2023-07-12 22:00:00
The traditional German brand is at the forefront of electrification. With the Astra, another volume model is also available purely electrically.
Compared to the 125 years that the Opel brand has been building automobiles, the past five years seem almost insignificant. And yet a lot has changed for the only German manufacturer in the Stellantis Group since 2019. Back then, the Corsa-e really marked the start of the age of electromobility. Since then, the small car icon has not only been available as a classic combustion engine and as a plug-in hybrid, but also as a full-power vehicle. The variety of drives – paired with the strategic approach of sticking to well-known model names that have become popular with buyers – meant that the mental hurdle when switching to battery drive was much lower than with many a competitor.
So now the next important step towards the goal of offering only electric models in Europe by 2028: the Astra Electric. Visually, this can hardly be distinguished from its conventionally powered brothers. You have to look closely to correctly interpret the slightly modified front apron, the black 18-inch aluminum wheels and the exterior mirrors, which are also always black. In the interior, the penny drops much faster. This is not only due to the infotainment system’s electro-affine information, which is presented in a remarkably clear manner.
Minimum noise level in the Opel Astra Electric with 115kW/156 hp permanent magnet synchronous motor
Also striking is the minimal noise level with which the Astra Electric starts to stream. According to the Opel engineers, specially laminated windows and the particularly torsion-resistant body ensure that the typical road noise recedes even more into the background.
The drive is far more present: the new STLA medium platform, which has been used in all new Stellantis models in Astra size since this year, includes a permanent magnet synchronous motor that has been boosted to 115 kW/156 hp. Its 270 Newton meters of torque do not make the Rüsselsheimer a sports car, but in view of the comparatively low curb weight of 1679 kilograms, the driving performance is always enough not only to keep up with the traffic. Spinning wheels, which have repeatedly occurred in the recent past in powerful electric cars with front-wheel drive, are not an issue with the Astra.
Low weight is the best thing regarding the Opel Astra Electric
In general, the low weight, which is around 100 kilograms below that of the relevant competition, proves to be a super trump card. With a WLTP consumption of just 18.8 kWh per 100 kilometers, Opel can even afford to run the Astra Electric at a top speed of 170 km/h.
These sporty ambitions do not detract from the maximum range of up to 418 kilometers – if you treat the accelerator pedal carefully and activate the eco mode, you can even easily undercut the standard consumption in practice. On the busy roads around Berlin, the on-board computer now shows an average consumption of just under 13 kWh. A three-phase 11 kW onboard charger and a charging speed of up to 100 kW at DC charging stations ensure short breaks.
The Opel Astra is a successful compact electric model, not only in terms of looks, but also thanks to its clever overall package. In Austria, the five-door can be ordered from September, the prices are not yet known. Things get really exciting at the end of the year when the Sports Tourer, the first all-electric station wagon made in Germany, rolls out.
NEW INTRODUCTION
Opel Astra Electric
Five-door electric compact, 115 kW/156 hp, single-speed gearbox, front-wheel drive. Weight: 1679 kg, trunk: 352-1268 liters, battery: 54 kWh, max. range according to WLTP: 418 km, standard consumption according to WLTP: 14.8. Charging: 11 kW (DC), max. 100 kW (AC). Prices and order start from September.
What likes:
The small battery that keeps the weight down. The clear infotainment.
What I don’t like:
The expected starting price remains a challenge for part of the target group.
What surprises:
The trunk is the same size as the combustion engine, clever battery installation makes it possible.
Perfect for:
Anyone who needs a practical, modern five-door with electric drive.
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