The Opel Astra is one of the most popular and recognizable names in the European car market. For over 40 years, the Astra has been a reliable and practical choice for millions of drivers who value comfort, efficiency, and versatility. But times are changing, and so is the Astra. In 2023, Opel launched the Opel Astra Electric, a fully electric version of its eighth-generation hatchback. The Astra Electric will join the new Astra petrol and plug-in hybrid variants, offering customers a range of powertrain options to suit their needs and preferences.
But how does the Opel Astra Electric compare to its rivals in the increasingly competitive electric compact segment? And what makes it stand out from its combustion-powered siblings? In this review, we will take a closer look at the features, performance, and value proposition of the Opel Astra Electric.
Design and Styling
The Opel Astra Electric shares the same sleek and modern design as the rest of the new Astra range. The front end features a distinctive Vizor grille that integrates the headlights, the Opel Blitz logo, and the sensors for the driver assistance systems. The side profile is dynamic and sporty, with a sloping roofline and a muscular shoulder line. The rear end is clean and elegant, with LED taillights and a subtle spoiler.
The Astra Electric also has some unique elements that distinguish it from its petrol and hybrid counterparts. For instance, it has a closed grille with an electric badge, blue accents on the front bumper and side skirts, and exclusive 17-inch or 18-inch alloy wheels. The Astra Electric is available in nine exterior colors, including two new ones: Power Red and Mamba Green.
Inside, the Astra Electric offers a spacious, comfortable cabin that accommodates five passengers and 370 liters of luggage. The boot space is slightly smaller than the petrol and hybrid models (390 liters) due to the battery pack under the floor, but it can be expanded to 1,210 liters by folding the rear seats. The interior design is minimalist and futuristic, with a digital cockpit that consists of two 10-inch screens: one for the instrument cluster and one for the infotainment system. The center console is free of buttons and knobs, with only a few touch-sensitive controls for the climate and driving modes.
The Astra Electric also boasts high quality and refinement, with soft-touch materials, ambient lighting, and acoustic glazing. The seats are ergonomically designed and offer various adjustment options, including massage and ventilation functions. The cabin is also very quiet, thanks to the electric drivetrain and the sound insulation.
Performance and Range
The Opel Astra Electric is powered by a single electric motor that produces 154 hp and 199 lb-ft of torque. The motor drives the front wheels through a single-speed transmission, providing smooth and linear acceleration. The Astra Electric can sprint from 0 to 62 mph in 9.2 seconds and reach a top speed of 106 mph. These figures are not very impressive compared to some of its rivals, such as the Volkswagen ID.3 or the Renault Megane E-Tech Electric, but they are adequate for everyday driving.
The main advantage of the Astra Electric is its efficiency and range. The car has a 54 kWh battery pack that can deliver up to 258 miles of WLTP-certified range on a single charge. This is more than enough for most drivers' needs, especially considering that the average daily commute in Europe is less than 25 miles. The battery pack can also be recharged quickly using a 100 kW DC fast charger, which can restore 80% of the capacity in just 30 minutes. Alternatively, a 7 kW wallbox or a standard domestic socket can be charged at home.
The Opel Astra Electric also offers various driving modes that can optimize the performance and consumption according to the road conditions and driver's preferences. These include Normal, Eco, Sport, Individual, Winter, and Traction modes. Additionally, the car has a regenerative braking system that can recover energy when decelerating or coasting, increasing the range by up to 10%. The driver can choose between two levels of regenerative braking: D (normal) or B (strong).
Features and Technology
The Opel Astra Electric is not only efficient and practical but also smart and connected. The electric car has many features and technologies that enhance safety, comfort, convenience, and entertainment.
One of the highlights is the Opel Connect service, which allows the driver to access various functions remotely via a smartphone app or voice control. For example, they can check the battery status and charging progress, pre-condition the cabin temperature, locate nearby charging stations, or contact emergency services in case of an accident.
The Astra Electric is the first car in its class to offer this advanced lighting technology, which was previously reserved for Opel's flagships, the Insignia and the Grandland. The IntelliLux LED Pixel Light system provides a bright and clear vision of the road ahead and a distinctive and stylish look for the Astra Electric.
