The sixth generation of the Opel Astra (L) is the best of all that we have known so far. And it is not because its design is more mature or the technological level has grown remarkably. The reason why we can consider it as such has to do with the technological evolution with respect to its predecessor. Now it no longer owes anything to the General Motors engineering team and yes to those of the now defunct PSA Group. But under Stellantis it will shine even brighter...
As you well know, the new Astra is based on the latest generation of the Peugeot 308. As a result of the synergies, its range of engines has been expanded so much that, for the first time in its history it will offer an electric version. His first electric will arrive around the year 2023 but before that we still have to know other news. Now we are faced with the rebirth of a mythical acronym with the Debut of the Opel Astra GSe plug-in hybrid…
The output of the new hybrid Opel Astra GSe and Astra Sports Tourer GSe is 165 kW (225 hp)…
As we already announced, the initials GSe come back to life although with a slight change. Long ago the meaning of these acronyms was "Grand Sport Injection", but that was at the time of the Opel Commodore GS/E and the Monza GSE. They are now an acronym for "Grand Sport electric" and make direct reference to the plug-in hybrid versions of the new Astra. And, believe it or not, they present technical and aesthetic changes.
The first thing that strikes the Opel Astra GSe and Sports Tourer GSe is its design. In first the style of its front is specific to this GSe series as well as 18-inch Manta GSe-inspired alloy wheels. For their part they also release bumpers as well as the GSe logo on the trunk lid. However, these changes are applicable to both bodies, as with those inside.
From inside the doors stand out the sports and ergonomic seats certified by AGR that are upholstered in Alcantara. However, the great improvement of these Astra GSe is under your skin, or what is the same, in your Plug-in hybrid powertrain and chassis tuning. The brand says they strike the "optimal balance between comfort and performance-oriented driving" but aren't sporty...
Among the improvements there is a sports chassis with 10 millimeters lower ground clearance. The steering and suspension have been tuned up with new calibration and FSD dampers. Also, ESP is less intrusive, although we don't know by how much. Regarding the powertrain, we know that it is plug-in hybrid and the performance is 165 kW with 360 Nm supported by a lithium ion battery with a capacity of 13,2 kWh.
And nothing more…?
Well, for now, Opel has reserved all the secrets that remain to be seen. We understand that the powertrain is the same as its cousin from Peugeot or the Grandland SUV. The only thing they have confirmed is that its consumption is 1,1 liters and 1,2 liters per 100 kilometers according to the WLTP standard. The autonomy in electric mode is unknown, as is the on-board charger, although we understand that it will be the same known 7,4 kW.
In summary: to know its secrets we still have to wait a few weeks, although we believe that there will not be many…
Source - Opel
