10.9.2003
New Opel Astra symbolizes the new dynamic of the Opel brand

With its technology package and its striking design, the third Astra generation is set to improve on the success of the previous model that was sold in 80 countries, with about 3.4 million units built worldwide by the summer of 2003.

"The new Astra symbolizes the dynamic of the Opel brand as no other high-volume model has done before. With its expressive design it makes a bold statement in the compact segment," says Opel Chairman and Managing Director, Carl-Peter Forster. From spring 2004 on, it will expand step by step into an impressively varied model family. A five-door version is the first Astra model version to be launched, and it will be followed later by a station wagon with a longer wheelbase and a dramatically sporty three-door hatchback.

Sign of the times: The next step in Rüsselsheim's new design language
With its emotive, dynamic looks, the third Astra generation is to usher in the next step in the evolution of the modern Opel design language. Typical characteristics include well-balanced proportions, the interplay of taut surfaces with clean lines, technically crafted details and distinctive graphic elements.

The strong and expressive design, realized by 250 employees from 16 countries, is also a reflection of renewed brand self-confidence. "We want to play a leading role in European automobile styling again," says Opel's Executive Director of Design, Martin Smith, "like we did so successfully in the 1970s with fascinating designs like the GT or the Commodore coupe. With our new design language we're going to bring the most dynamic and expressive vehicles to the market in every segment," he added.

Characteristics: Well-balanced proportions and striking front end styling
With its synthesis of emotion and dynamics, technical features and functionality the new Astra demonstrates impressively the rich harvest obtained from the interplay of creative thinking and computer technology. Well-balanced proportions form the basis for the dynamics of the Astra's hatchback body. "Most of the styling and the overall effect is governed by the vehicle architecture, by the relationship between length, width and height. That's why we place special emphasis on good proportions and why we are deliberately pursuing a different course compared to our competitors, in order to make a distinctive statement with our new Astra," says Friedhelm Engler, Chief Designer of the Astra and head of the Compact Car Studio at the Opel Design Center.

The onlooker can see this harmony of dimensions from every angle. The wide, trapezoidal grille with accentuated Opel-emblem on the horizontal crossbar runs smoothly into the engine hood which, with its prominent crease line, is a typical Opel design characteristic. This is a major design element that passes through the interior and is seen again at the rear of the car. At the same time it emphasizes the V-shaped front, which is another unmistakable detail of the Opel Astra's confident design.

Another factor in the formal balance of the new model range are the inward-tapering front and rear overhangs. They make the car look shorter than it actually is. In fact the new Astra is around 14 cm longer than its predecessor. This compact effect is enhanced by the three-dimensional design of the headlamps, which extend into the sides. With their facets embedded in the headlamp body and their technically interesting details, they are a further clue to the ongoing emotive development of Opel's design language.

Silhouette: Aerodynamic roof and striking side outline
Another distinctive Astra characteristic is its sloping roof. At the rear it drops by almost five centimeters to enhance the aerodynamic shape. The clear-cut window contours above the muscular body have an almost slender appearance. However, this does not mean less space for the passengers. On the contrary, despite its dynamic exterior styling, the new Astra has grown in size; thanks to intelligent packaging it now offers 30 mm more shoulder room at the front, 55 mm more headroom in the rear and 17 mm more legroom at the rear.

"The Astra's silhouette is defined by the horizontal alignment of the side styling-elements and lines. This generates visual length and dynamics", explains Engler. The impression is enhanced by the long wheelbase. There is a smooth transition between A-pillar and front fender, and the C-pillars are located well back, making access to the rear seats more comfortable and providing a good view out of the rear side windows.

Together with the steep sides, it is the wide and strong shoulder line running from front to rear that signals the strength and stability of the body, with its pronounced wedge-shape. The side view is also influenced by the bold wheel arches: these "draw attention to the large wheels and tires, up to 18 inches in diameter, that are a factory-fit option for the new Astra," says designer Engler. Another significant feature are the flared body sills. Together with the wider track they underline the Astra's low-slung, athletic appearance.

Point of view: Unmistakable rear end styling with new lighting technology
The powerful figure of the new Astra is also underlined by the wide chrome-strip at the tail and the rear screen extending round to the sides. With details such as the strong tapering of the body and the integration of the high-mounted, three-dimensional taillamps, the designers have intentionally adopted various formal aspects from the front end of the car. "Repeating the front graphics makes the Astra look as if it has been made out of one piece," explains Stefan Lamm, responsible for the exterior design. As with the headlamps, the designers' attention to detail and their adoption of the latest technology can also be seen in the large taillamps, which for the first time on a production-car, use a special, light-scattering "translucent" technology, also making the Astra hatchback unmistakable even in the dark.