-range engine develops its maximum torque of 350 Nm from only 1,500 rpm. The Astra Sports Tourer with the 1.6-liter BiTurbo only needs 8.1 seconds to accelerate from 80 to 120 km/h. Top speed is 220 km/h - values that are almost identical to those of the 25 kW/35 hp more powerful and higher displacement 2.0-liter predecessor. The superiority of the common rail engine comes from the sequential, two-stage turbocharging. A small VGT (variable geometry turbine) turbocharger is responsible for the exemplary responsiveness without "turbo lag" in the low rpm range; the specifically designed larger turbocharger takes over more and more as engine-speed increases. Therefore, the Astra 1.6 BiTurbo CDTI can react spontaneously to accelerator commands and has reserves at all power ranges.

The new Astra Sports Tourer with the BiTurbo diesel weighs almost 150 kilograms less than its predecessor. This is down to the consistently applied lightweight construction of the bodywork and chassis and the intelligent component design. High power from a smaller displacement and less weight is therefore the successful recipe behind the 1.6-liter engine. The aluminum cylinder block and cleverly devised packaging are the two main factors here. Overall, the new Astra 1.6 BiTurbo CDTI uses one liter of diesel less per 100 kilometers in the combined cycle and CO2 emissions are down by up to 25 grams. The new two-stage turbodiesel is thus around 20 percent more efficient than the outgoing 2.0-liter unit of the predecessor. Additional factors for the powerful and environmentally friendly performance include the high-pressure common rail system - with injection pressure of up to 2,000 bar and up to ten injections per stroke - and the NOx catalytic converter.

Reducing consumption: The 1.6-liter diesel with 81 kW/110 hp

The diesel range for the Astra Sports Tourer starts with the 1.6 CDTI with 70 kW/95 hp followed by the 1.6 with 100 kW/136 hp - almost 75 percent of all compact class diesels sold fall into this range. The current Astra Sports Tourer efficiency champions is the version with 81 kW/110 hp under the hood. It reduces fuel consumption to a mere 3.4 liters and CO2 emissions to 89 grams per kilometer. The 1.6 CDTI comes with a six-speed manual transmission as standard. The 100 kW/136 hp diesel is optionally available with a six-speed automatic transmission.

Compact power combination: 1.0 ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo and Easytronic 3.0

The highlight amongst the entry-level gasoline engines is the 1.0 ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo. This ultra-modern all-aluminum unit delivers plenty of power and efficiency. The three-cylinder engine with 77 kW/105 hp already delivers maximum torque of 170 Nm at only 1,800 rpm, making it incredibly lively. With a five-speed manual gearbox, the Astra Sports Tourer can thus accelerate from 80 to 120 km/h in 15.5 seconds - more than three seconds or 18 percent faster than the 85 kW/115 hp 1.6-liter engine used in the predecessor. Improved mid-range acceleration is typical of all of the engines available for the new-generation Astra Sports Tourer.

Simultaneously, the 1.0-liter turbo is extremely fuel efficient: The ecoFLEX version with Start/Stop system, low-rolling-resistance tires and the Easytronic 3.0 automated five-speed transmission only consumes 4.2 liters per 100 kilometers in the combined cycle, which is equivalent to exemplary emissions of just 97 g/km CO2. When combined with the 1.0 ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo the automated manual gearbox Easytronic 3.0 offers the best of two worlds. The latest generation of the optional automated manual gearbox combines automatic comfort with the efficiency of a manual gearbox. An electro-hydraulic actuator takes over shifting and clutching operations. The transmission electronics automatically select the most fuel-efficient gear for prevailing driving conditions, thus enabling super-economical driving. Hydraulic cylinders and electronic motors, the so-called actuators, provide ideal and fast gear shifts, even when the driver manually shifts gears in the half-automatic mode by pulling or pushing the gearshift.

Benchmark for efficiency: The new 1.4-liter, four-cylinder engine

The new 1.4 ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo, a four-cylinder unit from the same small gasoline engine family as the innovative one-liter, three-cylinder unit that it was developed with is be available in two outputs, 92 kW/125 hp and 110 kW/150 hp. Just like its smaller brother, the four-cylinder unit is turbocharged and has central direct fuel injection. "These engines are powerful, efficient and cultivated. Furthermore, the all-aluminum 1.4-liter unit is not only environmentally friendly, but also sets new standards in driving comfort," says Christian Müller, Vice President GM Global Propulsion Systems - Europe.

A lot of attention was paid to dynamic responsiveness while curbing fuel consumption during the development phase of the 1.4-liter turbo. The engine delivers maximum torque of up to 245 Nm very early - it is available between 2,000 and 3,500 rpm (4,000 rpm for the 150 hp engine), creating ideal conditions for improved mid-range acceleration. The 110 kW/150 hp Astra Sports Tourer accelerates from 80 to 120 km/h in 9.9 seconds - almost four seconds or 28 percent quicker than its predecessor with 103 kW/140 hp. In addition, the new engine is more economical. The direct injection version with Start/Stop and six-speed manual gearbox consumes a mere 4.9 liters of gasoline per 100 kilometers in the combined cycle (114 g/km CO2) - 12 percent less than the previous reference model. The 1.4 ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo comes with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard - the more powerful 110 kW/150 hp version is also available as a six-speed automatic.

High performance: 1.6 ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo with 147 kW/200 hp

The 1.6 ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo is the most powerful gasoline engine available for the Astra Sports Tourer. The 147 kW/200 hp turbocharged direct injection engine boasts an impressive 300 Nm of torque (with overboost), enabling the Astra Sports Tourer to sprint to 100 km/h from a standing start in 7.7 seconds. Mid-range acceleration from 80 to 120 km/h in fifth gear is completed in just 7.2 seconds, and maximum speed is 235 km/h (fuel consumption and CO2 emissions combined: 6.0l/100 km, 139 g/km).

This powerhouse also impresses with outstanding smoothness over the full engine speed range. To achieve this, the engineers made numerous optimizations to the induction and exhaust systems, including decoupling the cam cover from the cylinder head via specific fasteners and a dedicated sealing system. Despite direct injection and focused combustion, engineers were able to substantially reduce noise levels compared to the previous engine. As a result of these 'sound-engineering' measures, the customer will appreciate quiet and smooth idling, with a pleasant sound quality even at high road speeds, engine speeds and loads.

Lightweight architecture and latest-generation engines across the entire portfolio - thanks to this combination, the new Opel Astra Sports Tourer promises lots of driving fun and saves money at the same time.

Saving in the Right Spot: Class Instead of Mass

Based on an all-new lightweight vehicle architecture, the new Opel Astra Sports Tourer is a quantum leap forward in technical development. Not only because it introduces numerous features previously seen only in premium class vehicles into the compact station wagon segment but also because of its athletic and space-saving lightweight vehicle architecture. An uncompromising focus on mass reduction and compact design has delivered a lightweight chassis with driving dynamics finely honed in key areas such as suspension, brakes and steering. The end result of this fitness program: greater agility, better handling, improved responsiveness and enhanced ride comfort. In a nutshell, the new generation station wagon is more engaging and fun to drive than ever before.

Saving where it counts: The new vehicle architecture

The uncompromising weight reduction of the new Astra Sports Tourer befits both agility and efficiency. Each component was checked with the Opel engineers focusing on smart materials. The weight of the bodyshell (body-in-white) alone was reduced by 85 kilograms. Further chassis related measures helped shed a further 50 kilograms. Weight of the front and rear suspensions was reduced, and high-strength and ultra-high-strength steels as well as more compact subframes were used. Just as important, less weight does not mean less strength because the new body structure's torsional rigidity has not been compromised, even registering an increase, up from 18.6 to 19.0 kNm/degree. This solid structure ensures a firm foundation for optimizing the new Astra's handling and ride characteristics, as well as helping to attenuate the passage of noise and vibration into the cabin.

MacPherson struts are retained for the front suspension and the torsion beam rear axle continues to feature Opel's innovative use of a Watt's link for improved comfort and stability. The front track is three millimeters, the rear track 7 millimeters wider and the vehicle's wheelbase 23 mm shorter. Wheel sizes range between 15 and 18 inches.

Clever rear suspension

Opel engineers were the first in the world to combine a torsion beam rear axle with a Watt's link. This cleverly designed, innovative system, patented by Opel, was fine-tuned and enhanced for the new Astra and is obviously also a key feature of the Astra Sports Tourer chassis. It delivers all of the dynamic advantages of an independent, multi-link layout without any of the traditional design penalties, such as added mass, greater complexity and inefficient packaging. Compared to a multi-link arrangement, the torsion beam also gives greater wheel camber stiffness, with less camber loss in body roll during cornering.

Enhanced lateral stability for improved handling and greater ride comfort is provided by the Watt's link, now even lighter in weight. The linkage ensures that side forces exerted against one wheel during cornering are simultaneously countered by the application of equal, opposing forces against the other wheel. On the road, this effectively reduces any lateral movement of the axle, thus increasing vehicle stability. The mechanical linkage consists of two lateral rods: the outer end of each is attached to the lower wheel carrier and the inner ends are connected via ball joints to a central pivot link mounted to a small subframe which is connected to the car underbody. The swivel action of the pivot ensures that any movement in one rod is immediately matched by an equal, opposing motion in the other. Opel engineers estimate that this link absorbs about 80 percent of all lateral loadings on the rear suspension.

An additional advantage of the Watt's link is that it reduces axle bush loads and therefore allows the use of softer bushings. In this way, ride comfort and road noise isolation are all greatly improved. All Sports Tourer variants come with the intelligent solution except when ordered with the 1.0-liter turbo or the entry-level engine.

Refined front suspension

The top mountings of the MacPherson struts are de-coupled to separate the paths of spring and damper loadings. To reduce unsprung weight and optimize weight distribution, the combined strut carrier is in aluminium, while the anti-roll bar is in hollow steel. The lower, L-shaped control arms are made of mass-optimized sheet metal and attached through two bushings to a steel front subframe. The suspension geometry and the tuning of the bushings are designed to provide both lateral stiffness and longitudinal compliance for excellent handling and good ride comfort. The rearmost bushing is also elastomerically damped, helping to prevent the transmission of road shocks through the steering wheel.

This latest evolution of the MacPherson strut layout results in excellent roadholding and has been developed in combination with the improved, electrically-powered steering to deliver precise control and handling characteristics.

Sophisticated braking functions

The dual-circuit braking system comes in one of three combinations: '15-inch' specification (276 mm ventilated front discs with 264 mm solid rear discs), '16-inch' specification (300 mm ventilated front discs with 288 mm solid rear discs); plus a '16-inch/15-inch' alternative which uses the larger front and smaller rear discs. These combinations are fitted according to the specific powertrain/transmission package used for each model variant.

Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is standard across the range. The ESC yaw sensor in the center of the car detects movement around the vertical axis and another sensor on the steering column measures the steering angle being applied. These inputs are then correlated with the speed of the vehicle, and the system is programmed to execute whatever actions will most effectively prevent the onset of a loss of control. Depending upon the driving situation, it is possible for braking to be applied to one, two or three wheels at once, and, if necessary, the electronic throttle opening may be reduced.

Core ESC functions also include:

• ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and Traction Control (TC)
• Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) controls front to rear axle brake force depending on the situation.
• Cornering Brake Control (CBC) provides directional vehicle stability during cornering while braking.
• Torque Vectoring by Brakes (TVBB) improves agility and gives a more direct steering feel by initiating braking interventions at the inner wheel of the rear axle or both axles, while engine torque may also be increased to counterbalance the effect. Accordingly, the understeer tendency of the car is reduced and the car stays more neutral, even at a higher curve speed. The driver should not detect such interventions, which are sensitively applied according to steering behavior.
• Cornering Torque Control (CTC) prevents the inner driven wheel from spinning when cornering under acceleration, decreasing any understeer tendency.
• Electronic Drag Torque Control (EDC) avoids wheel slip caused by high engine drag torque and maintains vehicle steerability.
• Brake Assist System (BAS) supports the driver in emergency braking situations by ensuring full master cylinder brake pressure is applied.
• Hydraulic Brake Assist Fade (HBAF) provides full deceleration under extreme fading in the brake system.
• Brake Disc Cleaning (BDC) periodically removes contamination by applying very light pressure to the pads so they contact the discs without generating any noticeable brake torque.
• Trailer Stability Program (TSP) is active when an Opel-approved towing hitch is fitted and detects any vehicle instability when towing a trailer or caravan. It reduces engine torque and applies brake pressure to selected wheels.

Space-saving Electric Parking Brake (EPB)

The easy-to-use Electric Parking Brake (EPB), standard with up-level front consoles, provides greater convenience than a conventional handbrake lever, while also freeing up valuable additional storage space. To engage the EPB, the driver simply pulls a switch located near the gearshift, which sends an electrical signal to the actuators on the rear brake calipers. The EPB can secure the car on gradients as steep as 30 percent. It is automatically disengaged when the vehicle drives off.

Hill Start Assist (HSA), which helps minimize any downhill movement of the car and puts less stress on the clutch (and the driver) when moving off on an uphill slope, comes as standard. The HSA briefly maintains pressure at all four brakes to minimize the possibility of the vehicle moving when the driver's foot moves from the brake to the accelerator pedal while engaging the clutch.

Optimized Electric Power Steering (EPS)

The new Opel Astra Sports Tourer's rack-and-pinion steering system is electrically, rather than hydraulically, powered to help reduce fuel consumption. This speed-sensitive system is now 2.8 kilograms lighter, a weight saving of about 18 percent, and also more energy-efficient, requiring less power assistance at all speeds. It has been optimized to give a more direct steering feel.

In addition, several refinements provide greater comfort. Smooth Road Shake (SRS) compensation helps reduce any steering wheel vibration which may be caused by a road wheel imbalance. And Drift Pull Compensation (DPC) automatically corrects any pull or drift tendency to keep the vehicle steering straight ahead. The steering column features a +/- 30 mm telescope and +/- 25 mm rake adjustment range that enables every driver to find the most comfortable steering wheel position.

So Safe, So Comfortable

The new Opel Astra Sports Tourer is not only lighter and more efficient, it also extremely safe and very comfortable. The latest generation of the Opel bestseller will bring driver assistance systems and comfort features to the compact class some of which are unrivalled in the segment. One of those features is the full LED IntelliLux matrix light, another the latest-generation Opel Eye front camera with enhanced capabilities and functionalities such as Collision Mitigation Braking and Collision Imminent Braking. The completely newly engineered seating system with outstanding ergonomics make the drive even more relaxing.

A comprehensive active and passive safety concept is the basis for outstanding protection in the new Astra Sports Tourer. The rigid passenger cell ensures the least possible deformations and the largest possible survival space in crash conditions. To accommodate the impact energy in case of a crash, the front, sides and rear of the passenger compartment are surrounded by energy absorption zones that deform in a controlled manner.

Inside the new compact class station wagon has a three-part approach for the standard airbag system consisting of front airbags for driver and co-driver, thorax-pelvis side airbags and full-length curtain airbags for the first and second row. Combined with the advanced front safety systems consisting of body-mounted retractor/pretensioners with load limiter, seat-mounted lap pretensioners and seat-integrated pelvis ramp, the new Astra ensures maximum passenger protection and reduces injury potential.

In addition, the new Astra Sports Tourer comes with further ultra-modern safety and driver assistance systems that increase protection for all road users.

Bright future: Trendsetting IntelliLux LED matrix light makes debut

The intelligent lighting system of the future made its premiere in the new Opel Astra and the groundbreaking systems will now make its station wagon debut in the Sports Tourer. An intelligent and dynamic system that automatically and continuously adapts to the traffic situation while offering the maximum lighting capacity, IntelliLux LED is much more than the single high beam LED function that is featured in some competitive models. Opel is thus making top-of-the-range lighting technology - previously only available in the highest premium car segments - accessible to a wider audience.

Using input from the Opel Eye front-mounted camera to detect the light source from a vehicle approaching or immediately ahead, IntelliLux automatically deactivates individual LEDs in the relevant zone which could blind other drivers, simply masking out the area around the light source. The rest of the road and its surroundings remain brightly illuminated in high beam mode. The LED segments are automatically switched back on as soon as the light source from other vehicles is no longer detected. With its high degree of precision and virtually instantaneous adaptability, IntelliLux LED with glare-free high beam (GFHB) functionality is the most advanced headlamp system currently available. In addition, it improves safety considerably, as confirmed by the findings of a study conducted by the Technical University of Darmstadt and the European LightSightSafety Initiative. The study shows that at speeds of 80 km/h, drivers are able to spot objects at the roadside about 30 to 40 meters sooner than with conventional halogen or xenon low beam lighting. This gives them around 1.5 seconds more time to react.

New Opel Eye front camera enables ticket-saving assistance systems

Furthermore, numerous other assistance systems benefit from the latest generation Opel Eye front camera. It has higher image processing power and an increased detection rate. One example is Traffic Sign Assist: It now boasts even higher precision and can detect and display round traffic signs, rectangular - such as highway - signs, or speed limit related add-on signs with graphic symbols while the multiple exposure technology improves the detection rate of dynamic - such as LED - signs. Major news in the compact class segment is the fact that, in conjunction with Navi 900 IntelliLink, Traffic Sign Assist also continuously checks the front camera and navigation data for relevance. It displays implicit speed limits - when entering an urban area, for instance, and the end of these when exiting a city - before then displaying the country-specific speed limit for the respective type of road. In addition, it gives an immediate indication of speed limits after turning onto a different type of road. In the new Astra Sports Tourer, speed limits are permanently displayed on the screen located between the speedometer and the rev counter - thus reducing the risk of speeding tickets.

Another ticket-saver - which helps avoid fines for tailgating - featured in the new Astra Sports Tourer is Following Distance Indication that drivers can activate on the central display. It utilizes the front camera to detect moving vehicles on the road ahead and calculates the distance to them. This value is then displayed to the driver in seconds. This indication approach is in line with the regulations in most European countries, which define distance in terms of time, not meters. A stylized green car symbolizes the vehicle in front. If the distance is insufficient, the Headway Alert function is automatically activated and the symbol turns amber.

Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning in combination with the Opel Eye front camera is an active safety feature also available for the new Astra Sports Tourer. As before, it recognizes road markings, but it now gently turns the steering wheel in addition to the well-known alerts if the Astra's driver should unintentionally veer out of lane. The system works at speeds ranging from 60 to 180 km/h but does not continuously steer the vehicle. If the steering torque does not prevent departure (e.g. on curves), the amber Lane Keep Assist icon flashes and provides warning tones as the lane marker is crossed to provide a Lane Departure Warning alert. The steering wheel nudges and alerts are disabled if the driver is detected to be actively steering, braking or accelerating, or if a turn signal is activated. The intelligent software required for Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning has been developed completely in house.

A danger foreseen is half avoided: The emergency braking modes

When the new Astra is equipped with the Opel Eye front camera, it also offers Forward Collision Alert with Collision Mitigation Braking functions. The Forward Collision Alert (FCA) feature assists drivers in avoiding or mitigating the impact of front-end collisions, for example colliding with the vehicle ahead. In case of a potential collision, it warns the driver with a loud audible alarm, a visual warning in the instrument cluster and, now, an LED projection on the windscreen.

The driver can adjust the safety distance of FCA to detect objects ahead with 'near' 'mid' or 'far' settings via a switch located on the steering wheel. The system now also includes Integrated Brake Assist and Autonomous Emergency Braking. If it detects that the driver's braking effort following the warning is nonexistent or insufficient, it can boost the braking (Integrated Brake Assist) or automatically brake the vehicle (Autonomous Emergency Braking), thus helping avoid or lessening the severity of crashes at relatively low speeds. The system works at speeds above 8 km/h and below 80 km/h. At speeds below 40 km/h the system can avoid the collision by performing full braking.

Award-winning Side Blind Spot Alert warns about hidden dangers

Elsewhere, Opel's award-winning ultrasonic Side Blind Spot Alert provides an additional safety net both for Astra Sports Tourer drivers and other road users. This system warns drivers about hidden dangers. Ultrasonic sensors permanently scan wide areas around the vehicle at speeds ranging from 11 km/h to 140 km/h. If the electronic guardians pick up an object in the blind spot, an optical amber-colored warning appears in the relevant exterior door mirror. If the turn indicator is applied towards the direction of the object in the blind spot, the optical LED warning starts flashing. The light intensity of the LEDs is high and the warning cannot be missed even if the sun is shining.

Advanced Park Assist and rear view camera with dynamic guidelines

Another comfort features that makes driving the Astra Sports Tourer more relaxing is Park Assist with ultrasonic front and rear sensors. Park Assist notifies the driver when it detects objects within the range of its sensors. Drivers are presented with optical information on the display area including the distance to the other object and its position (front/rear; left/center/right). In addition, the distance is indicated acoustically. The new-generation Advanced Park Assist identifies suitable parking spaces and automatically parks the vehicle, without the driver touching the wheel. The ultrasonic sensor-based system measures parallel or perpendicular parking spots, calculates the vehicle's trajectory and automatically steers the Astra into a space. The driver just controls acceleration, deceleration and gear shifting.

For prices starting at €295, Astra drivers can make parking and reversing even easier by adding the rear view camera to Park Assist. It shows the area behind the vehicle on the infotainment screen. The display is activated by engaging reverse gear and automatically switches off either 10 seconds after reverse has been disengaged or when the vehicle exceeds 7 km/h driving forward. A special feature of Opel's rear view camera system is the dynamic guidelines that show the actual vehicle path based on the steering wheel angle, thus helping drivers to estimate distances to other objects while maneuvering.

Outstanding, certified premium ergonomic seats

In addition to the active and passive safety features, the new Opel Astra Sports Tourer is also available with a host of comfort features - which also positively affect safety - such as the new AGR (Aktion Gesunder Rücken / Campaign for Healthier Backs) certified premium Opel ergonomic seats. They provide excellent long-distance travel seating comfort and continue the Opel tradition of award-winning, back-friendly seats that are offered at very attractive prices. Beyond being 18-way adjustable and including side bolster adjustment, they are now also optionally available with further comfort features such as massage and memory function along with ventilation - a unique combination in the compact class. Rear seat passengers can also look forward to more luxury - in addition to more legroom, heated outer rear seats are optional. Astra customers can treat themselves to these luxury seats for very attractive prices - the driver's seat with the AGR seal of approval is already available from €390.

The Opel seats offer a 65-millimeter height adjustment span - the largest in the segment - ensuring that drivers of almost any build can find an optimum seating position. With the optional premium ergonomic seat's memory function, this can even be saved at the press of a button. This is ideal for fleet vehicles with the same group of drivers or couples who share the new Opel Astra Sports Tourer. The base version of the optional AGR ergonomic seats comes with four-way electropneumatically adjustable lumbar support (forwards, backwards, up and down), variable seat cushion tilt, cushion length adjustment and a seat form with contours that adapt to the natural curvature of the spine. The premium ergonomic seats also feature electropneumatically adjustable side bolsters that support the body by making the seatback narrower or wider.

Seats should not only keep drivers securely in place, they should also keep them warm or cool depending on the prevailing conditions. The new AGR seat features passive climate control, meaning breathable surface fabrics and perforated polyurethane foams that considerably improve transporting away moisture and thereby the micro climate in the seat. The new Astra's premium ergonomic seats can do both - keep warm and cool. Small fans suck air, and thus the moisture that develops when someone is in the seat, away from the body. In the winter, integrated seat heating keeps the driver and co-driver as well as both outer rear seat passengers comfortably warm. Those who want to turn their car into a wellness mobile on longer journeys can enjoy a massage at the push of a button - and arrive at their destination even hours later relaxed and free of aches or pains.

With this all-embracing active and passive safety concept combined with the wide range of comfort features, the new Astra Sports Tourer also lives up to Opel's philosophy of democratizing innovative technologies and bringing these to the mainstream market, thus making driving safer and more relaxed for a wider audience.

At Your Service: Leading Connectivity with Opel OnStar and IntelliLink

Bringing mobility to the general public and making it affordable is something Opel stands for. The new Astra Sports Tourer once again follows this traditional credo and brings innovations and technologies normally only found in higher segments to the compact class. Occupants of the potential station wagon bestseller can enjoy outstanding connectivity thanks to Opel OnStar. Driving has not only become more comfortable with the personal connectivity and service assistant - it is safer. The infotainment offering includes two latest generation devices of Opel's award-winning IntelliLink system. More than ever, they bring the connected world of smartphones and apps into the car. One is already compatible with the latest Android 5.0 Lollipop and Apple iOS 8 (or higher) smartphones, while the other will follow suit shortly. With the integration of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, users can access maps, message reading and third party apps (depending on the integration system) via the car controls and the up to eight-inch large touchscreens.

Opel OnStar: Powerful mobile Wi-Fi Hotspot and comprehensive services

Opel OnStar, launched in the summer of 2015, is one of the trendsetting service and safety features available in the new Astra Sports Tourer. It turns the compact class station wagon into a powerful a 4G/LTE Wi-Fi Hotspot, enabling up to seven devices to be connected to the car network. The built-in 4G LTE structure is integrated into the vehicle's electrical system and can be used according to regional availability. An external antenna maximizes connectivity and delivers a stable internet connection. As the OnStar system comprises an independent SIM card encapsulated in its module, customers are not required to have a smartphone to use connected services.

Apart from bringing the latest in mobile Wi-Fi technology to the automotive world, Opel OnStar also gives access to a broad portfolio of services such as emergency services, roadside assistance and remote control through the myOpel app. Opel OnStar's key principle is that subscribers are connected to real people. These OnStar Advisors are located at the high-tech Opel OnStar Contact Center in Luton, England. They are multilingual in order to be able to answer in the subscribers' own languages and are available 24/7 and 365 days a year.

Three buttons located close to the interior rear view mirror above the windscreen establish a direct connection to Opel OnStar. The blue Service Button gives access to comfort services such as Vehicle Diagnostics and Destination Download. For instance, OnStar subscribers looking for a certain destination such as a restaurant or the closest gasoline station press it to contact an Opel OnStar Advisor who will send the desired destination directly to the navigation system embedded in the vehicle.

At a push of the red SOS Button, Opel OnStar users can request assistance whenever they deem it necessary, for example if they witness an accident. In addition, OnStar is also there in case one cannot ask for help personally. For example, if an airbag deploys, Opel OnStar's guardian angel is alerted automatically. An advisor will then contact the subscriber and call him in the vehicle via the OnStar module to determine whether help is required. If there is no response, the advisor will immediately send emergency responders to the exact location of the vehicle.

The Privacy Button allows the subscriber to mask the position of the car and become invisible to the system: Opel OnStar subscribers are in complete charge of their data. However, to ensure maximum safety for subscribers, Opel OnStar will automatically overrule the privacy command in case an airbag is deployed.

In addition, Opel OnStar subscribers can contacted the advisors from anywhere via the myOpel smartphone app - for instance if their car has been stolen, needs to be located and have the ignition blocked at some point. The app also enables the subscriber to remotely access important vehicle data such as oil life and tire pressure, or to remotely lock or unlock their car.

Phone integration via Android Auto and Apple CarPlay

Two new IntelliLink systems will also feature in the Astra Sports Tourer: R 4.0 IntelliLink and Navi 900 IntelliLink, which features an integrated navigation system. They seamlessly and easily integrate smartphone functionalities. R 4.0 IntelliLink is already compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto phone integration from the beginning and enables, for instance, navigation via Apple Maps and Google Maps. The Navi 900 IntelliLink system is already compatible with Apple CarPlay (Android Auto to follow soon).

Each system builds off of the features smartphone users rely on most. Apple CarPlay takes the iPhone features you would want to access while driving and puts them on the vehicle's display in a smart, simple manner. That allows drivers to make calls, send and receive messages and listen to music right from the touchscreen or by voice via Siri. Apple CarPlay supported apps include Phone, Messages, Maps, Music and compatible third party apps. A full list of those apps can be found at Apple.com/ios/carplay. Android Auto is built around Google Maps, Google Now and the ability to talk to Google, as well as a growing audio and messaging app ecosystem that includes WhatsApp, Skype, Google Play Music, Spotify, and podcast players. A full list of supported apps is available at android.com/auto.

The infotainment functions can be controlled via the large, up to eight-inch touchscreen located on the center stack, via remote control on the steering wheel (selected functions only) or via voice control. In order to minimize the risk of distraction, the most important information can be repeatedly displayed directly under the drivers' eyes in the color instrument cluster located between the speedometer and the rev counter. In combination with Opel Onstar, smartphones can easily be connected to the car's Wi-Fi Hotspot. This brings additional phone integration benefits such as real-time traffic information or the latest maps, and thanks to the map data being stored on a server instead of the phone, it saves memory on the device.

Complementary details

All radios, including the base-level R 300 BT system, come with Bluetooth® hands-free phone connectivity, audio streaming, Aux-in and USB ports. Digital Audio Broadcast DAB+ enabling better radio selection and reception is also available as an option. In addition, Navi 900 IntelliLink offers a high level of personalization - the home screen can be tailored according to customer preferences. It also offers a favorites concept, which gives users the possibility to adapt the infotainment system to their individual needs. Up to 60 favorites including radio stations, phone contacts, playlists, navigation destinations, etc. can be stored.

The comprehensive connectivity package available for the new Astra Sports Tourer is rounded off by small but telling details. To ensure that passengers can charge their devices properly while enjoying a movie or surfing the internet via the Wi-Fi Hotspot included with Opel Onstar, the station wagon has been fitted with two optional 2,100 mA USB ports in the rear.

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