THE new Astra will launch with a complete line-up of eight engines ranging from 70 kW/95 hp to 132 kW/180 hp and will provide drivers with affordable, real-life efficiency.

The Opel Astra’s line-up of powertrains with manual transmission provides impressive performance and overall cuts CO2 emissions by more than 12 percent compared with the current generation. The average fuel consumption of the diesel engines is 4.6 l/100 km and only 6.1 l/100 km for the petrol line-up.

The four diesel engines, which are expected to power almost half of the new Opel Astra cars sold in Europe at launch, deliver 70 kW/95 hp to 118 kW/160 hp.

The petrol suite of engines comprises naturally-aspirated and turbocharged 1.4 and 1.6-liter engines, giving a power bandwidth from 74 kW/100 hp to 132 kW/180 hp.

Many of the innovative technologies introduced by the new Opel Astra are unique to the compact class or bring a sophistication not seen before in the ‘compact’ car segment.

* The Opel Eye recognizes road signs and warns the driver when the car inadvertently departs from its lane.

* Ergonomic Sport Seats feature a 6-way adjustment range, the widest in the segment, a 4-way adjustment of the lumbar support and extendable seat cushion. Available at all trim levels, this driver’s seat comes with enhanced support and overall body comfort.

It is the only one in the compact class to receive the much coveted seal of approval from Aktion Gesunder Rücken e.V. (Action for Healthy Backs, known as AGR), an independent panel of ergonomics experts and doctors in Germany.

* The most advanced lighting system in the compact class, a new generation of Opel bi-xenon Advanced Forward Lighting (AFL+) changes its intensity and reach to suit prevailing driving and road conditions using nine different lighting functions.

Look to Ennis Road Opel and Hinchy’s of Garryspillane for a test drive.