Opel is rethinking the future of the Astra family. The next generation of the model, which is due to debut before the end of the decade, may abandon the traditional hatchback body. However, the Sports Tourer wagon will remain in the lineup and become one of the key variants.
This was stated by Opel CEO Florian Huettl. According to him, the new Astra will not necessarily remain a classic hatchback, but the wagon will definitely continue to be produced, as this body type is still in high demand in the German market.
The decision looks unusual against the backdrop of the general situation in Europe. Many automakers are gradually reducing the range of wagons, prioritizing crossovers. Recently, representatives of Hyundai's European division also announced a possible abandonment of the Hyundai i30 Wagon.
The new Astra will be built on the STLA Medium platform, which supports various types of powertrains. According to the head of Opel, a fully electric version will definitely appear, but the company is still determining the optimal composition of the engine range.
Today, the Astra is already offered with hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains, but, as Huettl noted, classic hybrids and fully electric modifications are in greatest demand. Powertrains with a gasoline engine-generator (range extender) are also of interest, although existing solutions are not always suitable for long-distance driving at high speeds characteristic of German autobahns.
It is possible that in the future Opel will use technologies from the Chinese company Leapmotor, with which Stellantis is actively developing cooperation.
Despite recent staff reductions at the Rüsselsheim research center, production of the new Astra will remain in Germany. The company has already confirmed additional investments in modernizing the plant.
Before the next generation Astra is released, Opel will introduce several more new products. In the coming years, the debut of the new Corsa, a compact crossover developed jointly with Leapmotor, and the next generation Mokka are expected.
The focus on the wagon shows that Opel expects to maintain its niche in the European market by offering an alternative to buyers who do not want to switch to crossovers but need a maximally practical family car.
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