Astra models round the world use freeform reflector headlamps, but the US/Canada-market Astra features North America’s second-ever BiHalogen projector headlamps — the first ones were series production items on the 2004-2008 Nissan Maxima. The Astra’s headlamps are based on an all-new 70mm optic, designed specifically to achieve high ratings in the headlamp performance tests designed and carried out by North America’s most widely read consumer product testing magazine.
The new optic uses a long-life variant of the low-cost, high-output HB3 (9005) halogen bulb, which is ordinarily used only in high beam service. This bulb’s high output of 1700 lumens allows the optic to produce robust low and high beams. The low beam cutoff is specially shaped to deliver more light than usual to reflective signs on both sides of the road, without creating problematic levels of glare for oncoming drivers. Hella predict variants of this optic will likely find expanded applications in the North American market due to its high performance and cost-efficacy.
The Astra also features side turn signal repeaters, which are not required in North America. GM and Hella engineers alike assert the Astra’s lighting system exemplifies GM’s new focus on high-performance exterior lighting as a value-added feature in new vehicles.