Opel is opening the next ground-breaking chapter with the new Astra. The German carmaker has revealed the first images of the new Opel Astra Electric. The brand is thus presenting the first all-electric serial production Astra in the decades-long success story of the compact class bestseller and newly crowned ‘Golden Steering Wheel 2022’ and Continental Tyres Irish Compact Car of the Year 2023 winner. Alongside the battery-electric five-door, the brand is also presenting the new Opel Astra Sports Tourer Electric, the first all-electric estate from a German manufacturer.
“The Astra Electric and the Astra Sports Tourer Electric are real pioneers: With the new battery-electric variant of the five-door and the estate, customers will benefit from everyday practicality, combined with the highest safety and comfort standards, and above all, emission-free driving pleasure,” said Opel CEO Florian Huettl. “The new Opel Astra Electric is an important milestone on our way to becoming a fully electric brand in Europe.”
Both the Astra Electric and Astra Sports Tourer Electric feature the same, fully electric powertrain. Powered by a 114kW (156hp) electric motor producing 270Nm of torque, and a 54kWh battery, the All-New Astra Electric achieves a WLTP-certified range of 416km from a single charge and reaches a top speed of 170km/h.
The 54kWh battery is made up of 102 battery cells housed in 17 modules and has been designed with efficiency in mind. The All-New Astra Electric requires just 12.7kWh of electricity to cover 100km, making it ideal for daily use, and drivers can choose between three driving modes; Eco, Normal, and Sport, to suit their needs. As with the rest of the fully electric Opel range, the all-new Astra Electric supports up to 100kW DC rapid charging, with an 80 per cent charge taking just 30 minutes to complete.
The battery is housed in the vehicle’s underbody, resulting in no compromise in passenger room or luggage space. Indeed, the Astra Sports Tourer Electric comes with 516 litres of luggage space with the rear seats up, increasing to 1,553 litres when folded; identical to Plug-in Hybrid variants of the vehicle. The low position of the battery also gives both body-types a safe and solid position on the road.
The new electric models feature Opel’s distinctive bold and pure design, already found on internal combustion and electrified variants of the multi-award-winning Astra.
They both feature Opel’s latest interior technologies, driver aids and safety features. The fully digital Pure Panel interior comes with a 10″ digital instrument cluster and a 10″ central display, displaying all the important functions such as battery charge status, range and safety equipment, while settings such as climate control can still be easily adjusted at the touch of a physical button. The large Intelli-HUD head-up display unit and ‘Hey Opel!’ natural voice recognition allow drivers to stay focused on the road ahead.
Both vehicles are available with Opel’s IntelliLux LED® Pixel Light technology, featuring 168 individual LED elements, 84 per headlight, to provide unparalleled visibility at night. Both vehicles feature ergonomic Active Sports seats, certified by Aktion Gesunder Rücken e.V. (AGR; Campaign for Healthier Backs).
From 2023, Opel Astra customers will thus be able to choose from more drivetrain alternatives than any other model in the “Blitz” range; in addition to highly efficient combustion petrol and diesel engines, the Astra is already available with electrified plug-in hybrid variants, with a new top-of-the-line PHEV model, the Astra GSe, due in 2023. This range of drivetrains will therefore soon be complemented by the battery-electric Astra Electric, which will be available to order from spring 2023.
First deliveries of the all-new Astra Electric are anticipated from early summer. Pricing and specification for the Irish market will be announced closer to arrival.
