Opel Astra Opel, GM’s European subsidiary, is a continuation of the brand’s success in the C-segment which started all the way back with the Opel Kadett in 1936. Based on an all-new architecture, the Astra is now between 265 to 440 pounds lighter than the outgoing car, depending on the model and trim level.
Under the hood, the Astra will have a host of diesel and gasoline engines available, depending on what part of the globe it’s being sent to. Some of the highlights include a new 1.4-liter direct injection turbo that will generate 145 horsepower and will also allegedly be supremely fuel efficient. The all-aluminum block is as least 22 pounds lighter than its steel counterpart, adding to the Astra’s mission to shed the extra bulk.