What's the news?
Alongside news of a mid-life facelift Opel has announced details of its most powerful non-OPC Astra - the new Astra 2.0 CDTi BiTurbo.
Exterior
Like the rest of the Astra range the BiTurbo gets the new front end makeover with more aggressive bumpers, new grille and redesigned lights. The BiTurbo also receives bespoke 18-inch alloy wheels, a 6mm lower ride height and a quasi-OPC body kit. This engine will be available in the GTC, five-door hatchback and the Sports Tourer estate.
Interior
Jet Black coloured fabrics or leather are combined with Magic Red stitching and seams in the seats, door inserts and the gear shifter boot. A new flat bottom leather steering wheel and special floor mats with red surrounds are other sporty components of the BiTurbo cabin.
Mechanicals
Powering the new hot Astra is the same 2.0-litre CDTi BiTurbo diesel engine that is fitted to the Insignia BiTurbo. The sequential turbo setup sees a smaller turbo running at lower speeds to deliver 350- of the available 400Nm of torque and eliminate lag. In the mid-range, with both turbochargers working in unison, peak power of 195hp is delivered. This power is likely to see the GTC BiTurbo crack 100km/h in 7.8 seconds before hitting its top speed of 224km/h. Despite the power the BiTurbo should still be capable of returning 53.3mpg (5.3 litres/100km) and CO2 emissions of 139g/km thanks in no small part to the standard stop-start system.
Anything else?
Irish pricing has not yet been released.