Friday 15 March 2024

Vauxhall Astra wins ‘Best Medium Car’ at 2024 Business Motoring Awards

  • Vauxhall Astra named ‘Best Medium Car’ at 2024 Business Motoring Awards.
  • Judges praised Astra’s driving experience, low ownership costs and build quality
  • Available as fully electric Vauxhall Astra Electric with a range of up to 258 miles (WLTP)
  • Customers can also choose from petrol, hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains

Vauxhall Astra has been named ‘Best Medium Car’ at 2024 Business Motoring Awards.

Business Motoring Awards are now in their tenth year and continue to provide a valuable spotlight on the market leaders in SME sector. Awards are judged by an independent panel of automotive experts and members of  Business Motoring editorial team, who praised Astra’s driving experience, low ownership costs and impressive build quality.

Available as a hatch or Sports Tourer estate, with petrol, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and fully electric variants, Vauxhall Astra caters for a wide range of drivers. With zero-emissions-in-use, the Astra Electric qualifies for a Benefit-in-Kind rate of just 2% (2023/24), making it particularly well suited to both fleet and business users.

Chris Wright, Editor, Business Motoring, said: “Latest Astra is a great to drive as ever but more importantly, brand has worked hard to bring down ownership costs so car is now even more accessible. Build quality is also excellent and whole package feels well thought out.”

James Taylor, Managing Director, Vauxhall, said: “Vauxhall’s success at Business Motoring Awards is proof that Astra is a more attractive proposition than ever. With low running costs and a wide range of powertrains to choose from, including fully electric Astra Electric, Astra is an ideal choice for businesses of all sizes.”

Astra Electric is powered by Vauxhall’s next-generation 54kWh battery and a 156hp electric motor. It achieves impressive efficiency of 4.2 miles per kWh, providing up to 258 miles of range (WLTP). 


Vauxhall will offer a fully electric version of every model in its line-up by end of 2024.

Wednesday 13 March 2024

Covers all Bases: Opel’s Exciting Battery-Electric Portfolio

  • Efficient, locally emissions-free and versatile: All-electric passenger cars from Opel Corsa Electric and Mokka Electric to Astra Electric and Zafira Electric
  • Electric mobility for two: Opel Rocks Electric enables individual mobility from the age of 15 
  • Without compromise: New generation of Opel Combo Electric, Vivaro Electric and Movano Electric light commercial vehicles
  • Clear electrification strategy: New Opel Frontera Electric to arrive later this year

Anyone looking for the right vehicle for everyday, locally emissions-free mobility need look no further than Opel’s comprehensive portfolio. German brand already offers 15 electrified models – many of them fully electric. Portfolio ranges from small Opel Rocks Electric to bestselling Corsa Electric and Mokka Electric to people carriers such as new Combo Electric and Zafira Electric. This means that Opel has everything from quadricycles to spacious passenger cars in its range – and what's more, the new Opel Astra Sports Tourer Electric is one of the first battery-electric estates on market.


In addition, business owners can also find right model for almost every purpose at Opel. New generation of Opel commercial vehicles is currently being launched with Opel Combo Cargo Electric, Vivaro Electric and Movano Electric leading the way in terms of sustainable transportation solutions. They all have a class-leading range of state-of-art assistance systems and make no compromises in terms of loading volume and capacity in everyday working life.

And the brand with the Blitz will continue down the path of consistent electrification this year – the 125th anniversary of automobile production at Opel. Opel will offer at least one purely electric model in every carline by the end of the year. One of the newcomers will be the completely new Opel Frontera SUV, which will also be available as a battery-electric vehicles.

Two bestsellers, four versions: Opel Corsa Electric and Opel Mokka Electric

It's not for nothing that Opel Corsa has been Germany's most popular small car in recent years. It impresses with its characteristic design including Opel Vizor brand face, space for up to five people and technologies that make every journey more relaxing. In addition, it offers locally emissions-free driving pleasure in two versions: customers can choose from two battery-electric performance levels. With new 115 kW/156 hp drive and 51 kWh battery, up to 405 kilometres (according to WLTP 2) can be covered between charging stops. With the 100 kW/136 hp and 50 kWh battery variants, up to 357 kilometres (WLTP 2) are possible. And even when Corsa Electric needs recharging, only a short pitstop is necessary. At a 100 kW direct current fast charging station 80 percent of battery capacity can be recharged in around 30 minutes. And ordering the small car bestseller is now particularly worthwhile – Corsa Electric is currently available as a special edition “Yes” in dynamic GS look at a highly attractive price of just €29,990 (RRP including VAT in Germany).

With its bold and pure design, Opel Mokka Electric is an extraordinary eye-catcher. In addition to the proven electric drive with 100 kW/136 hp and 260 Newton meters of torque, it has also recently been introduced with 115 kW/156 hp and a new 54 kWh battery. This means that instead of up to 338 kilometres, Opel Mokka Electric drivers can now travel up to 407 kilometres in accordance with WLTP 2 with zero local emissions – an improvement of 20 percent! As with all fully electric Opel models, the battery is installed in the underbody. In this way, no space is lost in passenger or luggage compartment and Mokka Electric is firmly planted to road – for pure driving pleasure with responsibility!

Electric pioneers: Opel Astra Electric and new Opel Astra Sports Tourer Electric

Llatest generation of compact class bestseller Opel Astra also ensures this. While many other electric cars are limited to 150 km/h or 160 km/h, the Astra Electric and Astra Sports Tourer Electric can reach a top speed of 170 km/h – and it's pleasantly quiet and light-footed. Thanks to their compact packaging, both the five-door and the estate are real lightweights in their segment. This also helps ensure that passengers in the Astra Electric and Astra Sports Tourer Electric can travel up to 418 kilometres and 413 kilometres (according to WLTP 2) respectively without stopping – and all this while enjoying the highest level of comfort, optionally with AGR-certified ergonomic active sports seats, and an intuitively operated Pure Panel cockpit including the latest infotainment technology and latest generation of glare-free IntelliLux LED Pixel Light.

As one of first fully electric estates on market, Opel Astra Sports Tourer Electric is a pioneer in its segment. Fact that it is a true all-rounder that combines sporty styling with locally emissions-free driving is also demonstrated by its loading qualities: luggage compartment of Opel Astra Sports Tourer Electric, which is suitable for everyday use, work and travel, offers 516 litres of loading volume. When the seats are folded down, the capacity increases to up to 1,553 litres. Not only can it safely carry numerous suitcases and work utensils, but it can also take more voluminous items such as transport boxes. But no matter what the load, packing Opel Astra Sports Tourer Electric is pleasantly easy thanks to the 60-centimetre low loading sill.

For families, leisure and VIP service: New Opel Combo Electric and Opel Zafira Electric

New Opel Combo Electric 3 and Opel Zafira Electric 2 are also perfect for leisure, vacation or as shuttle vehicles. All of this with the outstanding comfort and maximum safety: Two newcomers have up to 18 assistance systems that make every journey more relaxing. These include features such as the high-resolution 180-degree rear-view camera and new features such as Full LED headlights and even class-leading IntelliLux LED Matrix Light available for Combo.

New Opel Combo Electric, which will be available to order shortly, is the ideal family vehicle. Customers can choose from two vehicle lengths: 4.41-metre version offers space for up to 5 people, while the 4.76-metre version (Combo XL) can optionally accommodate up to seven passengers in three rows. If desired, the Combo Electric offers additional flexibility with three individual seats in the second row. Depending on the seating configuration, the newcomer offers between 775 (Combo) and 4,000 litres (Combo XL; up to the roof) of load volume. The unique access option to the cargo area via the separately opening window in the tailgate and the horizontally foldable passenger seat backrest are particularly practical when loading the vehicle. Soon, occupants will be able to travel up to 343 kilometres (according to WLTP 2) on a single charge – around 60 kilometres more than the outgoing model. This is made possible by the further development of the fully electric drive train and the highly efficient heat pump, which helps to conserve battery range in low temperatures.

New Zafira Electric is available with either a 50 kWh or 75 kWh battery. With further developed 75 kWh battery, a range of up to 350 kilometres (WLTP 2) is possible between charging stops. Large people carrier is available in two lengths (4.98 metres and 5.33 metres) and offers space for up to eight people. If desired, it can be particularly comfortable in the rear with four independent, vis-a-vis seats. Sensor-controlled, electric sliding doors on both sides of the vehicle make it easier to get in and out of rows two and three. New Opel Zafira also offers load volume ranging between 1,500 litres and 4,900 litres. Further practicality is provided by new Opel Zafira Electric’s height – at just 1.90 metres it is fully suitable for underground car parks.

Young, innovative, individual: Opel Rocks Electric

Opel Rocks Electric is the smallest battery-electric vehicle in Opel’s portfolio. Agile, locally emissions-free and, above all, accessible for young people over the age of 15 1,  Opel Rocks Electric is the ideal vehicle for affordable individual mobility. Smart entry-level electric quadricycle with space for two and a panoramic glass roof as standard offers a range of up to 75 kilometres which can be covered at up to 45 km/h. And with a turning circle of just 7.20 meters, the 2.41-metre short and just 1.39-metre wide (without exterior mirrors) Opel Rocks Electric can be easily handle tight corners or fit into small parking spaces. And electric quadricycle is an unconventional eye-catcher – also because two doors are designed identically. Passenger door swings forward as usual, while driver's door swings backwards in the opposite direction.

Ready for business: New Opel Combo Electric, Vivaro Electric and Movano Electric

Elsewhere, Opel’s electric light commercial vehicle (LCV) line-up is equally impressive – as shown by by the recently launched new Opel Combo Electric, Vivaro Electric and Movano Electric. All newcomers that can already be ordered have one thing in common: They bring a breath of fresh air to LCV segment with new styling – they have characteristic Opel Vizor brand face for first time. Highlights of further developed, modern-looking cockpits include new Apple CarPlay and Android Auto-compatible infotainment systems, which can be used to wirelessly connect and charge the corresponding smartphones. Colour touchscreens up to 10 inches in size guarantee the best overview without distraction and easy operation. A wide range of state-of-art electronic helpers also ensure maximum safety. New Opel Movano Electric has up to 22 assistance systems on board, which enable level 2 automated driving for first time in long history of series.

All this is combined with usual light commercial vehicle qualities. Opel Combo Electric, Vivaro Electric and Movano Electric continue to offer the full operational capability of their counterparts with conventional drives. Thanks to state-of-art battery technologies and improvements such as increased drive efficiency, all three models have class-leading locally emissions-free battery-electric ranges: new OpelCombo Electric can travel up to 346 kilometres between charging stops, Opel Vivaro Electric up to 350 kilometres and Opel Movano Electric with 200 kW/272 hp, 410 Newton meters of torque and 110 kWh battery even up to 420 kilometres according to WLTP 2.

In addition, three LCV models score with exemplary loading volumes as well as loading and towing capacities. As a panel van, new Opel Combo Electric offers up to 4.4 m3 of loading volume. Class-leading payloads of up to 780 kilogrammes and a trailer load of up to 750 kilogrammes are class-leading. Depending on the version, new Opel Vivaro Electric can load up to 6.6 m3 and shoulder more than 1.2 tons. And the largest of the commercial vehicle trio, Opel Movano Electric, boasts a cargo volume of 17 m3 which is enough for five Euro pallets.

Opel customers can already choose from a wide range of battery-electric, locally emissions-free models for leisure, family and work. At same time, German brand is consistently pushing forward the transition to electromobility in its anniversary year. New Opel Frontera and next generation Opel Grandland with fully electric variants will soon add to Opel’s extensive electric portfolio.

[1] AM-class driving licence in Germany. Applies to four-wheeled light motor vehicles with a rated continuous/utilised power not exceeding 6 kW, with no more than two seats and a maximum speed not exceeding 45 km/h.

[2] Range values determined according to WLTP test procedure methodology (R (EC) No. 715/2007, R (EU) No. 2017/1151). Actual range can vary under everyday conditions and depends on various factors, in particular on personal driving style, route characteristics, outside temperature, use of heating and air conditioning and thermal preconditioning.

[3] Vehicle not available yet. All data on vehicles is preliminary.

[4] All prices RRP in Germany

Friday 8 March 2024

Two new women's teams in ADAC Opel Electric Rally Cup 2024

  • French Motorsport Federation continues its promotion of young talent 
  • Two FFSA women's teams take up challenge in Opel Corsa Rally Electric 
  • Talents Emma Chalvin and Alizée Pottier are at beginning of their careers
French motorsport association FFSA (Fédération Française de Sport Automobile) is consistently continuing its promotion of young female rally drivers in ADAC Opel Electric Rally Cup "powered by GSe". In 2024 once again, two all-female teams will challenge their male opponents in world's first electric rally brand cup, following in footsteps of their successful predecessors Sarah Rumeau/Julie Amblard and Cindy Gudet/Jeanne Rey. With Alizée Pottier (23) and Emma Chalvin (22), FFSA is filling its two Opel Corsa Rally Electric cars with two promising rally talents who are still at beginning of their motorsport careers.

Alizée Pottier lives in Champfleur, a small town in Département Sarthe around 50 kilometers north of Le Mans, where she runs a communications and coaching agency. It was only two years ago that Alizée switched from rallycross to rallying and took her first steps as a co-driver before taking wheel herself for first time. Her co-driver Lou Murcia is only 26 years old, but has ten years of experience in rallying under her belt.

Emma Chalvin comes from Les Deux Alpes, a winter sports resort in Département Isère around 70 kilometers southeast of Grenoble. Like the first champion of  ADAC Opel Electric Rally Cup, Laurent Pellier, Emma works as a ski instructor during winter months. She also gained her first motorsport successes in rallycross. Her co-driver is Emy Ailloud-Perraud, with whom she already competed in her first rallies last year.

"Last year we were very impressed by consistency and professionalism with which FFSA promotes young talent," says Opel Motorsport Director Jörg Schrott. "Cindy and Sarah with their co-drivers were a real enrichment for ADAC Opel Electric Rally Cup, both in terms of motorsport and character. I am convinced that Emma and Alizée will exactly follow up to their two predecessors. FFSA is an important and pleasant partner for us, and I am very pleased to be able to continue and intensify this cooperation. We are all excited to see how Emma, Emy, Alizée and Lou will perform in Opel Corsa Rally Electric, but I am sure that the boys will have to wrap up warmly."

Fourth season of ADAC Opel Electric Rally Cup "powered by GSe" starts on the first weekend in May with  ADAC Rallye Sulingen. Eight events are scheduled, including three in France and one each in Netherlands and Austria. As last year, season finale will be held as part of Central European Rally, new World Rally Championship round with special stages in Germany, Czech Republic and Austria.