New chapter: Opel Astra Electric

• New chapter: Bestseller fully electrified for first time in success story
• Top performance: 115 kW/156 hp, 270 Nm torque, 170 km/h speed
• Locally emissions-free: Up to 418 km (WLTP 1) range thanks to 54-kWh battery
• Weight advantage: Battery-electric five-door weighs only 1,679 kilogrammes
• State-of-the-art driver assistance: Astra Electric first Opel with IntelliDrive 2.0 system
• Order now: Attractive monthly leasing rate of €399 (in Germany) for fully equipped Opel Astra Electric GS

Opel sets another milestone on the way to becoming an all-electric brand: The Astra is fully electric for the first time in its long success story. The new Opel Astra Electric offers locally emissions-free driving pleasure even for longer journeys. According to WLTP 1, up to 418 kilometres can be covered without a charging stop; and that in a quiet and light-footed manner, because the new Astra Electric weighs only 1,679 kilograms. That is a big advantage which is noticeable with every step on the pedal and in every curve.

The new Opel Astra Electric underlines the electrifying driving pleasure with an equally inspiring, clear and bold design and top equipment. Numerous electronic aids are on board as standard. In addition, the IntelliDrive 2.0 system with semi-automatic lane change assist and intelligent speed adaptation is available as an option for the first time with the battery-electric Astra. Comfort is enhanced by AGR-certified ergonomic Active Sport driver’s seat as standard, while the fully digital Pure Panel Pro cockpit with two 10-inch displays and Multimedia infotainment system ensures the best in connectivity and entertainment. The new Opel Astra Electric GS can be leased in Germany for monthly rates starting at €399.

Opel Astra customers can now choose from more drivetrain alternatives than for any other model with the “Blitz”. In addition to highly efficient combustion engines, the Astra is already available as an electrified plug-in hybrid including the new top-of-the-line model, the Astra GSe. And the range will be complemented this year by the battery-electric Astra Sports Tourer Electric, as the first all-electric estate from a German carmaker.

Efficient, emotional, everyday suitability: Driving fun with responsibility

The new Opel Astra Electric conveys pure locally emissions-free driving fun. The electric motor delivers 115 kW/156 hp and a powerful 270 Newton metres of maximum torque – both available from the first touch of the accelerator pedal, ensuring brisk starts. The low kerb weight of 1,679 kilogrammes contributes further to the lively progress. Also, while many other electric cars are limited to 150 km/h or 160 km/h, the new Astra Electric has a top speed of 170 km/h. Depending on preferences, Astra Electric drivers can choose between the three driving modes Eco, Normal and Sport.

The energy is stored in a 54 kWh lithium-ion battery. The energy is stored in a compact 54-kWh lithium-ion battery, which offers efficient packaging, low weight, exemplary range and short charging times. The five-door can cover up to 418 kilometres locally emissions-free in accordance with WLTP 1  and requires just 14.8 kWh of electricity per 100 kilometres (WLTP 2). The regenerative braking system ensures that energy can be recovered while driving. Even when the battery-electric Astra needs to be recharged, this only means a short “pit stop” at a charging point. Opel Astra Electric can be charged to 80 per cent of the battery capacity in under 30 minutes at a 100 kW direct current fast charging station. In addition, the all-electric Opel Astra is equipped as standard with a three-phase 11-kW onboard charger for the wall box at home.

The battery is located in the underbody, so no space for passengers and luggage is lost in the interior. Even with the rear seats up, Opel Astra Electric offers 352 litres of luggage space in the boot – with the seats folded down, the capacity increases to up to 1,268 litres. Another advantage: The low position of the battery also lowers the car’s centre of gravity, so that Opel Astra Electric has a solid stance on the road and the driver can take a sporty seating position. In addition, the torsional stiffness has been increased by 31 per cent compared to the already outstanding values of other Astra model variants.

Opel Astra Electric GS: Top equipment and top design as standard equipment

Thanks to the torsional rigidity of the body and the extensive noise attenuation measures, Opel Astra Electric occupants enjoy a particularly high level of comfort. For example, the laminated windows (standard equipment) effectively keep ambient noise and driving sounds away from the interior. The ergonomic Active Sport driver’s seat offers Opel Astra Electric drivers the highest level of seating comfort à la Opel. The seat, which has been certified by “Aktion Gesunder Rücken e.V.” (AGR; Campaign for Healthier Backs), offers excellent lateral stability and a wide range of manual and electric adjustment options.

The extensive list of assistance systems as standard equipment ranges from front collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection, lane keep assist and traffic sign recognition, to drowsiness detection, adaptive cruise control with stop and go function, park pilot at front and rear, and 360-degree IntelliVision camera.

The optional IntelliDrive 2.0 system, which integrates numerous electronic assistants and combines them for the first time with semi-automatic lane-change and intelligent speed adaptation, celebrates its premiere. If the targeted lane is clear, the assistant steers Opel Astra Electric into the desired lane with small steering movements. And intelligent speed adaptation ensures that - if confirmed by the driver - the vehicle's speed is reduced accordingly when a new speed limit is reached or increased up to that limit. In addition to sensors, IntelliDrive 2.0 also uses information from the over-the-air network. IntelliLux LED Pixel Light, with 168 LED elements, increases safety still further.

The fully digital Pure Panel also takes the driver into a modern cockpit world. Utilising the integrated Snapdragon Automotive Cockpit Platform from Qualcomm Technologies 3, the infotainment systems of Opel Astra Electric feature enhanced graphics, multimedia and computer vision functions. The intuitive human-machine interface with two large 10-inch widescreens displays all important functions such as battery charge status or range, while 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.

Opel Astra Electric conveys a direct, dynamic driving feel at first glance. The new electric model in the Opel range is equipped as standard with 18-inch, five-spoke, light-alloy wheels in high-gloss black, which underline the bold and pure looks. The two-tone paintwork with the roof and exterior mirror-housings in carbon black also ensure that the Opel Astra Electric is an unmistakable eye-catcher.

[1] 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] 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.

[3] Snapdragon Automotive Cockpit Platforms are products of Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries.

Opel Astra Cabrio turns 30: Fun in the Air

• Made in Italy by Carrozzeria Bertone
• Presented 30 years ago at the 1993 Geneva Motor Show
• Convertible version of the first generation of the Opel Astra

The arrival on the market of the first generation of Opel Astra could not fail to build on the great success of the Opel Kadett Cabrio by Bertone, produced in about 55,000 units from 1987 to 1992 at the Grugliasco plant, near Turin, by the famous coachbuilder Italian. Even the new Opel Astra F was to be available in a cabriolet version obviously designed by Bertone himself. And so it happened.

One could almost touch the sky with the Opel Astra F Cabrio presented thirty years ago as a world premiere at the 1993 Geneva Motor Show and on sale from the end of September of the same year in Italy. All you had to do was press the button located between the front seats on the central tunnel to raise the top and... discover the third dimension. If it then cooled off or threatened rain, the electric mechanism similarly repositioned the soft top exactly in its place in the short span of just 15-20 seconds. Maneuvering was just as quick and simple in the Opel Astra Cabrio without electric control: one hand was enough to operate the soft top.

The times when raising and lowering the soft top was an operation that required a certain effort were thus truly long gone. In the Opel Astra F Cabrio you could really touch the sky with a finger. Only one caution was required: pull the handbrake before pressing the electric control button. In order to force users, for their greater personal safety, to carry out the maneuver only with the car completely stopped.

On the other hand, when traveling with the top down, the three layers of which it was made ensured a high degree of rigidity and compactness of the whole and, consequently, that insulation from noise and heat which made it possible to use the Opel Astra F Cabrio in every month of the year. In this regard, unlike other convertibles at the time, the Opel Astra F Convertible was equipped with a glass rear window instead of plastic: a scratch-proof material that allowed the installation of a heated rear window.

Visionary contribution of Carrozzeria Bertone

These were just some of the consequences of technical progress and the long collaboration established in the open car sector between the German manufacturer and Carrozzeria Bertone of Grugliasco (Turin). “The designer knows how to imagine in his work the product that doesn't exist yet.” Nuccio Bertone explained thirty years ago “He responds in advance to trends in market taste which perhaps have not yet officially emerged, but which must be guessed. It glimpses before others what no research institute can ever guarantee.” Thus was born a convertible with a classic look, comfortable for four people which, although it lacked the roll-bar typical of the previous Opel Kadett Cabrio, ensured maximum safety for its occupants.

Safety first

The standard equipment of the Cabrio version included the same integrated safety system that was the heritage of all Opel Astra F and which included double steel bars inserted in the doors to protect against side impacts, front seat belt pretensioners and anti-slip seats. ABS and full-size driver's airbag were available as options.

The road holding and handling of the Opel Astra F Cabrio contributed to active safety, whose front McPherson strut suspension and compound torsion bar at the rear, although deriving from those of the corresponding 4-door sedan version, had special springs and calibrations. The arms, anti-roll bar and rear engine mount were attached to a separate subframe to better absorb noise, improve handling and ride comfort. The rear suspension had third generation wheel bearing assemblies with a double row of ball bearings. Bearings, hub, spindle and radial oil seal were combined in a single maintenance-free assembly.

The version initially on sale in Italy was equipped with a lively 82 bhp (60 kW) 1.4-litre single-cam 4-cylinder with multi-point electronic injection. The retail price of Lire 29,370,000 included power steering, front and rear electric windows, internally adjustable exterior mirrors, sport front seats, height-adjustable driver's seat, split-fold rear seat, rear-view mirrors painted in the same color as the bodywork, two-tone horn and 185/60 R14 tyres.

Opel to Offer Battery-Electric Variant of Every Model in 2024

• Opel Crossland successor with battery-electric version to launch next year
• Opel’s electrified portfolio already includes battery-electric, plug-in hybrid and hydrogen fuel cell drive, 48V hybrids coming soon
• Opel to offer exclusively fully electric vehicles in Europe by 2028

Opel has taken another major step towards becoming a fully electric brand by announcing that the successor to the Opel Crossland B-SUV will also be offered with all-electric drive in 2024. This means that every model in the product portfolio of the brand with the Blitz will be available as a battery-electric variant as early as next year.

Opel CEO Florian Huettl: “With the successor to the Crossland we will make the fun of battery-electric driving available across our entire model range – and give our customers access to locally emissions-free mobility in every one of our models.”

The wide range of battery-electric Opel models today already extends from the Rocks Electric quadricycle, the Combo-e Life and the Zafira-e Life to the all-electric variants of the Corsa and the Mokka. These vehicles have just been joined by the new Astra Electric, which is available to order now, and will be followed next year by the all-electric successor to the Grandland compact SUV. In addition. battery-electric versions of the entire commercial vehicle portfolio comprising Rocks Electric Kargo, Combo-e, Vivaro-e and Movano-e are already available today too.

The portfolio of Opel electrified vehicles also features locally emissions-free alternatives to pure battery-electric drive. These currently include the dynamic top models of the new Opel sub-brand GSe – the Astra GSe, the Astra Sports Tourer GSe and the Grandland GSe (fuel consumption according to WLTP1: 1.2-1.1 l/100 km, CO2 emissions 28-25 g/km; combined, weighted). Short for “Grand Sport electric”, the name means what it says; the GSe models offer a dynamic driving experience with the Grandland GSe delivering a system power output of up to 221 kW/300 hp and maximum torque of up to 520 Nm. In corners, the GSe cars stick to the road and remain stable thanks to special springs and dampers with KONI FSD (Frequency Selective Damping) technology.

Furthermore, Opel is continuing to pioneer development of hydrogen fuel cell transporters. The Vivaro-e HYDROGEN is already on the road and a large fuel cell transporter is scheduled to follow in 2024.

Also, 48V hybrids will join the electrified line-up in the future, starting soon with the recently announced new Opel Corsa. The 74 kW/100 hp and 100 kW/136 hp engines will come with a new dual-clutch automatic transmission. The new Corsa will thus offer customers a choice of drives, from purely battery-electric to hybrid to highly efficient combustion engines, which is unrivalled in this segment.

Opel will offer 15 electrified models by the end of this year alone. The brand with the Blitz is committed to a fully electric product portfolio in Europe by 2028.

[1] The 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. The 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. The fuel consumption and CO2 emissions figures may vary depending on specific equipment, options and format of tires.