We recently spent a week behind the wheel of the Opel Astra Electric. Its Ultimate version is a good compromise for those who need or want to switch to an electric car without too many inconveniences… provided, of course, you have solar panels at home as well as charging points where you live and work !
The electric version of the Astra is available in two trim levels. The GS is the sportier one, while the Ultimate we tested is more focused on comfort. The Astra range is now complete with them, alongside petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid versions. Excluding options, prices start at €39,990 and €43,700 for the GS. The cheapest petrol version starts at €26,850.
I like it
The permanent magnet synchronous motor maximum power is 156 bhp and 270 Nm of torque in sport mode. In normal mode, it produces 136 bhp and 250 Nm as well as 108 bhp and 220 Nm in Eco mode. However, on the road the difference between these two modes is barely noticeable. It’s worth noting that a heat pump is fitted as standard. The 54 kWh battery offers a range of up to 418 km, and we even saw 422 km displayed on the dashboard. Fuel consumption is claimed to be about 15.0 kWh per 100 km: during our test drive, we were closer to 18 kWh, sticking to speed limits and without trying to get the best performance. Top speed is claimed to be 170 km/h and 0-100 takes 9.3 seconds. Even in sport mode, there’s no ‘kick in the butt’ effect like on many other electric cars. An 11 kW charger is fitted to the car, making it easy to charge up to 100 kW ; it will take just 26 minutes to go from 20 to 80% power.
A full charge will take almost 6 hours or 8 hours with a 7 kW charger. If you use a household socket, you’ll easily need twice as much! The engine is smooth and unobtrusive in its response when the right-hand pedal is depressed. On the road, the weight of the batteries is well contained and the Astra proves to be rather neutral, supple without excess and comfortable. It negotiates the worst roads with ease, and the suspension set up is an excellent compromise. The interior is the same as the ICE Astras’. Up front, the AGR seats are as comfortable as ever and it’s easy to find a perfect driving position. The steering wheel is easy to grip and gives a clear view of the digital instrument cluster.
I don’t like it
Roll is under control, but the steering could be more precise and communicative. The soundproofing is well done but the sunroof is noisy, even when ajar. What’s more, it sometimes tends to react and be noisy on poor surfaces, even when closed. Some details border on the petty: the driver’s seat is the only one to have a moving central section and electric adjustments for recline, height and lumbar support. However, length adjustment remains manual. As for the passenger’s seat, it offers only the bare minimum of adjustments, all of which are manual. There’s also a cardboard document pocket and a lack of storage space on the sides and under the boot floor to accommodate the charging cables : these take up a lot of space. Bearing in mind the car’s price, that’s pretty petty.
Quite clever
In the centre of the Pure Panel dashboard, a 10″ touchscreen displays navigation and other functions or displays your smartphone screen. Obviously, there’s Android Auto and Apple Car Play compatibility and it works very well. Ergonomics are well thought out, with a line up of easy-to-use and intuitive control buttons at the bottom of the screen. Materials quality is good, as is fit and finish. The sunroof is welcome to let a little light in ; otherwise the interior would be quite gloomy. … and the few silver touches on the dashboard and door panels wouldn’t do much to change that.
Why I’m buy it
This Astra is the Peugeot 308’s twin, they share many parts. However, its styling is more consensual, much less polarizing. Some will say that it’s even lackluster in comparison…it’s more a matter of individual taste but the Opel’s lines should age well and remain modern for a few more years. What’s more, it’s well equipped and offers a whole range of driving aids as well as two cruise controls, one of which is adaptive. These are not too intrusive, but if you want to disconnect one or more of them, you’ll have to navigate through the menus every time you start the car, something which is obviously rather tedious.
Standard features include LED matrix headlights with automatic high beam, electric folding mirrors, heated seats and steering wheel. The Ultimate version also features a head-up display that is well positioned so as not to interfere with vision and wireless smartphone charging. Boot capacity is 350 liters and its shape is handy. It’s big enough to accommodate a couple’s luggage or a pushchair without any problem. Useful height is lower than on its ICE siblings because of the battery. However, it is well integrated and even increases body stiffness by 30%. For added practicality, the rear seat folds in two parts (60-40%) and there’s a ski hatch so you can carry both passengers and long objects.
Why I’m not buying it
Obviously, the Astra is a pretty good all-rounder but it’s a bit devoid of any passion. A few details can be annoying on a daily basis. The windscreen pillars’ angle impedes visibility, as do the rear pillars. Fortunately, the camera’s good resolution and 360° vision compensate for this. The interior handles on the front doors would be more ergonomic if they were longer and better placed. Up front, interior space is generous, even for tall people… but it’s a totally different matter in the back. Rear legroom could be better and there could be more headroom too. The middle part of the seat is rather high, making it only suitable for shorter people… a disadvantage on a family car ! (Pictures by Paul-Edouard Urbain)
