New Opel Astra Adds Tech Features

General Motors Co.'s new Opel Astra compact car will feature a variety of advanced safety technologies typically found on larger vehicles. The 11th-generation model will be publicly unveiled at the Frankfurt auto show in mid-September and go on sale in Europe shortly thereafter.

The 2016 Astra is slightly smaller and lower than its predecessor. Built on an all-new vehicle architecture, the new model sheds between 265 lbs and 400 lbs depending on body type and trim level. The body shell is 20% lighter, and a lighter chassis features high- and ultra-high-strength steels.

The car's wheelbase is about one inch shorter. But Opel says a new design increases the distance between front and rear seats, and adds about 1.4 inches of rear legroom. Exterior styling cues and athletic design come from the 2013 Opel Monza concept vehicle.

Among high-end features are lane departure warning, collision alert with automatic braking and advanced parking assist. Other options include heated front and rear seats with massage function.

The new Astra also will be the first Opel model to offer GM's OnStar telematics service at launch. In addition to navigation and concierge functions, the system serves as a mobile wi-fi hotspot, allowing as many as seven devices to be connected to the Internet simultaneously. A new IntelliLink infotainment system is compatible with Google's Android Auto and Apple's CarPlay smartphone connectivity platforms.

The 2016 Astra marks Opel's first use of its patented light-emitting diode matrix headlights on a compact car. Consisting of 16 LED segments eight on each side the new headlights continuously alter the length and distribution of the light beam based on real-time traffic inputs to minimize glare for oncoming vehicles. The car's high-beam lights turn on automatically in rural areas.

Engine choices include gasoline and diesel 1.6-liter four-bangers, and a turbocharged 1.4-liter 4-cylinder gasoline system with direct injection. The latter, derived from GM's 1.3-liter 3-cylinder engine family, has an all-aluminum architecture and makes 145 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque.

The Astra is part of Opel-Vauxhall's previously announced plan to invest $5.3 billion to develop 27 new models and 17 engines between 2014 and 2018. GM Europe aims to return to profitability next year and increase its market share to 8% by 2022 from 5.8% in 2013, which would make it second behind Volkswagen AG in the region.