The Opel Astra has been updated with a raft of changes to enhance its looks, add more technology and boost the driving range of the electric variant. Ahead of its public debut at the Brussels motor show in January, the covers have come off of the Opel Astra as it undergoes a mid-cycle update for 2026 and beyond.
What's new about the 2026 Opel Astra?
The biggest and most obvious change to the Astra is the new look it has at the front. Taking some inspiration from Opel's most recent concept car, the Corsa GSE Vision Gran Turismo, the Astra features a new take on the company's 'Vizor' style - the panel that contains the headlights and emblem.
That Opel 'Blitz' emblem is now fully illuminated at all times and there's a strip of light that joins the two headlights. Two smaller vertical light elements that follow the bonnet's central crease form the illuminated compass shape that has the badge at its centre. It's a more distinctive and modern look for the German hatchback.
There are also two new colour options called Kontur White and Klover Green, which will also be available with a contrasting black roof. New designs for both 17- and 18-inch wheels have been added, and these will also be available on the Astra Sports Tourer estate.
Any new technology in the 2026 Opel Astra?
For 2026, the Astra gains Opel's latest headlight technology, called Intelli-Lux HD. Having already been rolled out in the Opel Grandland, the Intelli-Lux HD lights are claimed to provide adaptive and glare-free illumination. Inside are more than 50,000 individual light elements that dynamically adjust to cut out oncoming and preceding vehicles from portions of light, leaving the areas all around fully lit.
This light cone in front of the car adjusts digitally and works in conjunction with the Astra's steering angle, ensuring that even through curves, the road ahead is illuminated. The system also adjusts for poor weather conditions to minimise the risk of glare to oncoming drivers caused by rain-soaked roads. When the Intelli-Lux HD system detects oncoming traffic signs, it dims the LEDs so that the reflection from the signs doesn't dazzle the driver and make them easier to read.
What about the interior of the 2026 Astra?
Changes to the look and layout of the Astra's digital cockpit make it easier to read and more intuitive to use. Opel's 'Intelli-Seats' have been added to the Astra as standard. These take inspiration from bicycle saddle designs and feature a recess running through the middle to provide more comfort and reduce pressure on the tailbone.
Buyers can continue to choose the AGR-certified electrically adjustable front seats that include heating, electro-pneumatic lumbar support and massage functionality. These are upholstered in a sustainable material called 'ReNewKnit' that is 100 per cent recycled and recyclable.
Has the 2026 Astra Electric improved?
Yes, the Astra Electric gets a longer range as part of the 2026 updates. The 58kWh battery can officially provide up to 454 kilometres of driving on a single charge, an increase of 34 kilometres.
Furthermore, the Astra Electric is now equipped with Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) technology, enabling its battery to be used to power or charge external devices such as e-bikes or scooters.