VM drive review of the Opel Astra Electric: Nimble electric car with a flash

Like its Stellantis brother the Peugeot 308, the Opel Astra is also based on the current EMP2 platform, which can accommodate combustion engines as well as plug-in and electric drives. A year after the introduction of combustion and hybrid engines, the Astra electric version is now following suit. Visually indistinguishable from the combustion and part-time combustion versions, the Astra Electric surprised us with unexpected sportiness and low consumption.

The Astra Electric is equipped with a relatively small battery with a capacity of 54 kWh, and the motor under its hood delivers 115 kW (156 hp) and 270 Nm. The range is said to be 418 kilometers according to WLTP. And the manufacturers in Rüsselsheim allow the compact car to go a bit faster than many competitors – it is only limited from 170 km/h. Thanks to low weight and a standard heat pump, the Astra Electric is said to be frugal on the road, consuming 14.8 kWh per 100 kilometers.

The Opel Astra Electric is equipped with three driving modes: Eco, Normal, and Sport. The Intelli-Drive 2.0 driver assistance package offers state-of-the-art technology, from active lane-keeping assist, fatigue detection, and cross-traffic alert to semi-automatic lane change assistance. Additionally, it features LED pixel headlights, where individual light elements out of a total of 168 can be deactivated – according to Opel, a leading technology not just in this vehicle class. An optional head-up display and the infotainment system with voice recognition are designed to minimize the potential for distraction from traffic. Unlike its Wolfsburg counterpart, Opel fortunately still relies on easily operable switches and dials for the most important functions in its control concept.

Although the design of the vehicle from Rüsselsheim is truly successful and elegant, you won’t really stand out with the E-Astra. And while the competition from Wolfsburg is based on a skateboard platform and accordingly conveys a somewhat more spacious feeling, the Astra Electric has nothing to hide. It scores with refined materials, much better usability, and truly great seats that have been certified by the Campaign for Healthier Backs (AGR).

This is How the Astra Electric Drives

The Astra Electric is surprisingly light. It weighs 1,679 kilograms, not only the same as the hybrid Astra, but compared to the electric competition, the compact electric vehicle weighs 150-200 kilograms less than usual. And this is clearly noticeable in the handling and dynamics. The electric motor already delivers strong power in normal mode, but the maximum output of 156 horsepower is only activated in sport mode. In normal mode, the E-Astra manages with 136 horsepower, in eco mode the power is further reduced, but the compact car still drives comfortably and not as sluggish as some other electric vehicles in economy mode. The direct but not nervous steering becomes a bit stiffer in sport mode, and with a firm press on the gas pedal, you can go from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.2 seconds. Opel limits the Astra Electric at 170 km/h, perhaps to show off its taillights to the ID.3, which is limited to 160 km/h on the highway?

According to David Hamprecht, Manager of Product and Brand Communication at Opel, one of the major differences of the Astra compared to its corporate brother, the Peugeot 308, is that the Opel was also developed for the German autobahn. The suspension is indeed stiffer than that of the French car, but it always absorbs bumps pleasantly and is never overly hard. However, our previously achieved excellent average consumption was spoiled by the highway stretches on the test drive. While we had a display average of 11.7 kWh in the city and on federal roads, the consumption figure quickly jumped to 15 kWh after a few quick highway sections. Still a very good value considering our sporty driving style - and just slightly above Opel's specified WLTP value of 14.8 kWh.

Compared to the competition, the Astra Electric takes a bit longer to recharge the batteries. While the VW ID.3 charges with a power of 120 or even 170 kW or the MG 4 with 117 - 135 kW, the Opel manages just 100 kW. When DC charging at a fast charging station, the battery is supposed to be charged in about half an hour, while at the wallbox, it takes about 5.45 hours with an 11 kW charging capacity according to Opel.