Opel will launch an updated and refreshed Astra in hatchback and estate forms in 2026, and we've got the first hints of what that will look like with these slightly blurry official images.
Are we talking major styling changes for the Astra?
Certainly at the front, yes. Whereas the current Astra wears an upright, squared-off version of Opel's all-black 'Vizor' grille, the 2026 update looks - admittedly behind the blurred, frosted-glass effect - rather more curvy and smooth, with a new interpretation of the Vizor that includes ultra-slim full-width LEDs. The Opel lightning-bolt badge is now also backlit, as are the little 'compass marks' around its circumference.
It's not a wildly different look for the Astra, but it's certainly softer and more curvaceous, and looks to be heavily influenced by Opel's 2023 'Experimental' concept car and the recent Corsa GSE concept.
What about down the back?
At the rear, the Astra looks much less changed, aside from the addition of a revised Opel badge. The bright yellow colour seen in these images is also carried over, but the new cross-spoke alloy wheels look smart and have a faint whiff of the Astra's 1980s heyday about them.
Will there be major mechanical changes under the skin?
We don't know yet, but we can infer from the fact that sister brand Peugeot has updated its 308 hatchback that the Astra will carry over its 1.2-litre petrol and mild-hybrid engine options, as well as an upgraded plug-in hybrid version with 195hp. The Astra Electric is also likely to get a range upgrade to 450km.
"For decades, the Astra has stood for what distinguishes Opel: German engineering that combines emotions with proven practicality and top technologies for everyone. The Astra is 'made in Germany' through and through - designed, engineered and made in Rüsselsheim. Now we are taking the next big step with our compact class bestseller: The new Opel Astra and the new Opel Astra Sports Tourer will delight customers with new, even sharper and more precise design highlights as well as innovative technologies. Stay tuned, more details will follow shortly," said Opel CEO Florian Huettl.