Test new Opel Astra GS-Line PHEV 180 hp (with video)

La sixth generation compacto of the German firm Opel, now belonging to the Stellantis group, comes with a radical update in every way. It is a C-segment model with dimensions of 4,37 meters long, 1,86 wide and 1,47 high. By the way, the new Opel Astra is practically a carbon copy of the Peugeot 308, his first cousin.

El Opel Astra we have been testing during the week of tests equip the finished more sporty, GS Line. As for its mechanics, Opel has gasoline, diesel and plug-in hybrid engines available, the latter being the one that our unit mounts. It has a power of 180 CV and homologates a autonomy de 60 km in the WLTP cycle in 100% electric mode.

Elegant yet sporty design

The new Astra continues to maintain the German elegance but with a sportier and more youthful appearance. We found slight lines marked, but nothing very defined. On the other hand, in this GS Line finish, it contains parts in gloss black in order to make a greater contrast.

Starting with the front, now we find some optional new matrix style optics, which Opel calls Intelli-Lux Pixel LED. These are joined together by a gloss black grille, while in the lower area we see a larger air intake.

Moving towards the side view, what stands out in the first place are those optional 18-inch wheels to match the color of the model, and the truth is that it does not feel bad at all. From here we can see the gloss black mirrors and the two-tone color, thus trying to give a coupé-style appearance.

already behind of the new Astra, we see somewhat more defined lines and very sharp full LED optics. Among them we can see the Opel logo in black next to the model name and an emblem that says "Hybrid". In addition, a kind of gloss black diffuser also characterizes the rear area.

Inside with the latest technology

Entering the cabin, the new Astra has about very acceptable finishes. We find areas with padding on the doors and dashboard, although I see an excessive use of gloss black around the screens and center console. I have not been convinced by the use of hard plastics in the intermediate area of ​​the doors, it gives it a slightly poorer appearance.

El technological section it is clearly affected, in a good way, compared to the predecessor version. Now you have two screens, one is for the digital instrument panel and one for the multimedia system, both 10 inch. As well we can include a Head Up Display which contains both speed and, for example, navigation.

I really liked that you keep physical controls for climate control, something that little by little we are losing. Not here, those of the Astra are totally physical, nothing tactile, as it should be. On the other hand, it contains enough holes to leave objects, as well as an area for wireless recharging of our device.

As for seating, the truth that they are very comfortable, and are made up of fabrics with cloth and leather. For the driver we have a series of adjustments that I always love, such as raising or lowering the front area of ​​the bench seat and then its extension. This for people as tall as me comes in handy.

Comfortable rear seats

La second row of seats of the new Opel Astra are comfortable and spacious enough, but not for people over 1,90 meters tall. With the driver's seat adjusted to my height, the knee room is pretty tight, as is the head room, so I feel a bit boxed in.

Then your fluffy is really good, they grip quite well and we also find a central armrest. Of course, the middle square is a bit uncomfortable due to its firmness. We can also see ventilation outlets and two USB-C type sockets for recharging our devices.

Limited trunk, typical of PHEVs

The Opel Astra has a capacity of 422 liters in its conventional thermal versions, However the plug-in hybrid cubes a smaller capacity, only 352 liters. This is due to the location of the batteries, and it is something that we will have to take into account when buying this motorization.

Mechanics of the Opel Astra

the german firm offers for the Astra three different engines; gasoline, diesel and plug-in hybrid. The gasoline is marketed with 110 or 130 hp depending on the finish. Diesel is only available in 130 hp versions. To finish we have the 180 hp plug-in hybrid and also a 225 hp version called GSe.

Something curious is that in the gasoline variants we can choose between automatic or manual gearbox depending on the finish. Nevertheless, in diesel this is not possible, it is only available with automatic gearbox. Plug-in hybrid drives are linked to automatic changes yes or yes.

La unit we have been testing ride the plug-in hybrid drive with 180 hp and 360 Nm of torque. It is made up of a 1.6L engine with 150 hp and then another electric motor linked to a 12,4 kWh battery. This combination causes an acceleration of 0 to 100 in just 7,6 secondsa whirlpool bath, 60 km electric range according to the WLTP cycle and a cTheoretical consumption of 1,1l/100km.

At the controls of the new Opel Astra

Already put behind the wheel of the new Opel Astra, it can be said that what most attracts attention At first it's your ride comfort. The car is incredibly comfortable, the suspension works very well and absorbs all the imperfections that we find in the terrain.

Su plug-in hybrid drive is very effective, You get one real electric range of about 50 km approximately, something very acceptable for the battery it carries. On the other hand, in the "Hybrid" driving mode, the car will decide whether to go in 100% electric mode or using the combustion engine, thus achieving greatly reduced fuel consumption along with longer battery life.

On the other hand, when the Astra runs out of electric autonomy, still works like a conventional hybrid. There will be times when it will circulate with the combustion engine on or others when it will go with the electric motor, so, in this way, we will be able to maintain low consumption when we leave the battery at 0.

Regarding its dynamic, despite the fact that the suspension absorbs everything, the German compact is still a car that cit holds the swings very well and, then, it does not have too much inertia. Nor is it a car made to run, let's not fool ourselves by having 180 hp, its philosophy is to have maximum efficiency and comfort.

As He has not finished convincing me, it is his address, although it is a car with spectacular handling, it feels very robotic and assistedIt doesn't report anything at all. For the vast majority of drivers it is something that is not relevant, but for me it is, since I like to know what happens in the front axle.

Consumption Opel Astra plug-in hybrid

In terms of consumption and electric autonomy, the Astra PHEV homologates 60 km of electric autonomy according to the WLTP cycle and an average consumption of 1,1l/100km, a figure that is not very real. In a combined use, I was able to get 49 km of autonomy in 100% electric modesomething very acceptable. However, the average consumption can be seen around 6l/100km.

You can see that the figures are somewhat far from what is homologated, which is very common. In one use only urban, the fuel cost can be around 6,3l/100km, while en freeway yes we will see stockings that will be somewhat below 6 liters every 100km.

Conclusions Opel Astra

To finish with the test of the Opel Astra, we are going to comment on the most positive and negative points that has the Opel compact. Generally, It is a car with a very good product/price ratio, even more so in these times. It is attractive, its finishes are good and it is a good car.

As an positive pointss, first of all I would say his ride comfort. The suspension makes you hardly appreciate the imperfections of the terrain or, on the other hand, the bumps or speed bumps that we find on the road. Then the autonomy what's out in 100% electric mode It is quite good, enough to make our journeys on a day-to-day basis.

passing towards the most negative pointsI have no hesitation in saying that what I liked least was your adress. It gives a very robotic or assisted sensation and does not report anything at all. then we find trunk, since it only has 352 liters of capacity.

Standard equipment Opel Astra

Edition

• Front and Rear Parking Sensors (8 sensors)
• 16″ “Admiral” alloy wheels, Technical Grey. Tires – 205/55 R16 94V A+
• LED headlights

Elegance

• Front and Rear Parking Sensors (8 sensors) + Rear View Camera
• Hands-Free Entry and Starting System
• "Comfort" seats in fabric. EGR Driver
• 17″ “Admiral” Alloy Wheels – Onyx Black Diamond Cut Tires – 225/45 R17 94V A-CL

GS Line

• Front and Rear Parking Sensors (8 sensors) + 360 Degree Rear View Camera
• Comfort seats in fabric. AGR Driver + Winter Pack
• Alloy wheels 17″ «Kadet» glossy black. Tires 225/45 R17 94V A-CL
• Black Bitone Roof
• Opel Vizor with gloss black surround, sporty front bumper, gloss black front lower grille, gloss black rear lower bumper with accents.

Ultimate

• "Sport" seats with Alcantara upholstery. AGR Driver and Passenger + Winter Pack
• 18 Pentagon diamond-cut alloy wheels with gray inserts. Tires 225/40 R18 92Y A-CL
• Intelli-Lux Pixel LED

Opel Astra price list

Editor's opinion

Opel Astra photo gallery