There’s always been an Astra estate in the Opel range since 1991. Its aim is to maximize space and offer the biggest possible volume while keeping smalllish dimensions. The SUVs popularity won’t change this tradition : our test car being the sixth generation on sale. However, beneath its ultra-modern looking bodywork, it shares most of its parts with the Peugeot 308. Is this really a problem?
Quite logically, the proportions are nearly identical, but the Opel designers succeeded giving a character all of its own to the Astra and it blends well with Opel’s history. The sleek styling is underlined by a few creases on the front and rear wings as well as the doors bottom which have a line running up towards the rear. The whole design is quite balanced and highlighted by tapering rear lights plus the trade mark Opel front end. Look closer and you’ll notice the two small fuel covers as the car is plug-in hybrid vehicle, but their fit is quite poor. It’s the kind of truly awful thing that’s unusual on Rüsselsheim’s products.
I like it
Once onboard, there are excellent ergonomic seats certified by the German AGR organisation, allowing a perfect driving position. The steering wheel sits comfortably in the driver’s hands, but the automatic gearshift is just a small lever on the centre console. There are two digital screens and a few switches (heating, heated seats and steering wheel- it’s an extra) in front of the driver. One of them brings the main menu back or displaying car data. The infotainment system is quite simple. In our view, it is true to Opel’s reputation and is a good example of what owners want : easy and simple to use, functional and reliable.
Quite clever
The Opel Astra Sports Tourer PHEV uses the EMP2 V3 platform. There’s a new 12.4 kWh battery with a 10.0 kWh net capacity. This unit is made up of small cells with improved energy density and is monitored by a revised management system. In real terms, the estate car boasts 180 bhp and a 360 Nm torque value, mating the 150 bhp 1.6 PureTech engine to a 110 bhp electric motor integrated into the EAT8 automatic gearbox. Most journeys were done in Hybrid mode : an excellent use of electrical power enables the car to cover about 100 km on B roads before the battery’s flat. That’s what the instruments cluster mentioned, anyway… However, the Astra always keeps 15 to 20% of its power to make sure it always run on electrical power at low speeds and some electric boost will always help when you floor the right pedal…
I don’t like it
As is often the case with hybrid powertrains, you’d never believe there are 180 hp on tap. This is due to the car’s unladen weight : 1,717 kg see to that. Of course, selecting the Sport driving mode makes it punchier but such a choice is not really in keeping with the car’s character. Mind you, it really feels at home on the motorway but it lacks the sheer dynamism and honed behaviour of its 308 sibling. However, if Stellantis wants to keep its brands different soul and character, this is paramount.
Why I buy it
We didn’t mention it before, but it’s fundamental when testing an estate car: what’s its luggage capacity ? The Astra Sports Tourer’s load bay is pretty square and suitable for all types of things. In this PHEV’s case, volume is 516 litres and the under floor battery doesn’t take too much space. Room in the rear and access to the rear seats are up to the category’s standards. This car is perfectly suited to everyday journeys even if it has a slight preference for fast roads, where its firmer suspension than the Peugeot one really shines. Mind you, this doesn’t mean that the car isn’t comfortable. Its front seats are particularly good. On-board technology is up to date, fans of driving aids will rejoice. However, as is always the case with such engines, the battery needs to be recharged as often as possible to get the best efficiency.
Why I don’t buy it
Don’t expect too much if you want to take advantage of the Astra’s full electric mode. When we picked the car up from the importer, the battery was fully charged and the displayed available range was about only 20 miles. Quite a sensible difference from what some other T German cars offer but battery capacity matters and in this particular case, it’s lower. Over a 350 miles test drive, we averaged 45.5 MPG and recharged the battery just once. However, as is often the case with PHEVs, owners have to make do with a small 40-litre fuel tank. Poor rearward vision was one of the car’s main shortcomings (it’s often the case with a nice design). Interior fit was OK but finish was on the flimsy side and the heated seats switches sometimes didn’t work…
The Opel Astra Sports Touring retails from €46,300. Quite a huge amount of money but the car is perfectly in tune with our time. Used on short (20 miles) journeys, the Astra PHEV even makes it possible to forget about petrol stations. True, it’s pretty firm but never brittle and its load bay will delight sportsmen as well as people on the move. Finish could be better but it’s a reasonably well made and sensible car. (Translation: Dimitri Urbain)
