Opel Highlights 2022: All-New Opel Astra leads the way in Anniversary Year

• 160 year of Opel innovations for millions: Tradition-rich company celebrates birthday
• Start of a new era: Sixth generation Opel Astra arrives at dealerships
• 40 Years of Opel Corsa: Limited edition “Opel Corsa 40” presented
• GSe returns: Opel reveals dynamic and electrified “Grand Sport electric” sub-brand
• Electrifying performance: Successful season for Opel Corsa-e Rally and co.
• Innovative transport solution: First Opel Vivaro-e HYDROGEN in customer hands

2022 was an electrifying year for Opel in every respect: for 160 years, the brand with the ‘Blitz’ has been making innovations affordable for a wide audience. This was also the case in the anniversary year - first and foremost with the new Opel Astra, which celebrated its dealer premiere in the spring and has been delighting experts and customers alike ever since. Other bestsellers of the year are the Opel Mokka, the best-selling electric vehicle in its segment in autumn, and the Opel Corsa, which celebrated its 40th birthday this year. As the battery-electric Corsa-e Rally, it once again celebrated a successful campaign in the ADAC Opel e-Rally Cup, the first electric one-make cup worldwide. In the future, Opel will also offer an even more dynamic everyday driving experience with the models of the recently introduced GSe sub-brand. At the same time, Opel is consistently advancing innovations for sustainable mobility in its commercial vehicles as well: for example, the first Opel Vivaro-e HYDROGEN with hydrogen fuel cell drive are already in use with customers. Today, Opel already has 12 electrified models in its portfolio. These and even more highlights are shown in the electrifying video "Best of Opel 2022: Electrifying Champions" on the Opel Highlights 2022.

“2022 was an exceptional year for Opel,” said Opel CEO Florian Huettl. “With the launch of all-new Opel  Astra, electrified for the first time, we are driving into a new era Our Corsa and Mokka models – which are also electric – show what makes real bestsellers in the small car and subcompact SUV segment. We are consistently pursued our electrification offensive – amongst others, with the hydrogen fuel cell van Opel Vivaro-e HYDROGEN. In this respect, 2022 was also a year in which we continued to drive forward the development towards becoming an all-electric brand in Europe.”

Success story: 160 years of Opel, 40 years of Opel Corsa, 30 years of Opel in Eisenach

In 2022, Opel celebrated a very special anniversary: 160 years ago, Adam Opel laid the foundation stone in Rüsselsheim for a company that developed from a producer of sewing machines to the world's largest bicycle manufacturer to an internationally important automotive brand that always makes technologies from higher vehicle classes affordable for a broad range of buyers. At the same time, 160 years of Opel history show that those responsible have always thought outside the proverbial box and surprised customers with extraordinary solutions.

In addition, one of the biggest bestsellers celebrated its 40th birthday: Opel Corsa revolutionised the small car class with its premiere in 1982 and still enjoys great popularity among customers today in what is now the sixth generation. Current Opel Corsa is one of the most popular small cars ever. The battery-electric Opel Corsa-e also won the "Golden Steering Wheel 2020" 1 and is successful in motorsport as a locally emission-free rally vehicle. Opel celebrated this anniversary by launching the limited edition “Opel Corsa 40” – with the newcomer combining modern technology with numerous nods to the first Corsa generation.

Elsewhere, Eisenach also celebrated an anniversary: Opel models have been rolling off the production line at the Thuringian plant, located in central Germany, for 30 years. Three decades that have shaped entire region and during which the ultra-modern location has renewed itself again and again, so that future-proof vehicles such as the Opel Grandland, of course also as a plug-in hybrid, are produced here today.

All-New Opel Astra: From the dealer premiere to the “Golden Steering Wheel 2022”

2022 was also marked by the new Opel Astra. In May, the sixth generation celebrated its dealer premiere. Completely new, equipped with innovative technologies such as the fully digital Pure Panel cockpit or the adaptive glare-free IntelliLux LED Pixel Light as well as with its clear, bold design including the new Opel Vizor brand face, visitors to the dealerships were able to test drive the newcomer for themselves - for the first time also as an electrified plug-in hybrid. The response was overwhelming, and the order books are brimming.

Readers and the expert jury of AUTO BILD and BILD am SONNTAG agree that Opel is entering a new era with all-new Astra. They awarded the Astra and Astra Sports Tourer the "Golden Steering Wheel 2022" in autumn. Latest generation of the best-selling model beat off strong competition to win one of the most prestigious awards in the automotive industry as "Best Car up to €50,000"2.

At the same time, an "Auto Oscar" went to Rüsselsheim for the third time in a row. In 2020, Opel Corsa-e 1 won the coveted award, and last year the Opel Mokka-e 3 took top honours. Latter has become a bestseller with its design, technologies and suitability for everyday use. In October and November, it was best-selling all-electric car in B-SUV segment in Germany. In November, no less than 65 percent of all Opel Mokka customers opted for the battery-electric, locally emission-free variant.

Dynamic, inspiring and electrified: New GSe sub-brand

Also in autumn, Opel announced: "GSe" is returning - in a new, fresh guise. Where the abbreviation used to stand for "Grand Sport injection", it now becomes Opel's new sporty sub-brand and means "Grand Sport electric". Opel GSe models combine excellent driving dynamics with innovative electrification and will be at the top of the respective model series in the future. Plug-in hybrids Opel Grandland GSe (fuel consumption according to WLTP 4: 1.3 l/100 km, CO2 emission 31-29 g/km; both combined, weighted, preliminary values) as well as Astra GSe and Astra Sports Tourer GSe (fuel consumption according to WLTP 4: 1.2-1.1 l/100 km, CO2 emission 26-25 g/km; both combined, preliminary values) will be available soon.

Opel electrifies motorsports: Impressive Rally record in 2022

Opel has also literally electrified international rallying in the 2022 season. Laurent Pellier and the Opel Corsa Rally4 dominated the Junior European Rally Championship (JERC), clinching the fifth Junior European title for Opel. At the same time, the ADAC Opel e-Rally Cup established itself as the first electric rally one-make cup worldwide and continued its upswing. In rally runs that were as demanding as they were varied, the teams fought for points and trophies in the Opel Corsa-e Rally. In this way, organisers showed how electric rally sport can inspire. Next year, the cup will enter its third season!

From Opel Rocks-e to Opel Vivaro-e HYDROGEN: E-offensive in full swing

Even with the smallest and largest models in the Opel portfolio, the manufacturer is pushing the pace in terms of electrification. Opel Rocks-e, for example, makes young people from the age of 155 in Germany mobile and brings a breath of fresh air to the light vehicle segment as an innovative electric vehicle for two. Elsewhere, the first customers have been behind the wheel of the Opel Vivaro-e HYDROGEN since this year. Pioneering hydrogen fuel cell transporter shows how versatile electric mobility can be in the commercial sector. It is the ideal solution for fleet customers who want to cover long distances without local emissions and need to refuel quickly. When fully fuelled, it can travel up to 400 kilometres (according to WLTP). Refuelling with hydrogen takes just three minutes.

All in all, Opel took full advantage of 2022, once again taking huge strides towards becoming a fully electric brand in Europe by 2028. This is exactly the path the company will continue to follow in the coming year – with models such as the first fully electric Opel Astra Electric and many other innovations.

[1] AUTO BILD and BILD am SONNTAG edition 45/2020, category for “Small cars”.

[2] AUTO BILD edition 45/2022 and BILD am SONNTAG edition 46/2022, category for “Best car up to €50,000”.

[3] AUTO BILD edition 45/2021 and BILD am SONNTAG edition 46/2021, category for “Best car under €25,000” incl. environmental bonus.

[4] Preliminary values determined using the more realistic WLTP (Worldwide harmonized Light vehicles Test Procedure) test method which replaces the NEDC (New European Driving Cycle) test procedure. A vehicle's consumption, CO2 emissions and range not only depend on the efficient use of energy by the vehicle but are also influenced by driving style and other non-technical factors. The information on consumption and emissions does not refer to an individual vehicle and is intended solely for purposes of comparison between the various vehicle types. Vehicle not available yet.

[5] 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.

ADAC Opel e-Rally Cup 2023 in spectacular WRC setting

• World’s first electric rally one-make cup enters its third season in 2023
• Attractive schedule with eight challenging scoring runs in four countries
• Opel Corsa-e Rally cars will complete their finale as part of the World Rally Championship

Opel Corsa-e Rally 

After a very successful 2022 rally season for Opel, preparations for the third season of the ADAC Opel e-Rally Cup are already in full swing. The schedule of the first and so far only electric rally one-make cup worldwide will be upgraded again for the coming season. Instead of seven runs, as in the first two years, the 100 kW/136 hp Opel Corsa-e Rally will complete eight top-class rally events in four countries in 2023.

ADAC Opel e-Rally Cup continues to be based on the German Rally Championship (DRM). The locally emission-free electric cars will kick off the season at the ADAC Rally Sulingen at the beginning of May and will also compete again at the ADAC Saarland-Pfalz Rally around St. Wendel and at the ADAC Rally Stemweder Berg in the Lübbecke area.

After the successful debuts of the past season, the customer sports racers from Rüsselsheim will also electrify the attractive rally events in Weiz (Austria) and Morzine at the foot of the Mont Blanc (France) in 2023. ADAC Opel e-Rally Cup will also celebrate two exciting premieres at the Rally du Chablais around Aigle in western Switzerland and at the Rally du Vosges Grand-Est near Gérardmer in the French Vosges.

Last of the numerous calendar highlights has been saved for the finale of the ADAC Opel e-Rally Cup. When the FIA World Rally Championship causes a stir on the asphalt tracks in the border triangle of Germany/Austria/Czech Republic from October 27 to 29 as part of the new Central European Rally, the Cup teams will also pitch their tents in the service park in Passau with their battery-electric Corsa-e Rally cars, thus demonstrating fascinating dynamics and innovative power of electric rallying within a large international setting.

“After an all-round successful rally year in 2022, we are already looking forward to an exciting third season of the ADAC Opel e-Rally Cup,” said Opel Motorsport Director Jörg Schrott. “The awareness for the first electric rally one-make cup worldwide has grown very noticeably, as has the interest from organisers at home and abroad in staging a competition round. We are very pleased about this since Opel is proving that electric rallying works.”

ADAC Opel e-Rally Cup Calendar 2023

May 5-6  ADAC Rally Sulingen - Germany

June 2-3  Rally du Chablais, Aigle - Switzerland

June 17-18  Rally du Vosges Grand-Est, Gérardmer - France

July 14-15  Rally Weiz - Austria

August 18-19  ADAC Saarland-Pfalz Rally, St. Wendel - Germany

September 8-9  Rally Mont-Blanc, Morzine - France

September 29-30  ADAC Rally Stemweder Berg, Lübbecke - Germany

October 27-29  Central European Rally, Passau - Germany/Austria/Czech Republic

Opel Mokka Electric: Now with Even More Range

• E for electric: Opel Mokka-e to become Opel Mokka Electric
• More powerful, more efficient, more range: Electric motor with 115 kW/156 hp, new 54 kWh battery enables 406 kilometres of locally emission-free driving (WLTP1)
• Fast charging: 80 per cent state-of-charge in around 30 minutes at a 100 kW DC charging station
• Electric driving fun à la Opel: Three drive modes – Normal, Eco and Sport

Opel Mokka Electric

Opel Mokka-e is becoming the Opel Mokka Electric with the best-selling battery-electric vehicle in the B-SUV segment in Germany in October and November now getting even more powerful, efficient, and attractive. All-electric "Winner of the Golden Steering Wheel 2021" 2 will also be available with a larger battery and more power in the future. With the new 54 kWh battery, Opel Mokka Electric drivers can cover up to 406 kilometres instead of up to 338 kilometres locally emission-free according to WLTP 1 – a significant improvement of 20 percent. At the same time, energy consumption has decreased to 15.2 kWh per 100 kilometres (WLTP 3). However, the Mokka Electric is not just highly efficient – with an output of 115 kW/156 hp and 260 Newton meters of torque, the electric motor, which is also used in the new Opel Astra Electric delivers pure driving pleasure.

"'e' becomes 'Electric'. With the new suffix, we underline that Opel Mokka offers even more electric driving fun. It is an electric vehicle that is unparalleled in its segment. Ever since it was launched, our extraordinary compact SUV has impressed people with its bold and pure design, individual character and proven suitability for everyday use. And with a new electric drive and larger battery, we are now making Mokka Electric even more powerful, even more efficient and better. That is Opel approach to well thought-out 'Greenovation'," said Opel CEO Florian Huettl.

Electric SUV pioneer even better as Opel Mokka Electric

Mokka shows Opel’s approach to innovative, forward-looking and emotionalising mobility: Not only was the stylish SUV the first Opel to wear the new brand face, the Opel Vizor, it was also the first Opel with the fully digitised Pure Panel cockpit. In addition, it was the first Opel available at the start of sales with fully electric drive as well as highly efficient combustion engines, thus giving customers the choice of which drive suits their needs best – and that choice is already predominantly electric. In November, no less than 65 percent of all Mokka customers in Germany opted for the battery-electric, locally emission-free variant – which is now getting even better.

Range of up to 406 kilometres (according to WLTP 1) – and thus 20 percent more than to date – promises all-round, everyday, enduring electric driving fun in the city as well as on longer journeys. Energy is stored in the new, 54 kWh lithium-ion battery. Engineers attached great importance to efficient packaging and were thus able to ensure an exemplary range with a compact battery size.

As with all fully electric Opel models, the 54 kWh battery of Mokka Electric is practically installed in the underbody. Thus, no space is lost in the passenger or luggage compartment and Opel Mokka Electric has excellent roadholding qualities. Vehicle's low center of gravity increases safety and driving pleasure. With an output of 115 kW/156 hp and maximum torque of 260 Newton meters that is immediately available with the first tap of the accelerator, Opel Mokka Electric ensures brisk starts and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in under 10 seconds. The top speed is electronically limited to 150 km/h.

Depending on their preference, Opel Mokka Electric drivers can choose between the three driving modes Eco, Normal and Sport. In Eco mode, the electric SUV is most energy-efficient in favour of the overall range. Thanks to a state-of-the-art regenerative braking system, the Mokka Electric can also recuperate energy when decelerating or braking. Electric motor then converts the forward momentum into electricity. If the driver shifts the transmission into the B mode, recuperation and braking torque increase. And when the compact SUV has to “refuel”, the 54 kWh battery can be recharged to up to 80 percent state-of-charge in around 30 minutes at a 100 kW DC charging station. The Mokka Electric has this fast-charging function as standard. In addition to direct current, Opel drivers can also charge three-phase alternating current thanks to the 11 kW onboard charger – via a wall box or with a cable for the household socket.

Efficiency and comfort are a given in Opel Mokka Electric. Numerous heating systems and technologies from the standard heat pump to the practical myOpel app, which can be used to program the pre-conditioning by remote control, ensure a cozy atmosphere right from the start – especially during the colder months of the year.

Opel Mokka Electric with more power and a longer range is another example of how Opel is consistently pushing ahead with its electric offensive. Twelve electrified Opel models are already available today, including the entire range of light commercial vehicles. By 2024, the manufacturer will also offer every model in an electrified version. And by 2028, Opel will become an all-electric brand in Europe.

[1] Preliminary range determined according to WLTP test procedure methodology (R (EC) No. 715/2007, R (EU) No. 2017/1151). The 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.

[2] AUTO BILD edition 45/2021 and BILD am SONNTAG edition 46/2021, category for “Best car under €25,000” incl. environmental bonus.

[3] Preliminary values determined using the more realistic WLTP (Worldwide harmonized Light vehicles Test Procedure) test method which replaces the NEDC (New European Driving Cycle) test procedure. A vehicle's consumption, CO2 emissions and range not only depend on the efficient use of energy by the vehicle but are also influenced by driving style and other non-technical factors. The information on consumption and emissions does not refer to an individual vehicle and is intended solely for purposes of comparison between the various vehicle types.

75 Years Ago: Opel resumes Passenger Car Production in Rüsselsheim

• Late autumn 1947: Olympia is the first series-produced passenger car to roll off the assembly line after the plant is rebuilt
• Basis for success: Opel Olympia, Rekord and Co pave the way for the coming years of the German “Wirtschaftswunder”
• Current compact class bestseller: New Opel Astra is also “made in Rüsselsheim”

160 years of Opel mean 160 years of innovations for millions of people. Throughout its long history, the tradition-rich manufacturer from Rüsselsheim has always met challenges with new ideas and products that laid the basis for its continued success. Just like 75 years ago: In the late autumn of 1947, the Opel Olympia rolled off the assembly line as the first series-produced passenger car after the reconstruction of the Rüsselsheim plant. A model that had already made history and was now to drive the restart of car production. With success: to this day, countless models and automotive legends have left the factory halls at Opel's headquarters – just like the latest bestseller with the ’Blitz’. New generation of the Opel Astra is also produced here. Like the Olympia 75 years ago, the Astra "made in Rüsselsheim" will make history. Next year, sporty Opel Astra GSe and the battery-electric Astra Electric will roll off the production line here alongside the familiar plug-in hybrid versions. This will make the Astra the first Opel model to be available in all drive variants – from highly efficient combustion engines to electric drive.

Opel Olympia 1947: Start of a new era of car production in Rüsselsheim

Opel had to start from scratch once before – after the great fire catastrophe of 1911, when a fire had reduced large parts of the Rüsselsheim plant to rubble. At that time, the Opel family and the employees showed courage to try something new and, after previously having made sewing machines, turned their attention completely to bicycle and automobile production. Situation is similar after the end of the Second World War. In 1945, there is hardly a stone left standing on the company premises near the Main river. However, reconstruction is quickly pushed ahead, so that parts production can initially be resumed under the existing circumstances. As early as the summer of 1946, the first 1½ tonne Blitz truck leaves the plant, which is then still under construction. Vehicle production picks up speed at the end of 1947. With the Opel Olympia, series production of passenger cars finally starts again. The Rüsselsheim based company thus chooses a model that already made history at its premiere twelve years earlier: in 1935, the Olympia was the first German mass-produced car to have a self-supporting all-steel body and, thanks to its low weight, improved driving performance and low fuel consumption. At the same time, the design of the modern safety body paved the way for large-scale production. These were the best prerequisites for a successful return to passenger car production in 1947.

Opel Olympia

Opel Olympia of 1947 differs from its predecessor in particular by an improved front axle with double wishbones and a slightly smaller wheelbase. Axle and steering of the two-door car now come from the Opel Kapitän. A concept that speeds up passenger car production in Rüsselsheim. Less than one year later, larger, four-door Opel Kapitän goes into series production. And as early as June 8, 1949, Opel officials announce the completion of the 100,000th 1.5-litre Opel Olympia. Simultaneously, the main plant in Rüsselsheim continues production of a "cool" product that only a few people today associate with the brand: the "Frigidaire" refrigerator, which is in great demand at the time and becomes a bestseller in the 1950s.

But the foundation stone for the booming production in Rüsselsheim – and for the mobility of millions in the following German “Wirtschaftswunderjahre” ("economic miracle years") – is laid as early as the end of the 1940s with models such as the Olympia, Kapitän and Co. Models that make a broad section of the population mobile again and innovations affordable. Opel has maintained this credo over the decades and continues to inspire people with models that are as practical as they are emotional and at the same time affordable. So it is no wonder that the latest generation of the compact class bestseller Opel Astra is also manufactured at the company's headquarters.

All-New Opel Astra: Next bestseller “Made in Rüsselsheim”

Opel Astra GSe

Opel is driving into the future with the new Astra: Freshly crowned “Golden Steering Wheel 2022”1 winner is more dynamic than ever before – with a pure and bold design including the Opel Vizor brand face – while remaining a true everyday hero as five-door version as well as Astra Sports Tourer. Cutting edge technologies such as the intuitive, fully-digital Pure Panel cockpit or the adaptive, glare-free IntelliLux LED Pixel Light make driving more pleasant and safer – just like the AGR-certified (Aktion Gesunder Rücken e.V.) ergonomic active seats for driver and front passenger. Last, but not least Astra customers have a wide choice of drive alternatives: Opel Astra five-door and Sports Tourer are not only available with highly efficient internal combustion engines, but also, for the first time, as electrified and thus locally emission-free plug-in hybrids. And the battery-electric Opel Astra Electric will follow next year. A real success model – conceived, designed and made in Rüsselsheim.

Opel Astra Electric

[1] AUTIO BILD edition 45/2022 and BILD am SONNTAG edition 46/2022, category for “Best car under €50,000”.

All-New Vauxhall Astra named 'Best Family Hatch' by Top Gear

• All-New Vauxhall Astra named ‘Best Family Hatch of the Year’ at 2022 TopGear.com Awards
• All-New Astra is available as a Plug-in Hybrid with up to 43 miles of electric-only range
• TopGear praised All-New Astra on key criteria including efficiency and interior space
• Fully electric version of All-New Astra & All-New Astra Sports Tourer due in 2023
• Vauxhall committed to being an electric only brand by 2028 

All-New Vauxhall Astra has been named ‘Best Family Hatch of the Year’ at the 2022 TopGear.com Awards. This marks the second consecutive win for Vauxhall at Top Gear’s prestigious awards, following the Vauxhall Mokka being awarded ‘Design of the Year’ at the 2021 TopGear.com Awards.

All-New Vauxhall Astra gives customers the choice of petrol and diesel variants as well as a highly efficient Plug-in Hybrid model, capable of travelling up to 43 miles (WLTP, EAER) on electric power alone, with emissions as low as 23g/km CO2. All-electric versions of Astra and Astra Sports Tourer will arrive in 2023.

Coming out on top in a highly competitive category, TopGear praised All-New Astra across a number of areas important for family buyers, including cost, emissions and space.

Jack Rix, Editor, TopGear, said: “Ordinary cars fascinate us. They’re the hardest of all to design and engineer because every penny is counted, every last gramme of CO2 matters, every millimetre of space is measured, and faults are unforgivingly exposed by the brutalities of daily use. The best of them meet those tedious goals while being more desirable than the next company’s product that was built to exactly the same parameters. This year, that has been best achieved by the Astra.”

James Taylor, Managing Director, Vauxhall, said: “It is exciting to see Vauxhall once again recognised by TopGear. Family hatch segment is incredibly competitive and there is such a strong mix of popular models to stand out amongst. From launch, All-New Astra has proven to be a popular model with drivers and industry experts, and this award is a testament to the hard work from everyone at Vauxhall as we look forward to introducing a fully electric Astra next year on our journey to being electric-only from 2028.”

Recognition in the 2022 TopGear.com Awards follows recent success for the Astra in this year’s Business Car Awards, as the model was named winner of the ‘Best Family Car’ category.

Hessian Prime Minister Boris Rhein visiting Opel in Rüsselsheim

• Factory tour of Prime Minister Boris Rhein together with Opel CEO Florian Huettl
• Two-shift production of all Astra variants and the DS4 from DS Automobiles
• Opel Astra Electric will also start in Rüsselsheim in the new year

CEO Florian Huettl welcomed the Prime Minister of Hesse, Boris Rhein, to Opel's headquarters in Rüsselsheim today. Focus of the visit was on the new Opel Astra, which is manufactured at the Rüsselsheim plant as a five-door and sports tourer in two-shift operation. In the coming year, the sporty GSe and the battery-electric Opel Astra Electric will roll off the assembly line here in addition to the well-known plug-in hybrid. This makes the Astra the first Opel to be available in all drive variants - from highly efficient combustion engines to electric drives. In addition, DS4 of the premium brand DS Automobile is manufactured in Rüsselsheim.

“All-new Opel Astra is already a success. Order books are full. And with the Opel Astra Electric, we will consistently continue our electrification offensive in 2023. We already have twelve electrified models on offer. By 2024 our entire portfolio will be electrified, and by 2028 we will only sell electric vehicles in Europe. We are profitable in the long term and want to continue to grow - with sustainable and attractive models," said Opel CEO Florian Huettl during the visit of the Hessian Prime Minister.

“Opel is a piece of Hessian identity. Car manufacturer belongs to Rüsselsheim like an engine belongs to a car. It is therefore very important to us that the structural change in the industry and the associated changes for employees also succeed in Hesse," said Prime Minister Boris Rhein.

New Opel Astra Electric: Compact Class Bestseller goes Fully Electric

• Debut: Latest generation Astra also available as battery-electric vehicle for the first time
• Pioneer: Opel Astra Sports Tourer Electric first battery-electric estate from a German manufacturer
• Top performance: 270 Nm, range up to 416 km (WLTP 1), top speed of 170 km/h
• Broad selection: Battery-electric version extends drivetrain range
• Electrifying performance: Great roadholding, pure locally emission-free driving fun

Opel is opening the next ground-breaking chapter with the new Astra: today the Rüsselsheim-based carmaker revealed the first images of the new Opel Astra Electric. Brand with the “Blitz” 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” [2] winner. But that's not all: at the same time as the battery-electric five-door, the tradition-rich brand is also presenting the new Opel Astra Sports Tourer Electric, the first all-electric estate from a German manufacturer.

“Opel 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 suitability combined with comfort, and above all with a lot of locally emission-free driving pleasure. This is what we mean when referring to sensible 'Greenovation' of mobility,” said Opel CEO Florian Huettl. “At the same time, we are continuing to roll out our electrification offensive. New Opel Astra Electric is an important milestone on our way to becoming a fully electric brand in Europe.”

In the future, Opel Astra customers will thus be able to choose from more drivetrain alternatives than for any other model with the “Blitz”. In addition to highly efficient combustion engines, Opel Astra and Astra Sports Tourer are already available as electrified plug-in hybrid variants including the new top-of-the-line model, the Astra GSe. And the range of drivetrains will soon be complemented by the battery-electric Astra Electric, which will be available to order from spring 2023.

Driving fun with responsibility: Emotional, everyday suitability, locally emission-free

New Opel Astra Electric and Opel Astra Sports Tourer Electric will electrify customers. Like all Astra variants, they not only impress with their bold and clear design, but also with their responsible performance. New Opel Astra Electric conveys pure locally emission-free driving fun. Electric motor delivers 115 kW/156 hp and a powerful 270 Newton meters of maximum torque – both available from the first touch of the accelerator pedal ensuring brisk starts and convincing acceleration. And while many other electric cars are limited to 150 km/h or 160 km/h, new Astra Electric has a top speed of 170 km/h. Depending on driving preferences, Astra Electric drivers can choose between the three modes Eco, Normal and Sport.

Energy is stored in a 54 kWh lithium-ion battery. 102 battery cells are housed in 17 modules and ensure that the new Astra Electric can cover up to 416 kilometres locally emission-free in accordance with WLTP 1. The engineers attached great importance to efficient packaging and were able to ensure an exemplary range with a compact battery size. New Opel Astra Electric requires just 12.7 kWh of electricity per 100 kilometres (14.9 kWh according to WLTP 3), making it not only the perfect, efficient vehicle for everyday use, but also an ideal companion that saves time on longer journeys – as a five-door model or as a Sports Tourer estate. Even when the battery-electric Astra needs to be recharged, this only means a short “pit stop” at a charging point. The Astra Electric can be charged to 80 percent of the battery capacity in around 30 minutes at a 100 kW direct current fast charging station. In addition, the all-electric Astra is equipped as standard with a three-phase 11 kW onboard charger for the wall box at home.

Batteries are practically housed in the underbody – so no space for passengers and luggage is lost in the interior. Even with the rear seats up, Opel Astra Sports Tourer Electric offers 516 litres of luggage space in the boot – with the seats folded down, the capacity increases to up to 1,553 litres. Another advantage: Low position of the battery also gives the Astra Electric and the Astra Sports Tourer Electric a safe and solid position on the road, as is typical for Opel.

Inside and out: Experience electric mobility intensively with the Opel Astra Electric

Interior also provides a particularly intense driving experience: Ergonomic Active Sport seats, optionally available in Alcantara, offer Astra Electric drivers and passengers the highest level of seating comfort à la Opel. Seats, which have been certified by Aktion Gesunder Rücken e.V. (AGR; Campaign for Healthier Backs), offer excellent lateral stability and a wide range of manual and electric adjustment options. In this way, the driver feels even more firmly integrated into the vehicle and experiences a unique feeling at the steering wheel.

Fully digital Pure Panel with two large 10-inch widescreen displays also takes the driver into a modern cockpit world. Latest generation of intuitive human-machine interface displays all important functions such as battery charge status or range, while important settings such as climate control can still be easily adjusted at the touch of a button. And with the large E-HUD head-up display and natural voice recognition, drivers’ eyes can stay focused on the road and the traffic situation. Numerous assistance systems, from front collision warning with automatic emergency braking to active lane keep assist, drowsiness detection and rear cross traffic alert to semi-automated lane change, are bundled in the new Intelli-Drive 2.0, among others, and further enhance safety – as does the class-leading, adaptive IntelliLux LED Pixel Light with a total of 168 LED elements.

New Opel Astra Electric conveys a direct, dynamic driving feel at first glance. Bold and pure in its design, the all-electric Astra comes with the Opel Vizor brand face including an extra sporty front bumper design in every trim level. Another eye-catcher are standard 18-inch alloy wheels in diamond-cut or completely black finish. 

Here, too, the new Opel Astra Electric makes it unmistakably clear: the Opel compact class is opening a new chapter – emotional, electrifying and, for the first time, fully electric.

[1] Preliminary range determined according to WLTP test procedure methodology (R (EC) No. 715/2007, R (EU) No. 2017/1151). The 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. Model not available yet.

[2] AUTIO BILD edition 45/2022 and BILD am SONNTAG edition 46/2022, category for “Best car under €50,000”.

[3] Preliminary values determined using the more realistic WLTP (Worldwide harmonized Light vehicles Test Procedure) test method which replaces the NEDC (New European Driving Cycle) test procedure. A vehicle's consumption, CO2 emissions and range not only depend on the efficient use of energy by the vehicle but are also influenced by driving style and other non-technical factors. The information on consumption and emissions does not refer to an individual vehicle and is intended solely for purposes of comparison between the various vehicle types. Vehicle not available yet.

All-New Opel Astra Crowned Irish Compact Car of the Year 2023

Opel celebrated a major win at this year's Irish Car and Van of the Year awards in association with Continental Tyres, held at the Westin Hotel, in Dublin on Friday 11th November. The much-acclaimed, all-new Opel Astra was crowned Irish Compact Car of the Year 2023, seeing off stiff competition in a hotly contested category and adding yet another trophy to its ever-growing list of international accolades. The latest win follows hot on the heels of a Golden Steering Wheel award and the German Compact Car of the Year 2023 title, bestowed at the German Car Awards.

All-New Opel Astra: Irish Compact Car of the Year 2023

Members of the Motoring Media Association of Ireland (MMAI) hosted the event, which was attended by Ireland's leading car brands, importers and distributors. Motoring journalists from print, online and broadcasting assessed each new car model launched in Ireland this year and voting took place to choose the ultimate segment winners.

James Brooks, Managing Director at Leeson Motors, Opel Importer in Ireland, said: "Team Opel Ireland is delighted with this prestigious award. Winner of a growing list of international awards, it now adds Irish Compact Car of the Year 2023 to its trophy cabinet. Available in petrol, diesel and plug-in electric hybrid, an all-electric version will follow in 2023. Sporting Opel's striking new Vizor front face on the outside and handsome Pure Panel cockpit on the inside, it is as eye-catching as it is a true performer."

Pictured from left to right are: Tom Dennigan, Continental Tyres; James Brooks, Managing Director at Opel Ireland; Joe Rayfus, Chairman of the MMAI; Caroline Kidd, motoring journalist and juror for Irish Car of the Year

Tom Dennigan from awards sponsor, Continental Tyres, said: "After the Covid disruption that impacted on the Irish Car of Year awards over the past couple of years, we are delighted to be back with these awards for 2023. The MMAI jurors provide a great service to Irish motorists in providing a really helpful insight into the broad range of increasingly sophisticated car models that are launched here each year."

Armed with the latest award, Opel now looks ahead to a busy 2023 which will see the launch of the new Astra and Grandland GSe range, the all-electric Opel Astra and the Astra Sports Tourer.

Serial Success: All-New Opel Astra Wins “Golden Steering Wheel 2022”

• Best car up to €50,0001: All-New Opel Astra and Astra Sports Tourer lead the field
• “Speaks for itself”: Opel wins “Golden Steering Wheel” for third time in succession
• Anniversary victory: This year’s award is 20th “Golden Steering Wheel” for Opel

Opel CEO Florian Huettl

All-new Opel Astra has won the “Golden Steering Wheel 2022”. Also electrified for the first time as a plug-in hybrid, the Astra as five-door and Sports Tourer convinced the readers of AUTO BILD and BILD am SONNTAG as well as the expert jury. Latest generation of the compact class bestseller from the German carmaker beat off strong competition to win one of the most prestigious prizes in the automotive industry as “Best Car up to €50,000” 1.

At the same time, Opel is celebrating an extraordinary series of success with the new Astra. With the “Golden Steering Wheel 2022”, the manufacturer has also won the “triple” for the first time: for the third time in a row, the award has gone to Opel. In 2020, the Opel Corsa-e [2] won the coveted award, and last year the Opel Mokka-e [3]. In addition, the current award is already the 20th “Golden Steering Wheel” for Opel.

“We have really hit the bull's eye with the new Opel Astra,” said Opel CEO Florian Huettl at the award ceremony of the “Golden Steering Wheel 2022” at the Axel Springer Haus in Berlin. “Our latest compact class generation is not only convincing, but also exciting, especially as a plug-in hybrid. We are delighted that the readers of AUTO BILD and BILD am SONNTAG, the expert jury and the editorial team see it the same way.”

“All-new Opel Astra has shaken up the compact class because it has many of the qualities that you need to be successful in this segment. A large display, reasonable trunk volume and the choice of different drives – all of this on a single platform. And if that doesn't convince you, you just have to try the ergonomic seats,” said Tom Drechsler, Editor-in-Chief & Managing Director AUTOMOTIVE of the BILD Group.

Attention to detail: Opel Astra unites bold and pure design with top technologies

True to the motto “New Astra speaks for itself”, newest generation Opel Astra and Astra Sports Tourer are not only more dynamic than ever, but with the new brand face, the Opel Vizor, and the all-digital, intuitive Pure Panel cockpit, they also set standards in the compact class. Top technologies in the new Astra include the latest evolution of the adaptive, glare-free IntelliLux LED Pixel Light headlamps with a total of 168 LED elements. Excellent comfort is provided by the AGR-certified ergonomic seats. With a system power output of 133 kW/180 hp and high torque of 360 Nm, the electrified Astra plug-in hybrid is also great fun to drive (WLTP 4 fuel consumption: 1.1-1.0 l/100 km, CO2 emissions 24-23 g/km, combined). Five-door accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in only 7.6 seconds. The Astra is thus locally emissions-free for the first time.

Opel and “Golden Steering Wheel”: 20 winners from Rüsselsheim

All-New Opel Astra is the latest in a proud line of “Golden Steering Wheel” winners from Opel. The award, which has been presented since 1976 by the Axel Springer publishing house BILD am SONNTAG (as of 2009 in cooperation with AUTO BILD) was won for the 20th time by the German carmaker. It all started in 1978, two years after the award was founded, with the Opel Senator A.

On the way to the “Golden Steering Wheel” victory, the readers of AUTO BILD and BILD am SONNTAG are always first in line. They vote on the new cars and thus choose their three favourites in each category for the final. At the DEKRA Lausitzring racetrack in Germany, a prominent jury of journalists, racing drivers and car experts then examine the individual finalists according to criteria based on the AUTO BILD test scheme.

[1] AUTO BILD edition 45/2022 and BILD am SONNTAG edition 46/2022, category for “Best car up to €50,000”.

[2] AUTO BILD and BILD am SONNTAG edition 45/2020, category for “Small cars”.

[3] AUTO BILD edition 45/2021 and BILD am SONNTAG edition 46/2021, category for “Best car under €25,000” incl. environmental bonus.

[4] Fuel consumption and CO2 emissions figures mentioned comply with the WLTP homologation (regulation EU 2017/948). From 1 September 2018, new vehicles are type-approved using the World Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP), which is a new, more realistic test procedure for measuring fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. WLTP fully replaces the New European Drive Cycle (NEDC), which was the test procedure used previously. Due to more realistic test conditions, the fuel consumption and CO2 emissions measured under the WLTP are in many cases higher compared to those measured under the NEDC. Fuel consumption and CO2 emissions figures may vary depending on specific equipment, options and format of tires.

[5] Range 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.

75 millionth Opel: New Opel Grandland GSe “Made in Eisenach”

• Traditionally innovative: “Jubilee” Opel Grandland GSe combines top technologies and driving pleasure
• Birthday parties: 160 years of Opel, 40 years of Corsa and 30 years of Eisenach plant
• Legendary millionaires: Opel Kapitän, Rekord, Senator and Omega

2022 is the year of festivities at Opel – Rüsselsheim-based brand is already celebrating its 160th anniversary along with the 30th birthday of the Eisenach plant in Thuringia. And one of the automaker’s bestsellers turns 40: the successful Opel Corsa, which has sold millions of units. Now Opel can add another landmark achievement: Brand with the Blitz has reached the production milestone of 75 million units. Vehicles that have always made innovations affordable for a broad range of buyers and thus made people mobile. Highly efficient models that combine emotion and everyday practicality. As a representative of 75 million Opel cars, an electrified, locally emission-free “jubilee” Grandland GSe rolled off the assembly line today – an Opel "made in Eisenach".

"75 million Opel vehicles – a real milestone in the history of Opel’s car production. This impressive figure shows Opel’s important role in democratising technologies and mobility solutions over the decades and for the future. We are redefining mobility – with the clear goal of becoming a fully electric brand in Europe by 2028, with cars that offer driving pleasure with responsibility. Our new sporty and electrified GSe models are another step in this direction," said Opel CEO Florian Huettl.

Opel recently announced that it would revive GSe as a new sub-brand for dynamic, electrified models, with GSe now standing for Grand Sport electric. New Opel Grandland GSe follows hot on the heels of Opel Astra GSe and Astra Sports Tourer GSe. It is a high-performance plug-in hybrid with electric all-wheel drive – a true pioneer in the SUV compact class.

Opel Grandland GSe combines a 1.6 turbocharged petrol engine and two electric motors – one at each axle – for a strong system power output of up to 221 kW/300 hp (provisional WLTP fuel consumption, weighted, combined 1: 1.3 l/100 km; 31-29 g/km CO2). Plug-in hybrid powertrain makes the Grandland GSe a powerful sporty car with electric all-wheel-drive for optimum traction and class-leading launch from a standstill. Acceleration from zero to 100 km/h is completed in just 6.1 seconds and the maximum speed is reached at 235 km/h (135 km/h electrically driven).

Like its Opel Astra GSe siblings, rerequisites for Opel Grandland GSe’s especially dynamic and fun-to-drive character lie in its unique suspension and steering calibration featuring firmer springs and dampers with KONI FSD (Frequency Selective Damping) technology. This enables different damping characteristics for agile handling and superior comfort. New Opel Grandland GSe thus shows how it brings groundbreaking technologies to the compact class and at the same time combines driving pleasure with responsibility.

Production milestones: From the first million to the 75-millionth Opel

Up to the 75-millionth vehicle, Opel has launched many bestsellers and legends over more than 120 years of automobile production. With models such as the 4/8 hp “Doktorwagen” from 1909 or the 4/12 hp "Laubfrosch", Opel turned a prestige vehicle for the well-off into cars for a much broader public at an early stage.

In 1940, the one-millionth Opel is produced, a Kapitän with a self-supporting body and independent front suspension, a design which – thanks to its low weight – ensures improved driving performance and low fuel consumption at that time. The two-millionth automobile with the lightning bolt follows in 1956 – also a Kapitän. The special feature: Opel is the first German manufacturer at the time to achieve such high production figures. Accordingly, the company turns the "jubilee" vehicle into a unique car: As an extraordinary “flagship” of the brand, the cream-white Opel is given a coating of 24-carat gold on all chrome parts.

Millions follow faster and faster in the following years. Increase in production speed is not only an expression of rapidly advancing motorisation – democratisation of mobility – but also the result of production becoming more modern and efficient. Just 15 years later, in 1971, ten-millionth Opel rolls off the production line at the Rüsselsheim plant: a Rekord C Caravan. A jubilee that is also celebrated in a big way. One Opel each from the daily production of the "ten-millionth" is given to the minister presidents of those federal states in which Opel had plants at the time: Hesse (Rüsselsheim), North Rhine-Westphalia (Bochum) and Rhineland-Palatinate (Kaiserslautern).

In 1983, a silver-grey Senator CD is the 20-millionth Opel to leave the production plant in Rüsselsheim. And in the same decade the 25-millionth Opel model – an Omega A Caravan – is produced at the Opel headquarter plant. The Omega A is the brand's top model from the mid-1980s to the early 2000s, and the small Opel Corsa and the Kadett successor Astra also become highly successful million-sellers in the compact class. After German reunification, around 4.13 million Astra F roll off the production line between 1991 and 1997. This makes it the best-selling Opel model to this day. The honour of the 50-millionth Opel car is once again bestowed on the Omega. It leaves the plant in December 1999 as a silver sedan of the then comprehensively updated B-generation.

And now the next big milestone follows with the 75-millionth Opel: With new Opel Grandland GSe, the brand exemplifies how especially sporty driving pleasure can be responsibly combined with emotional design and comprehensive everyday practicality. A car and drive concept with which the brand continues to advance the future of mobility. It is already clear today that a model which is also locally emission-free and then fully electric will leave the factory halls on the occasion of Opel's next production anniversary.

[1] Provisional fuel consumption and CO2 emissions figures mentioned comply with the WLTP homologation (regulation EU 2017/948). From 1 September 2018, new vehicles are type-approved using the World Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP), which is a new, more realistic test procedure for measuring fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. WLTP fully replaces the New European Drive Cycle (NEDC), which was the test procedure used previously. Due to more realistic test conditions, the fuel consumption and CO2 emissions measured under the WLTP are in many cases higher compared to those measured under the NEDC. Fuel consumption and CO2 emissions figures may vary depending on specific equipment, options and format of tires.

All-New Opel Astra is “German Compact Car of the Year 2023”

• Best compact car in Germany: Newest Opel compact class impresses expert jury
• Clear winner: Opel Astra and Astra Sports Tourer with significant lead over competition

All-new Opel Astra has been named “German Compact Car of the Year 2023” 1. Independent expert jury of the “German Car Awards” chose the new generation Astra and Astra Sports Tourer as the best compact-class car in Germany, well ahead of the competitors in this segment. Innovative safety technologies, which Opel makes affordable for a broad range of buyers in the compact class with the new Astra, convinced the panel of 27 automotive experts and journalists just as much as the wide range of powertrains, including the electrified plug-in hybrid with which Astra drivers can travel locally emissions-free and especially responsible for the first time. Jury also praised the eye-catching, progressive design along with the driving pleasure and the value for money offered by the Astra. The prestigious award was officially presented yesterday evening at a ceremony in Bad Dürkheim, Germany.

“Award for ‘German Car of the Year’ in the compact class for the Astra and the Astra Sports Tourer shows once again that the latest generation is not only a real challenger but also has what it takes to be a winner in every respect,” said Andreas Marx, the head of Opel in Germany.

“Opel Astra distinguishes itself in its segment as a true all-rounder, which convinced our jury in every aspect. Incidentally, this also applies to emotional criteria such as design and driving pleasure, where it clearly distanced itself from the competing models," said Jens Meiners from the GCOTY jury.

Opel Astra and Astra Sports Tourer: Eye-catching driving pleasure

During extensive test drives, judges took a close look at new Opel Astra. Driving behaviour, usability, comfort and many other aspects were considered. Disciplines in which latest generation of the compact class bestseller shines. With a system power output of 133 kW/180 hp and strong torque of 360 Newton metres, electrified Opel Astra plug-in hybrid offers pure driving pleasure (WLTP fuel consumption2: 1.1-1.0 l/100 km, CO2 emissions 24-23 g/km; both combined). Five-door accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in just 7.6 seconds. All-new Opel Astra is thus locally emission-free for the first time.

Intuitive operation of infotainment and assistance systems is made possible by new HMI interface (Human-Machine Interface), learly designed, all-digital Pure Panel cockpit with extra-wide touchscreen and only essential switches, such as for air conditioning. State-of-the-art technologies such as the adaptive, glare-free IntelliLux LED Pixel Light headlamps with a total of 168 LED elements make driving more pleasant and safer, especially in the darker months of the year. AGR-certified (Aktion Gesunder Rücken e.V.) ergonomic seats for driver and front passenger, for example in Alcantara, ensure top travel comfort.

“German Car of the Year” award is being presented for the fifth time this year. Independent jury of experts, currently consisting of 27 jurors, selects the respective class winners in five categories – compact, premium, luxury, new energy and performance. Selection of the competition participants is based on objective price and market availability criteria. Election was held for the first time in 2019.

[1] German Compact Car of the Year” (compact class category, up to €30,000).

[2] Values determined using more realistic WLTP (Worldwide harmonized Light vehicles Test Procedure) test method which replaces the NEDC (New European Driving Cycle) test procedure. Vehicle not yet available. A vehicle's consumption, CO2 emissions and range not only depend on the efficient use of energy by the vehicle but are also influenced by driving style and other non-technical factors. Information on consumption and emissions does not refer to an individual vehicle and is intended solely for purposes of comparison between the various vehicle types.