Motoring

Opel’s stylish new Astra hints at a promising reinvention

The latest model of the German carmaker’s classic hatchback mixes smoothness and perky performance with surprising economy

The Opel Astra, usually considered as a good-value alternative to more polished rivals, is in the midst of a promising reinvention

The Opel Astra is a stalwart of the C-segment hatchback class, usually considered as a good-value alternative to more polished rivals from the likes of Volkswagen, Ford and Toyota.

The new model, however, could change this perception as, under Stellantis’s ownership, Opel is in the midst of a promising reinvention.

There is a new focus on design and, while the Astra is not the first Opel to feature the firm’s “vizor” look, it wears it ...