Back to Basics: Opel Astra (2020)

This section saw the light of day in mid-2017 with the Opel Astra in the spotlight. That model has now been (subtly) facelifted. Time to see if Opel has also renewed the equipment.

Opel Astra 1.2 Turbo Edition
€ 25,349 (temporary € 1,000 discount; € 24,349)

The current Opel Astra has been running since 2015 and eventually enters the books as the last Astra built under the GM wings. PSA’s acquisition promises to make the next Astra a completely different car. In the run-up to that moment, Opel will provide the GM-Astra with a subtle facelift one more time. A slightly sharpened front marks the outside of the facelift. The biggest news can be found under the skin. There is also the first major difference with the “old back to basics”, because that Astra drew its strength from a 1.0-petrol engine with 105 hp. Opel linked this to a manual gearbox. Almost three years later, Opel spooned a 1.2-liter turbo engine with 110 hp and a manual six-speed gearbox into the car.

Opel has a similar blue paint color ready for the outside. In the past it was only called Royal Blue, now the unilak is known as Indigo Blue. For the exterior, Opel continues to stick to its previous equipment. The door handles and mirror caps are neatly painted, the front and window frames are predominantly black. Also for LED lighting – except for the daytime running lights – there is still an additional charge. Opel now offers parking sensors in the rear bumper and 16-inch alloy wheels at no extra cost.

Inside it is now better to stay in the standard Astra. The simple radio (2017) has been thrown over the fence and is now always making way for a 7-inch color screen including Apple CarPlay and USB connections. Opel does keep the integrated navigation on hand for the more luxurious versions. An automatic dimming interior mirror, a multifunction steering wheel with cruise control and electrically operated windows for the rear passengers are also added to the standard equipment. A light and rain sensor is also always present in an Astra. The (manually operated) air conditioning retains its place in the list of standard facilities.

Compared to the previous Astra Selection from 2017, this new entry-level Edition is a lot more luxurious. The basic price is also about € 3,000 higher. Is that worth it?

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