Opel's 2016 European Car of the Year arrives in SA

The five-door hatchback has been designed and engineered to meet fast-changing consumer needs and demands that are shaping personal mobility against the backdrop of a densely-populated planet with finite resources. The new Astra is thus designed and engineered around four binding principles: efficiency, design, connectivity, and advance driver assistance and safety technology.

Some of the key highlights of the new Astra are:

• Up to 200 kilograms lighter overall than before depending on the model, thanks to a 20% weight savings from the body itself, and paring weight off systems like exhausts, and individual components like seats

• More fuel efficient, thanks to a range of three turbocharged and direct injection ECOTEC engines and the use of features like Start/Stop across the range.

• Significantly more aerodynamic than its predecessor and class rivals, with a wind-cheating CD of just 0.285.

• More compact than before, with overall length down by five cm, and height down by half that.

• There's more cabin space - rear legroom, front headroom and front to rear hip point measures have all increased.

• The lightweight superstructure is stronger than before and more resistant to both twisting and bending - so it's safer, and handles better.

• Lightweight, compact, ergonomically-advanced seats underpin the progressive interior with a strong focus on space and ease of use.

• IntelliLink touch screen with satellite navigation and an advanced infotainment interface ensure seamless connectivity on the go.

• IntelliLux LED matrix lighting, a first in this segment, makes driving at night less stressful.

Models and pricing:

1.0T Essentia - R254,000
1.0T Enjoy - R284,300
1.4T Enjoy MT - R328,000
1.4T Enjoy AT - R338,000
1.4T Sport MT - R354,000
1.4T Sport AT - R374,000
1.6T Sport MT - R387,000
1.6T Sport PLUS MT - R407,000