Did you postpone the purchase of your new Astra because you were waiting for the OPC? Bad luck, because it’s not coming. However, here is the Opel Astra GSE – which stands for ‘Grand Sport Electric’. Indeed, that’s a modern twist on the old GSI label. This spicy version of the Astra comes with a plug-in hybrid powertrain.
Opel wants to go fully electric in 2028, so faster versions without electric motors are no longer possible. Opel says they have worked hard to ensure that the car offers ‘the optimum balance between driving comfort and performance-oriented handling’. It would be silly for them to claim that they “just missed the mark” or “this was the best they could make of it.”
Sportier chassis, different software
The chassis has been slightly modified – the Opel Astra GSE is 10 millimeters lower for that extra dynamic feel, the steering has been recalibrated and the car is equipped with unique springs all around. The dampers try to offer a combination of comfort and sporty handling, while the ESP allows a little more before it intervenes.
Funny is that the station wagon (Opel calls it Sports Tourer) looks just a bit thicker than the normal hatchback because of its wide hips behind. The rally genes of the brand float more to the surface in the family version, it seems. Both body versions also get sportier bumpers. The 18-inch alloy wheels are inspired by the Manta GSE concept from 2021.
Specifications of the Opel Astra GSE
Opel has not released many figures for the new car – we know it will produce 225 hp and 360 Nm. The 0-100 time will be somewhere in the neighborhood of 8 seconds, we’re guessing. The official emission is 25 grams of CO2 per 100 kilometers and the consumption is 1.1 liters per 100 kilometers. Whether you achieve these numbers depends entirely on your own charging discipline.
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