Opel Astra PHEV: a plug-in hybrid for all purposes

The model, with 180 hp power, stands out for its low consumption, both in the city and on the highway

The Opel Astra joins the C-segment where SUV models currently reign, just like its ‘big brother’ the Grandland, but as an alternative for those who do not want to fall for the temptations of the most fashionable segment, with more sportiness and character. The truth is that due to its characteristics the Astra is a very logical and balanced purchase, it has a modern design, plenty of space (more than what is needed on a daily basis) and a wide range of engines, diesel, petrol and plug-in hybrid, from 110 to 179 hp.

The Opel Astra reaches its sixth generation while maintaining the reliability, comfort and bold design that have characterized the representative of the Opel philosophy in a strategic segment in the main European markets since its inception.

On this occasion, we tested the latest version, the plug-in hybrid variant, which, in addition to the DGT “Zero” badge for its emissions, at the same time becomes the most powerful variant in the range.

In fact, on paper, this version is best suited if our natural environment is the city, with 179 hp and a maximum torque of 360 Nm. In pure electric mode, it can drive up to 60 kilometers (WLTP) without emissions, which in an urban environment can reach almost 74 kilometers.

During the test days we did the same daily route (about 40 km) using all mechanical possibilities. That is, in 100% electric mode, in “hybrid” mode, and when using the petrol engine, as soon as the battery is empty. And we’ve had several surprises.

The first when using the electric mode, because it was not difficult for us to take advantage of the inertia and regenerative braking to reach the 74 km of autonomy approved in the urban mode. This means that the round trip from home is only done with the petrol engine, so if we have a charger in the house, we can forget to go to the gas station for several days.

The second, in hybrid mode, where again the approved consume quite close to the real layers. Leaving the electronics to work and achieving an average consumption that did not reach two liters on average (1.1 is the approved figure) is quite remarkable.

But the big surprise was the consumption recorded towards the end of the week, when we drained the battery completely to check the consumption figures. In reality, someone who buys a plug-in hybrid vehicle should rarely drive this way, but if we use the car for another long-distance journey (such as on vacation), there comes a time when the batteries run out and we have to circulate with the extra ballast from the weight of the batteries. In this extreme case, and for the same route as in the previous cases, we did not exceed 5.5 liters of average consumption, a figure very similar to that of a vehicle with similar characteristics (dimensions and power) but without plug . We have no choice but to classify this behavior as ‘excellent’.

With a length of 4,374 mm, a width of 1,860 mm and a luggage compartment of 422 liters, the sporty appearance of this new generation Astra does not detract from its spaciousness. Five people fit perfectly with a suitcase of very correct dimensions. Although those who need more space can wait a few months for the Sports Tourer family version, with a trunk that starts at a capacity of 597 liters. In the case of our plug-in hybrid version, we start with 352 litres, which can be increased to 1,268 by folding the rear seats.

Sitting behind the steering wheel we find three large screens and a ‘head-up display’ that projects information on the windshield (like the navigator map), but with the classic buttons that give us access to the most used functions without the need to get lost in menus through a screen.

At the wheel, it is supported by state-of-the-art driver assistance systems, ranging from the head-up display, projected directly onto the windscreen, to the semi-autonomous Intelli-Drive 2.0 assistance system and the 360-degree Intelli-Vision camera. Like its predecessor, it has the power to turn night into day thanks to the latest evolution of IntelliLux LED Pixel matrix lighting, which has 168 diodes that light up depending on the ambient light and traffic conditions.

Comfort is especially guaranteed by the excellent seats in the front with AGR certification and no fewer than 16 adjustments.

Source: La Verdad

Ida

I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.