The Opel Astra holds a prominent position in Europe, standing as a key competitor to the ever-popular VW Golf. In line with market demands, Stellantis is ensuring its relevance by introducing a mild-hybrid powertrain to augment the compact model's offerings, which already include gasoline, plug-in hybrid, and fully electric options.
Both the hatchback and estate (Sports Tourer) variants of the Astra now feature the widely-utilized turbocharged 1.2-liter engine, recently upgraded with a 48-volt system. This addition of mild-hybrid technology, according to the company, yields a 14 percent reduction in CO2 emissions and fuel consumption compared to the non-electrified 1.2 Turbo mated with the eight-speed automatic transmission.
Powering the combustion engine is a capable 134 hp and 230 Nm of torque, supplemented by an electric motor integrated into the six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, contributing an additional 28 hp and 55 Nm of torque. The e-motor recharges the compact 48V lithium-ion battery pack during braking, cleverly situated beneath the left front seat to preserve boot space.
Opel asserts that the mild-hybrid setup enables the Astra to operate in pure electric mode for up to half of its urban journey, resulting in CO2 emissions of 113g/100km for the hatchback and 115g/100km for the Sports Tourer in the WLTP mixed cycle. Moreover, fuel consumption figures have been notably reduced to 5 lt/100 km and 5.1 lt/100 km respectively.
Performance-wise, the Opel Astra achieves a 0-100 km/h sprint in a respectable 9 seconds, with a top speed reaching 210 km/h.
Aesthetically, the Astra Hybrid maintains the visual appeal of its lineup counterparts, distinguished only by a subtle emblem on the tailgate. Inside, the 10-inch digital instrument cluster presents new graphics showcasing the energy flow, with numbers transitioning to blue when the combustion engine is inactive.
The new Opel Astra Hybrid is currently open for orders throughout Europe, with prices commencing at €36,430 in Germany. In comparison, the equivalently potent non-electrified gasoline variant starts at a significantly lower €32,660.