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

The sixth generation of the compact car from the German firm Opel , now part of the Stellantis group, arrives with a radical update in every respect. It's a C-segment model measuring 4,37 meters long, 1,86 meters wide, and 1,47 meters high. Incidentally, the new Opel Astra is practically a carbon copy of its close relative, the Peugeot 308 .

The Opel Astra we've been testing this week is equipped with the sportiest trim level , the GS Line . As for its powertrain, Opel offers gasoline, diesel, and plug-in hybrid engines, the latter being the one fitted to our test vehicle. It boasts 180 hp and a WLTP-rated electric range of 60 km .

Elegant yet sporty design

The new Astra retains its German elegance but with a sportier and more youthful look . There are subtle lines, but nothing too defined. Furthermore, this GS Line trim includes gloss black accents for added contrast.

Starting with the front , we now find new optional matrix-style headlights , which Opel calls Intelli-Lux Pixel LED. These are connected by a gloss black grille, while at the bottom we see a larger air intake.

Moving to the side view , the first thing that stands out are the optional 18-inch wheels, color-matched to the model, and they really do look great. From here we can appreciate the gloss black mirrors and the two-tone paintwork, which attempts to give it a coupé-like appearance.

Moving to the rear of the new Astra, we see more defined lines and sharply sculpted full LED taillights. Between them, we can see the black Opel logo alongside the model name and an emblem that reads "Hybrid." A gloss black diffuser also characterizes the rear end.

Inside with the latest technology

Moving inside , the new Astra has quite acceptable finishes . There's some padding on the doors and dashboard, although I find the use of gloss black around the screens and center console excessive. I'm not convinced by the use of hard plastics in the middle section of the doors; it gives it a slightly cheaper appearance.

The technological aspects are clearly improved compared to its predecessor. It now features two 10-inch screens : one for the digital instrument cluster and another for the multimedia system . A head-up display is also available, which can show information such as speed and navigation.

I really liked that it retains physical controls for the climate control , something we're gradually losing. Not here; the Astra's controls are entirely physical, no touchscreens, as they should be. On the other hand, it has plenty of storage compartments, as well as a wireless charging pad for your device.

As for the seats, they're really comfortable, and they're upholstered in a combination of fabric and leather. The driver's seat has a number of adjustments that I always appreciate, such as raising or lowering the front of the seat cushion and extending it. This is especially useful for tall people like me.

Comfortable rear seats

The second row of seats in the new Opel Astra is comfortable and spacious enough , but not for people taller than 1,90 meters. With the driver's seat adjusted to my height, legroom is quite tight, as is headroom, so I feel a bit cramped.

The cushioning is really good , the grip is quite good, and there's a central armrest. However, the middle seat is a bit uncomfortable due to its firmness. There are also air vents and two USB-C ports for charging devices.

Limited trunk, typical of PHEVs

The Opel Astra has a trunk capacity of 422 liters in its conventional combustion engine versions ; however, the plug-in hybrid has a smaller capacity of only 352 liters . This is due to the location of the batteries, and it's something we'll have to consider when buying this powertrain.

Mechanics of the Opel Astra

The German automaker offers three different powertrains for the Astra: gasoline, diesel, and plug-in hybrid . The gasoline engine is available with 110 or 130 hp depending on the trim level. The diesel is only available in a 130 hp version. Finally, there's the 180 hp plug-in hybrid and a 225 hp version called the GSe.

Interestingly, the gasoline versions offer a choice between automatic and manual transmissions depending on the trim level. However, this isn't possible with the diesel versions , which are only available with automatic transmissions. Plug-in hybrid powertrains are exclusively paired with automatic transmissions.

The unit we've been testing is equipped with the 180 hp, 360 Nm plug-in hybrid powertrain . It consists of a 1.6L engine producing 150 hp and an electric motor connected to a 12,4 kWh battery. This combination results in a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of just 7,6 seconds , an electric range of 60 km according to the WLTP cycle, and a theoretical fuel consumption of 1,1 l/100km.

At the controls of the new Opel Astra

Once behind the wheel of the new Opel Astra , what immediately stands out is its ride comfort . The car is incredibly comfortable; the suspension works very well and absorbs every imperfection in the road surface.

Its plug-in hybrid powertrain is very efficient , giving you a real-world electric range of approximately 50 km , which is quite acceptable for the battery it uses. Furthermore, in "Hybrid" driving mode, the car will decide whether to operate in 100% electric mode or using the combustion engine, resulting in significantly reduced fuel consumption and extended battery life.

On the other hand, when the Astra runs out of electric range , it continues to function as a conventional hybrid . There will be times when it runs with the combustion engine on and other times when it runs on the electric motor, so in this way we can maintain low fuel consumption when the battery is depleted.

As for its handling , despite the suspension's ability to absorb everything, the German compact remains a car that effectively controls body roll and doesn't exhibit excessive inertia. It's not a car built for speed, though; don't be fooled by its 180 hp. Its philosophy is to prioritize maximum efficiency and comfort.

What hasn't quite convinced me is the steering . Although the car has spectacular handling, it feels very robotic and assisted , offering absolutely no feedback. For most drivers, this isn't relevant, but it is for me, as I like to know what's happening at the front axle.

Consumption Opel Astra plug-in hybrid

Regarding fuel consumption and electric range , the Astra PHEV boasts a WLTP-rated electric range of 60 km and an average fuel consumption of 1,1 l/100km, a figure that isn't entirely realistic. In combined driving , I was able to achieve 49 km of range in 100% electric mode , which is quite acceptable. However, the average fuel consumption can be closer to 6 l/100km.

As you can see, the figures are somewhat lower than the official rating, which is quite common. In purely urban driving , fuel consumption can be around 6,3 liters per 100 km, while on the highway we will see averages that are slightly below 6 liters per 100 km.

Conclusions Opel Astra

To conclude our review of the Opel Astra, let's discuss the most positive and negative aspects of this compact car. Generally speaking, it offers excellent value for money, especially in today's market. It's attractive, the finish is good, and it's a solid car overall.

On the positive side , I'd first mention its ride comfort . The suspension makes it virtually imperceptible to imperfections in the road surface or, conversely, to speed bumps and potholes. Furthermore, the range it achieves in 100% electric mode is quite good, sufficient for our daily commutes.

Moving on to the more negative points , I have no doubt that what I liked least was the steering . It feels very robotic or assisted and provides absolutely no feedback. Next is the trunk , which only has a capacity of 352 liters.

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