The fate of the Opel Astra will be revealed at the Paris Motor Show: first details of the surprise the brand is preparing

Opel has confirmed its attendance at the Paris Motor Show in October with a prototype: the Sports Tourer Experimental Concept, also referred to as STX Concept for short. This concept car will share the spotlight with the new Corsa GSE, the most sporty version of the electric utility vehicle, as well as the single-seater GSE 27FE, with which the brand will compete in the upcoming Formula E championship.

The company has a long tradition with family-oriented vehicles: since the launch of the Olympia Rekord Caravan in 1953, station wagons have always been part of its lineup. Currently, the only model of this type in its portfolio is the Astra Sports Tourer.

"As its name suggests, the Opel STX Concept reflects our vision for a future family vehicle with excellent aerodynamic efficiency, a body style in the development of which Opel played a pioneering role in Europe. It also showcases our next-generation design language and incorporates elements we will see in future production models," said Opel CEO Florian Huettl.

In a recent interview, the executive confirmed that the next Astra could be offered exclusively in a family body style, following Volkswagen’s approach with the Passat. Therefore, the STX Concept is likely a preview of the next generation of this compact car, which will arrive by the end of the decade.

The next Opel Astra might be available exclusively in a family version

"I can assure you that there will be a family version, because that’s what our domestic market [Germany] demands, and that’s what we will offer." The new generation of the Astra will arrive in 2029-2030 and will be based on the STLA One platform, a next-generation architecture that will allow Opel to launch a full range of versions, including some 100% electric models.

"It will undoubtedly be a battery electric vehicle (BEV). But the STLA One isn’t just an electric car, so we’re currently working on determining the optimal calibration for its propulsion systems." The STLA One will support 800-volt electric systems, which should significantly improve the charging capabilities of the current Astra Electric.

With the decline of the C-segment hatchbacks, more and more manufacturers are choosing to discontinue or transform their compact models. Opel’s approach is somewhat unusual, as most competing brands are focusing on turning them into SUVs or crossovers. However, since station wagons remain very popular in the German market, Opel’s move makes perfect sense.

Source | Stellantis