Tuesday, 24 January 2023

Award-winning Opel Vehicles in 2022: From All-New Opel Astra to Opel Zafira-e Life

  • “Astra-nomical”: “Golden Steering Wheel 2022”1 and numerous “Car of the Year” awards for Opel compact class bestseller
  • Innovative propulsion concept: “40th KS Energy and Environment Award” for Vivaro-e HYDROGEN
  • Opel Rocks-e: Autonis Award for “Best Design Novelty” for the innovative light motor vehicle
  • Opel Crosscamp Flex: “Connected Car Award” for future campervan based on Zafira-e Life



2022 was a truly “Astra-nomical” year for Opel. Models with the Blitz once again proved to be equally popular with customers, experts and specialist juries. This is demonstrated by sales successes such as the Opel Corsa, which was the most popular small car in 2022 according to official figures from the KBA (Federal Motor Agency), or the Opel Mokka, which was the best-selling electric vehicle in its segment in Germany in autumn. Further proof is offered by the numerous awards Opel received for its innovative models, technologies and solutions – with the "Golden Steering Wheel 2022"1 for the new Opel Astra and Astra Sports Tourer leading the way. In 2022, almost every model in the Opel line-up received at least one award.

“Emotional, suitable for everyday use and above all electrified - this is already normal at Opel today,” said Opel CEO Florian Huettl. “Models like the new Astra, the Grandland or the Mokka show how we inspire people with future-proof mobility solutions. This is only possible with an exemplary team performance, and this is recognised by experts and customers alike with numerous awards. Thank you for that!”

At the beginning of 2022, Opel received the “The ONE” award for “Most Reputable Passenger Car Brand of the Year” in Turkey. Approachable, innovative and with great attention to detail, the Opel Corsa has been hugely popular for more than 40 years. The small car bestseller received several awards last year on the important British market: It was named "Best Fleet Supermini" by Fleet World, "Used Small Car of the Year" as well as "Used Car of the Year 2023" across all classes by Carbuyer. The Opel Mokka was named "Car of the Year 2022" in Latvia, "Irish Small SUV of the Year 2022" in Ireland and received the "Erin Baker Award" in the United Kingdom for the battery-electric Mokka-e.

All-New Opel Astra takes “Golden Steering Wheel”: Into a new Opel era with the serial winner

In the autumn, another great honour was bestowed on Opel when the new Astra took the “Golden Steering Wheel 2022” 1. And Opel brand ambassador Jürgen Klopp couldn’t hide his delight when seeing his own all-new Astra for the first time, stating: “Wow, there it is”. With its attractive design, top technologies and electrified for the first time as a plug-in hybrid, the compact class newcomer from Rüsselsheim convinced the readers of AUTO BILD and BILD am SONNTAG as well as the expert jury both as a five-door hatchback and as a Sports Tourer estate. The latest generation of the bestseller prevailed against strong competition and won one of the most prestigious awards in the automotive industry as “Best Car up to €50,000”. It thus completed an extraordinary serial success for Opel: After the Opel Corsa-e 2 in 2020 and the Opel Mokka-e 3 in 2021, the coveted award went to Rüsselsheim for the third time in as many years. However, as a true “champion”, the new Astra generation does not rest on its laurels. Independent GCOTY expert jury of the “German Car Awards” also voted the Astra “German Compact Car of the Year 2023” 4. And the Astra Sports Tourer estate has already won the “FAMILY CAR of the Year” award.

Elsewhere, Opel Rocks-e also impressed the public wits completely new, completely different and completely electric approach to urban mobility. Innovative light motor vehicle for two brings a breath of fresh air to its segment – with a style that is exceptional in every respect. And thus, the readers of auto motor und sport voted Opel Rocks-e “Best Design Novelty of 2022” in the “Mini Cars” category with an overwhelming majority.

And Opel’s large models added further trophies. Readers of AUTO BILD and COMPUTER BILD recently cast their votes and awarded the “Connected Car Award 2022” to the Crosscamp Flex, an electric campervan planned on the basis of the Opel Zafira-e Life. In addition, the best-selling battery-electric Opel Vivaro-e, winner of “International Van of the Year 2021” now also carries the title of “Irish Van of the Year 2022”. And the innovative Opel Vivaro-e HYDROGEN received the “40th KS Energy and Environment Prize” in Germany.

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

Friday, 13 January 2023

100% Electrified: Opel CEO Florian Huettl Presents Four World Premieres at Brussels Motor Show

  • New Astra Electric: Opel's compact class bestseller makes its all-electric debut
  • First appearance: Top-of-the-line Opel Astra Sports Tourer GSe and Grandland GSe
  • Extended range: Opel Mokka Electric now with a range of 406 kilometres (WLTP 1)

Opel GSe range

100th Brussels Motor Show opened its doors today with pioneering models, concepts and drive solutions on display until January 22nd. Opel is present at the first major motor show on the annual calendar – with four future-proof world premieres: The new Opel Astra Electric is making its public debut, as are the two new top models, the Opel Astra Sports Tourer GSe and the Opel Grandland GSe. In addition, the Mokka Electric is on show for the first time with a new battery and 20 percent more range than before. Overall, the brand with Blitz in Brussels is showing a 100 percent electrified line-up – either battery-electric or with plug-in hybrid drive – in the Belgian capital. This also applies to the Opel Combo-e and Opel Vivaro-e commercial vehicles, which visitors can also take a close look at on site.

Opel CEO Florian Huettl 

“New Opel Astra Electric will electrify the audience. First battery-electric Astra shows that Opel is consistently pursuing its path towards becoming a fully electric brand in Europe. At the same time, we already offer the right drive alternative for all requirements and preferences in the important compact class - from highly efficient combustion engines to the particularly sporty plug-in hybrid Astra GSe to the fully electric, locally emission-free Astra Electric,” said Opel CEO Florian Huettl at the opening of the Brussels Motor Show.

Electrified top models: Opel Astra Electric, Astra Sports Tourer GSe, Grandland GSe

Opel Astra Electric
Electromobility is future mobility – suitable for everyday use, emotional and locally emission-free. All of this is offered by the Opel models, which visitors to the joint Stellantis stand 5101 in Hall 5 can get up close to from today. With first all-electric variant of “Golden Steering Wheel 20222” winner,  new Opel Astra Electric, customers can cover up to 416 kilometres in accordance with WLTP 1 locally emission-free thanks to its 54 kWh lithium-ion battery. And when it needs recharging, the battery-electric Astra can be charged to 80 percent of the battery capacity at a 100 kW direct current fast charging station in around 30 minutes. At the same time, Opel Astra Electric offers plenty of driving pleasure. Electric motor with 115 kW/156 hp and powerful 270 Nm of torque ensures brisk starts at traffic lights and a top speed of up to 170 km/h.

Opel Astra GSe: Hybrid propulsion system

New GSe sub-brand also stands for pure driving pleasure. Two of top-of-the-line 'Grand Sport electric' models can be seen in Brussels: Opel Astra Sports Tourer GSe and Opel Grandland GSe. Compared to their siblings, the GSe models are designed to be even more agile and precise. Steering, suspension and brakes respond more immediately and directly to any command from the driver. Depending on the situation, KONI FSD technology enables different damping characteristics for precise handling and high comfort in equal measure. Performance data speaks for itself: With a system output of 165 kW/225 hp and a maximum torque of a powerful 360 Nm, both new Opel Astra Sports Tourer GSe and the five-door Opel Astra GSe deliver an exciting experience (fuel consumption according to WLTP 3: 1.2- 1.1 l/100 km, CO2 emissions 26-25 g/km; each combined). 

 Opel Grandland Gse: Hybrid propulsion system

Elsewhere, Opel Grandland GSe bundles the power of a turbo petrol engine with a displacement of 1.6 litres and two electric motors - one on each axle. It offers a system output of up to 221 kW/300 hp (fuel consumption according to WLTP 3: 1.2 l/100 km, CO2 emissions 28-27 g/km; each combined, weighted) and an extremely strong 520 Nm of maximum torque. Plug-in hybrid drive makes the Grandland GSe an exciting performance SUV with permanent electric all-wheel drive and excellent traction and ensures best-in-class acceleration from a standing start. Opel Grandland GSe sprints from zero to 100 km/h in just 6.1 seconds and delivers a top speed of 235 km/h (135 km/h purely electric).

Stronger, further - and locally emission-free: Opel Mokka Electric

Opel Mokka Electric is more than ever the right choice for everyone who prefers to drive in a sub-compact SUV that is as individual as it is locally emission-free. Because the "Winner of the Golden Steering Wheel 2021"4 will be available with a larger battery if desired. Aerodynamically fine-tuned and with the new 54 kWh battery on board, Opel Mokka Electric can cover up to 406 kilometres instead of up to 338 kilometres locally emission-free according to WLTP 1 - a whopping 20 percent more than before. In addition, a more powerful electric motor provides more power, now with 115 kW/156 hp and 260 Nm of torque.

Opel Mokka Electric

Battery-electric models from other vehicle classes round off Opel's "electrifying appearance" in Brussels - from best-selling small car Opel Corsa-e and compact van Opel Combo-e to the commercial vehicle all-rounder and "International Van of the Year 2021" Vivaro- e. By the way, the path to owning a new electric vehicle is very easy: spontaneous trade fair visitors can order their desired model with the ‘Blitz’ directly at the stand. In the "Mobility Corner" manufacturer from Rüsselsheim presents its online sales tool. Here, Opel customers can configure their vehicle, inspect it digitally and, if they wish, have it delivered to their home.

Opel Vivaro-e

[1] Preliminary 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. Vehicle not available yet.

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

[3] Preliminary values determined using 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. Opel Astra Sports Tourer GSe not available yet.

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

Wednesday, 11 January 2023

Order Books Now Open: New Opel Astra GSe and Opel Grandland GSe

  • Grand Sport electric: Top-of-the-line plug-in hybrids combine pure dynamic driving fun with locally emission-free driving
  • Unique: Sporty calibrated steering and chassis, GSe exclusive KONI FSD technology
  • Typical GSe: Characteristic design, exclusive alloy wheels and AGR-certified GSe performance seats
Order now: Astra GSe with 165 kW/225 hp from €45,510, Grandland GSe with 221 kW/300 hp and electric all-wheel drive from €57,600 (RRP incl. VAT in Germany

They are powerful, dynamic and electrified – and can be ordered now. Opel is kicking off the new year by releasing the prices for the new Astra GSe five-door and Grandland GSe and giving a preview on what customers can expect from the brand with the Blitz in 2023. The top models in their respective series offer everything that sporty but also responsible drivers desire: exhilarating performance, a precise chassis and electrified plug-in hybrid drives for locally emission-free driving. In addition, they come with an electrifying design: typical of the new, dynamic sub-brand, the Astra GSe and Grandland GSe come with exclusive 18 and 19-inch alloy wheels, respectively, and the characteristic GSe front bumper and rear diffuser. Inside, GSe performance seats reserved specifically for the GSe models integrate the driver and front seat passenger into the vehicle. A full range of state-of-the-art Opel assistance systems rounds off the offer. Customers can now order the new Astra GSe for prices starting at €45,510 and new Opel Grandland GSe for pricers starting at €57,600 (all prices RRP including VAT in Germany).

“Name 'Grand Sport electric' carries a promise: Our new top-of-the-line models will electrify customers. With state-of-the-art technologies, they offer particularly dynamic driving fun – combined with responsibility. This is ensured by the equally powerful and locally emission-free plug-in hybrids. With these models, we are consistently pursuing our strategy of becoming an all-electric brand in Europe by 2028 and a brand that makes its mark with emotional vehicles,” said Opel CEO Florian Huettl.

Engine, chassis, performance: Dynamic driving fun in Opel Astra GSe and Grandland GSe

With a system output of 165 kW/225 hp - the 1.6 litre four-cylinder engine delivers 133 kW/180 hp, the electric motor contributes up to 81.2 kW/110 hp - and maximum torque of 360 Nm, the new Astra GSe makes a clear statement in its class (fuel consumption according to WLTP [1]: 1.2-1.1 l/100 km, CO2 emissions 26-25 g/km; each combined). A brisk start from traffic lights and a sporty top speed are guaranteed. From a standing start, the five-door sports hatchback accelerates to 100 km/h in 7.5 seconds; a top speed of up to 235 km/h is possible (135 km/h purely electrically). And thanks to the 12.4 kWh lithium-ion battery, Opel Astra GSe can cover up to 64 kilometres locally emission-free according to WLTP [2] (EAER City according to WLTP 2: 69-73 km).

In addition, GSe newcomers set the new chassis benchmark for integration and feedback to the driver. In the Astra comparison, the GSe is designed to be even more agile and precise. The chassis has been lowered by 10 millimetres. Steering, suspension and brakes respond more directly to any command from the driver. KONI FSD (Frequency Selective Damping) technology enables different damping characteristics for precise handling and high comfort depending on the situation.

This also applies to new Opel Grandland GSe. High-performance SUV even goes one better when it comes to performance: Opel Grandland GSe bundles the power of a turbo petrol engine with a displacement of 1.6 litres and 147 kW/200 hp and two electric motors – one on each axle. The electric motor on the front axle delivers up to 81.2 kW/110 hp, the on the rear axle up to 83 kW/113 hp. This results in a system output of up to 221 kW/300 hp (fuel consumption according to WLTP 1: 1.2 l/100 km, CO2 emissions 28-27 g/km; each combined, weighted). Plug-in hybrid drive makes the Grandland GSe a lively SUV with permanent electric all-wheel drive and excellent traction, and ensures best-in-class acceleration values from a standing start. GSe sprints from zero to 100 km/h in just 6.1 seconds and – like the Astra GSe – can deliver a top speed of 235 km/h (135 km/h purely electrically). With its 14.6 kWh lithium-ion battery, Grandland GSe travels up to 63 kilometres locally emission-free according to WLTP 2 (EAER City according to WLTP2: 80-81 km).

GSe at first sight: Top design and equipment for top models

With their bold and clear design including the Opel Vizor, both the new Astra generation and the Grandland make a statement. Characteristic GSe highlights now give the two top models even more sharpness and a unique appearance in every respect. Inspired by the all-electric Opel Manta GSe, the 18-inch alloy wheels in diamond cut/black on Opel Astra GSe and the 19-inch wheels on Opel Grandland GSe immediately underline the approach taken by Opel – just like the GSe-specific front end and the GSe lettering on the tailgate and the special rear diffuser do.

In the interior, the driver and front passenger can make themselves comfortable on AGR-certified, GSe exclusive Alcantara performance seats. Sporty seats are reserved exclusively for the GSe models and continue Opel's many years of experience in the development of ergonomic seats. They ensure that the driver and front passenger always enjoy a firm hold during dynamic driving, while their spine benefits from the comfortable and back-friendly design of the seats. Seat and steering wheel heating ensure a feel-good atmosphere even on cold days.

Portfolio of state-of-the-art assistance systems covers the entire range that Opel currently offers for the Grandland and Astra. For example, Astra GSe come with the IntelliDrive 1.0 system with forward collision alert and active emergency braking, pedestrian and drowsiness detection, lane departure warning and traffic sign assistant, cross traffic and side blind spot alert and automatic speed assistant with stop function as standard. Parking pilot for the front and rear and the 360-degree IntelliVision camera support the driver when manoeuvring. And GSe passengers are well connected with the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible multimedia navigation system including 10-inch colour touchscreen and the 10-inch driver information display (12-inch display in the Grandland GSe). Compatible smartphones can also be easily charged via wireless charging in the centre console.

Elsewhere, GSe fans who are already looking forward to Opel Astra Sports Tourer GSe will have to be patient. Opel will announce prices for the performance estate at a later date.

[1] 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.

[2] 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.