Opel / Vauxhall have revealed their portfolio of electric vehicles namely hatchbacks and compact estates. The portfolio is named Astra Electric and Astra Sports Tourer Electric, which at first glance are identical to the internal combustion engine version.
Outwardly they are identical to the ICE version but both adopt a fully electric powertrain like the mechanically linked Peugeot E-308.
Spec-wise, the recently revealed EV sports a single front-mounted electric motor that develops 154 hp (115 kW / 156 PS) of power and 270 Nm (199 lb-ft) of torque.
Power output is identical to the Peugeot E-308 / E-308 SW, torque increased by 10 Nm (7.4 lb-ft) although this is a bit odd as Opel / Vauxhall is positioned below Peugeot in the Stellantis brand portfolio.
Comes in three driving modes – Eco, Normal and Sport – each of which prioritizes range or performance depending on the driver’s needs.
Opel / Vauxhall did not publish acceleration figures but the top speed was limited to 170 km/h (106 mph).
Astra Electric uses a 54 kWh lithium-ion battery that gives the WLTP a range of 416 km (258 miles), the same for the hatchback and estate. Charging using a 100 kWh DC fast charger, the battery can charge up to 80% in 30 minutes.
The battery used is placed under the body. Opel / Vauxhall claims this does not reduce space for passengers and luggage. The Astra Sports Tourer Electric has a cargo capacity of between 516 -1,553 lt (18.2 – 54.8 cubic feet) while the ICE engine version has 608 – 1,634 liters (21 – 57 .7 cubic feet).
Visually, the Opel Astra Electric looks like any other Astra. The only difference with the ICE version is the absence of exhaust pipes and the “e” badge on the tailgate. The charging port is located in the same place as the gas tap on the ICE variant. The standard version of the Astra Electric comes with 18-inch diamond-cut or completely black-coated alloy wheels, and a sportier GS Line bumper.
Inside the vehicle are AGR-approved multi-adjustable sport seats, optional Alcantara upholstery, Pure Panel digital cockpit with dual 10-inch displays and a head-up display.
The safety kit includes an ADAS suite as part of the Intelli-Drive 2.0 package along with adaptive Intelli-Lux LED Pixel Light.
