Wednesday 13 December 2023

For Family, Travel and VIP Services: New Opel Combo Electric and Opel Zafira Electric

  • Unmistakable: Both people carriers with Opel Vizor brand face for the first time
  • Electric increase: Opel Combo Electric now with up to 330 kilometres, Opel Zafira with up to 350 kilometres of locally emissions-free range (WLTP1)
  • Safety first: Top technologies and 18 assistance systems including a high-resolution 180-degree rear-view camera and IntelliLux LED Matrix Light
  • Well connected: Best-in-class connectivity with 10-inch colour screen and cockpit platform-based infotainment from Qualcomm Technologies, Inc2.
  • Plenty of space: Opel Combo Electric with a load volume of up to 4,000 litres and even 4,900 litres for Opel Zafira Electric

They combine top technologies with comfort and electrically-driven freedom: The new Opel Combo Electric and Opel Zafira Electric are ideally suited for leisure, long-distance travel or as shuttle vehicles. Depending on the variant, the Combo offers space for up to seven people, the Zafira even comfortably accommodates up to nine occupants. In the battery-electric people carriers, drivers and passengers will be able to travel even further between charging stops, locally emissions-free; all while enjoying outstanding comfort and optimum safety. New editions of the two models each have up to 18 assistance systems that make every journey more relaxing. These include equipment such as 180-degree rear-view camera and new features such as full LED headlights and even IntelliLux LED Matrix Light with Opel Combo.

“Our new Opel Combo Electric and our new Opel Zafira Electric are the ideal passenger carriers for everyday family life as well as for comfortable shuttle services. With plenty of space and top technologies as well as an ultra-modern design, they show our approach to the future of mobility, a future that is electric. That's why the battery-electric variants now offer even more range than before. At Opel, this is family-friendly yet sustainable and sensible mobility,” said Patrick Dinger, head of Opel in Germany.

Two newcomers immediate make a statement with a redesigned front. For the first time, both vehicles proudly wear the bold and pure Opel Vizor, the German brand’s characteristic brand face. With the Opel Blitz in the centre, Vizor extends seamlessly into the LED headlights. And in the fully digital cockpit, the driver and front passenger can look at intuitive infotainment systems with 10-inch colour touchscreens based on the Snapdragon Cockpit platform from Qualcomm Technologies, Inc2. – wireless smartphone connection and inductive charging included.

New Opel Combo Electric: Maximum flexibility in a modern design

Opel Combo is the ideal family vehicle. The new model continues to offer the tried and tested virtues and increases driving and travelling pleasure with new technologies, connectivity solutions and comfort details. Customers can once again choose from two vehicle lengths: The 4.41-metre version (L1) offers space for up to five people, while the 4.76-metre version (L2) 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. Passengers enjoy the best views with the panoramic roof with electrically activated sun protection and versatile overhead storage. In total, 27 storage options with a total capacity of up to 186 litres offer plenty of space for travel essentials or everyday items.

Whether planning a vacation or a large purchase, the new Combo Electric is the right companion. Depending on the seating configuration, the newcomer offers between 775 (L1) and 4,000 litres (L2; up to the roof) of load volume. 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.

Increased range: Up to 330 kilometres on a single charge

Battery-electric Opel Combo Electric in particular offers travel-friendly and resource-saving mobility without compromises. On the one hand, thanks to the practical underfloor location of the 50 kWh battery, it has exemplary space in the passenger and luggage compartment. On the other hand, the new electric vehicle makes locally emissions-free travel even more pleasant and can travel up to 330 km (according to WLTP 1) on a single charge – around 50 kilometres more than the previous 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.

Powered by the electric motor with 100 kW/136 hp and 260 Newton metres of torque, the new Combo Electric can reach a top speed of 135 km/h. Depending on their personal preference, drivers can choose between the Eco, Normal and Power driving modes. To ensure particularly energy-efficient driving, the Combo Electric has a regenerative braking system that can be adjusted in three recuperation levels using paddle shifters behind the steering wheel. With the 11 kW on-board charger, the battery can be recharged to 80 per cent of its capacity in around 30 minutes at a 100 kW public charging station.

Safety first: 18 state-of-art assistance systems in new Opel Combo and Opel  Zafira

Safety is also part of a relaxed journey. And this is a top priority for both the new Opel Combo Electric and the new Opel Zafira Electric. For the first time in its history, the spacious Combo comes with the adaptive, glare-free IntelliLux LED Matrix light – class-leading. A total of 14 LED elements – seven on each side – ensure that the road is optimally illuminated in the dark and without glaring other road users. Opel Zafira also has full LED headlights that light up the night, providing the driver with the best visibility.

In total, new Opel Combo Electric and new Opel Zafira Electric each offer up to 18 state-of-the-art driver assistance systems. Highlights include Adaptive Cruise Control with stop & go function as well as the high-resolution 180-degree rear-view camera. IntelliGrip with hill descent control provides a firm grip on difficult surfaces such as snow, mud or sand. Sensors at the front and rear as well as flank guard and blind spot warning facilitate safe manoeuvring. Numerous additional systems such as Driver Attention Alert, Traffic Sign Recognition, Lane Keep Assist and Forward Collision Alert with Emergency Braking complete the portfolio.

Safety and comfort are further increased by the ergonomic cockpit, which has been redesigned in both the people carriers. If desired, customers can order the fully digital 10-inch driver information display, which delivers all important information (including from the navigation system) and, for the battery-electric variants, also provides information on energy consumption and charging. The new infotainment systems with 10-inch colour touchscreen use the integrated Snapdragon Cockpit platform from Qualcomm Technologies2 and enable, among other things, state-of-the-art graphics, multimedia and computer vision functions. In addition, important functions can be operated via the “Hey Opel” natural voice recognition. Compatible smartphones can be wirelessly connected to the vehicle's multimedia systems using Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and charged inductively.

New Opel Zafira Electric:Comfortable, ultra-modern VIP shuttle for up to nine people

Anyone who wants to travel with a large family or needs a vehicle that is both flexible and comfortable to offer shuttle services will find what they are looking for in the new Opel Zafira Electric. The large people carrier is available in two lengths (4.98 metres and 5.33 metres) and offers space for up to nine 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. Optionally available panoramic glass roof creates an even more airy feeling of space and enables a clear view of the sky.

New Opel Zafira has a load volume of up to 1,500 litres in the configuration with nine seats. With five seats, up to 3,000 litres can be transported and 4,900 litres with two or three people on board. Further practicality is provided by the new Zafira Electric’s height – at just 1.90 metres it is fully suitable for underground car parks.

Travel further: Up to 350 kilometres on a single charge

In terms of efficiency and range new Opel Zafira Electric is even better than before. All-electric people carrier is available with either a 50 kWh or 75 kWh battery. With the further developed 75 kWh battery, a range of up to 350 kilometres (WLTP1) is possible between charging stops – over 20 kilometres more than before. To further increase energy-efficiency, the Zafira Electric has regenerative braking. The system can be adjusted to three recuperation levels using paddle shifters located behind the steering wheel. The shuttle and family all-rounder can be quickly charged with alternating current using the 11 kW onboard charger, which comes as standard in Germany. At a 100 kW DC fast charging station, the 50 kWh battery can be charged to around 80 per cent of capacity in around 38 minutes (45 minutes for the 75 kWh battery).

New Opel Zafira Electric is powered by a 100 kW/136 hp electric motor. Maximum torque of 260 Newton metres is available from the first squeeze of the accelerator, so that the locally emissions-free van can accelerate briskly up to a top speed of 130 km/h. Depending on their preferences, drivers can choose between three driving modes: Normal, Eco and Power.

With the new Opel Zafira Electric and the new Opel Combo Electric, families, shuttle services and anyone who needs a spacious, flexible and comfortable vehicle will be able to travel in an even more modern and efficient way. Opel will soon open the order books for the two large people carriers.

[1] Range values 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. Vehicle not available yet.

[2] Snapdragon branded products are products of Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries. Snapdragon is a trademark or registered trademark of Qualcomm Incorporated.

Wednesday 6 December 2023

Vauxhall Corsa is the best-selling supermini in the United Kingdom

  • Vauxhall Corsa is the UK’s best-selling supermini in November and year-to-date
  • Vauxhall Corsa is the UK’s second best-selling car overall in November and the third best-selling car year-to-date
  • Vauxhall Corsa Electric remains the best-selling electric supermini (Electric B-Hatch) this year
  • Vauxhall Mokka Electric continues to lead sales in the compact electric crossover segment
  • From 2024, all Vauxhall cars and vans will be available with a fully electric version

Vauxhall’s Corsa range continued its strong UK sales performance in November, topping the charts in two segments according to the latest new car registration figures published today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

Vauxhall Corsa was the best-selling supermini in November as well as year-to-date, whilst also being the UK’s second best-selling car overall in November. It sits third in the overall sales charts so far in 2023 with 37,826 units sold. Vauxhall Corsa Electric remains the best-selling electric supermini, with 3,016 sold year-to-date.  

Vauxhall Mokka Electric also sits at the top of the Small Electric SUV charts for 2023 with 6,854 registered. 

Vauxhall’s passenger car market share in November has increased by 1.26 percentage points compared to last year, rising to 5.88%. This represents 9,204 car registrations in the month and 94,423 year-to-date. 

James Taylor, Managing Director, Vauxhall, said: “With the arrival of the New Corsa, Vauxhall continues to lead the way in the supermini segment, while the continued popularity of  Vauxhall Corsa Electric and Mokka Electric demonstrates that Vauxhall is the brand people trust to make the switch to electric. We are committed to ensuring electric vehicles are accessible for everyone and are taking action through our Electric Streets of Britain initiative to progress the UK’s on-street charging infrastructure.”

Tuesday 5 December 2023

Opel GSe Models: Perfect Companions for Winter Getaways

  • Opel Grandland GSe, Astra GSe, Astra Sports Tourer GSe: Maximum control and stability
  • Opel GSe chassis: KONI FSD technology enables balance of dynamics and comfort
  • E-4x4: Opel Grandland GSe with all-wheel drive and 221 kW/300 hp system output

While drivers in the lowlands currently have to expect night-time ground frost, the first snow is already falling in the mountains. What could be better than planning a winter holiday in the mountains? The three top models from the Opel sub-brand GSe are the perfect companions on winter trips. GSe stands for “Grand Sport electric” and Opel Astra GSe, Astra Sports Tourer GSe and Grandland GSe meet every expectation; they are electrified, equipped with a special chassis featuring KONI FSD (Frequency Selective Damping) technology and as top-of-the-range plug-in hybrids with up to 221 kW/300 hp system output deliver extremely strong performance. With this unique combination, the driver and passengers of Opel's GSe models can travel in a sporty, dynamic and responsible way. But above all, the trio offers top driving fun with the highest level of safety – especially on ice and snow!

GSe chassis with FSD technology: Dynamic, comfortable and stable

In order to bring the strong performance onto the road in all weather conditions, the Rüsselsheim engineers led by Dr. Christian Hartweg focussed intensely on the chassis and steering of the GSe models. “GSe cars offer the optimal balance of handling and driving comfort. We equipped them with special KONI FSD dampers and lowered Astra GSe by 10 millimetres,” says Hartweg, summarising the most important points.

Depending on the situation, road surface and driving style, the special springs and dampers with KONI FSD technology enable different damping characteristics for comfortable gliding at high frequencies – with short impacts such as on cobblestones – as well as for a sporty, ambitious driving style and more direct contact with the road at low frequencies. The top models react even more responsively and directly to any command from the driver and, as is typical for Opel, remain stable when braking, cornering and at high speeds on the Autobahn. “The dampers have an additional valve and a second hydraulic circuit,” explains Hartweg. “The car is then more comfortable or sportier to drive, depending on whether the valve is open or closed.”

In the electrified Opel Astra GSe and Astra Sports Tourer GSe, 165 kW/225 hp system output (fuel consumption according to WLTP 1: 1.3 l/100 km, CO2 emissions 30-29 g/km) and 360 Newton meters of torque accompany the dynamic handling. With the lowered chassis and the resulting lower centre of gravity, GSe variants of the two compact class bestsellers have a particularly firm grip on the road. This means they remain stable and on course even in wintry road conditions.

Top-of-the-line Opel Grandland GSe: 221 kW/300 hp and state-of-the-art all-wheel drive

Opel Grandland GSe offers a system output of 221 kW/300 hp (fuel consumption according to WLTP 1: 1.2 l/100 km, CO2 emissions 28-27 g/km; each combined, weighted) and an extremely powerful maximum torque of 520 Newton metres. Top SUV sprints from zero to 100 km/h in just 6.1 seconds; a top speed of 235 km/h is possible (135 when electrically driven). The Grandland GSe draws its power from the combination of the 147 kW/200 hp four-cylinder turbo petrol engine and two electric motors. Power of the front electric drive corresponds to 81 kW/110 hp, that of the rear drive 83 kW/113 hp. Opel Grandland GSe is therefore a permanent electric all-wheel drive vehicle with optimum traction. For the driver this means a choice of four driving modes. Depending on the preference, Opel Grandland GSe is rapid on the motorway, secure on the slopes and locally emissions-free in urban areas:

  • Electric: In electric mode, Opel Grandland GSe is driven purely electrically – perfect for locally emissions-free driving in the city. When the driver presses the accelerator fully (kick-down), the combustion engine and the front electric motor switch on. The top speed with purely electric drive is 135 km/h.
  • All-wheel drive: In all-wheel drive mode, Opel Grandland GSe is driven by the front and rear wheels. This guarantees the best traction in all driving situations and on any surface – for plenty of driving fun and an all-round feeling of safety. The vehicle offers permanent electric all-wheel drive and runs purely electrically in all-wheel mode up to 80 km/h. If a wheel spins, more power is required or the state of charge of the battery drops, then the combustion engine switches on, also at higher speeds.
  • Sport: For a particularly dynamic driving style, Sport mode combines the power of the combustion engine and the electric motors. Opel Grandland GSe offers a system output of 221 kW/300 hp.
  • Hybrid mode: Here the car always runs in the most efficient way. Depending on the driving conditions and driving style, the combustion and electric motors work together or separately; this happens automatically in the hybrid SUV.



Various drive options – together with the KONI FSD technology – not only bring a lot of driving enjoyment in all conditions, but also make Opel Grandland GSe highly efficient. Going downhill, the two electric motors become generators and convert the energy of deceleration into electrical power. The 14.2 kWh battery is recharged free of charge and offers reserves for the next ascents.


[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.

Friday 1 December 2023

Debut: New Opel Corsa with 48V Hybrid Drive for First Time

  • Electrified: New petrol engines, 6-speed dual-clutch transmission, 21 kW electric motor
  • Benefits: Reduced CO2 emissions and fuel consumption, electric driving up to 30 km/h
  • User-friendly: Seamless operation of engine and e-motor, recharging not necessary
Opel will soon offer the new Corsa with 48-volt hybrid technology for the first time. The system features a lithium-ion battery that is recharged automatically under certain driving conditions and new 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engines with 74 kW/100 hp and 100 kW/136 hp that have been developed especially for the hybrid application. The engines are coupled to a new electrified six-speed dual clutch transmission and a 21 kW/28 hp electric motor.


Efficient, fun to drive and user-friendly, 48V hybrid technology is ideal for the new Opel Corsa. Compared with the similar non-electrified Corsa 1.2 with eight-speed automatic transmission (fuel consumption in the WLTP cycle: 5.5-5.4 l/100 km; 125-122 g/km CO2, both combined), the 74 kW/100 hp new Corsa Hybrid with the 48V technology (WLTP1 fuel consumption: 4.7-4.6 l/100 km; 106-102 g/km CO2, both combined) can save nearly 1.0 l/100 km of fuel (around 15 per cent) and also reduce CO2 emissions.

Seamless: Petrol engine and electric motor operate together or separately

In everyday driving, on a mixture of city and country roads, Opel Corsa Hybrid’s petrol engine and the electric motor operate together or separately to optimise energy consumption and performance. The system offers advantages above all in city traffic.

Electric motor also allows Opel Corsa to be driven fully electrically for up to one kilometre under low torque requirements (e.g. when manoeuvring or under 30 km/h in city traffic) and assists the petrol engine under acceleration, e.g. when launching from a standstill. During deceleration, the petrol engine stops and the e-motor acts as a generator to recharge the hybrid system's 48V battery. The battery also stores the energy recuperated by the regenerative braking system.

New Opel Corsa with 48V system: Right choice, especially in town and suburbs

New Opel Corsa with the 48V hybrid system is perfect for customers who drive primarily in towns and sub-urban areas. The state-of-the-art technology is accessible and easy to live with; it will also appeal to customers who want to experience the fun of driving electrically for the first time, without needing to recharge from the grid. The compact 48V hybrid technology features:

  • A new generation of three-cylinder, 1.2-litre petrol engines that have been specially developed for hybridisation and to meet the Euro 6.4 emissions standard. Both the 74 kW/100 hp and the 100 kW/136 hp engines reach their peak power out at 5,500 rpm and develop maximum torque of 205 Nm and 230 Nm respectively at 1,750 rpm. For optimum efficiency, the new engines operate in the Miller combustion cycle. This thermodynamic cycle is enabled by the variable geometry turbocharger, which enhances performance at low rpm, and variable valve timing.
  • A new electrified, six-speed, dual clutch transmission that has also been designed especially for hybrid applications. The gear shifts without torque interruption are shorter and comfort is higher. The transmission casing also houses the electric motor, the DC inverter and the ECU (Engine Control Unit), optimising the size and weight of the drivetrain and ensuring that excellent driving performance is delivered.
  • A permanent magnet synchronous electric motor, integrated in the gearbox, produces peak power of 21 kW/28 hp and maximum torque of 55 Nm.
  • A belt-driven starter which – in combination with the e-motor – starts the petrol engine from a cold start. The belt-starter also restarts the engine quickly and seamlessly during the drive.
  • A 48V lithium-ion battery with a useable capacity of 432 Wh, installed under the front left seat. This location not only achieves optimum weight distribution for good driving dynamics but also allows the full volume of the boot to be retained.
  • Two electrical networks. A low voltage 12V network supplying the car's equipment (e.g. electric windows, infotainment system); and a 48V network to supply the hybrid system.

With 48V hybrid drive, the new Opel Corsa offers a wide range of powertrains stretching from purely battery-electric to hybrid to highly efficient combustion engines, which is unrivalled in the small car segment. The technology also adds further impetus to Opel’s on-going electrification offensive which will see the brand with the Blitz offer at least one battery-electric model in every carline by the end of 2024. As of 2025 every newly introduced Opel model will be fully electric.