Opel has announced that it will build an electric version of its Astra model from 2023 at the premiere of the newest, sixth-generation Astra in Germany today.
Hits Ireland in 2023
The new Astra arrives here in the spring of 2022 and will be available from launch with a line-up of petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid options. A "Sports Tourer" estate will follow soon after. The all-electric Astra-e version will likely hit our shores in 2023.
Keep an eye on Peugeot
Normally we'd be able to speculate as to some of the Astra-e's powertrain specs but we've not yet seen any other electric cars in the Astra's C-segment category built on the Peugeot-Citroen's EMP2 platform. Although Peugeot plans to launch an electric 308 in 2023, as we don't yet know any of the details of that, we can't yet make many assumptions about the tech underpinning the Astra-e.
The latest Astra continues Opel's apparent design renaissance with its new "Vizor" front-end, and taut, muscular bodywork.
The interior is packed full of tech with its Pure Panel double screen set-up comprising a 10-inch instrument display for the driver and another infotainment screen of the same size.
Opel's Intelli-Drive 2.0 system takes some of the load off the driver, especially on motorways, as it can control, to an extent, acceleration and braking as well as bringing the car to a complete halt in stop-start traffic.
Speaking about the company's intentions for the Astra, Opel's CEO, Uwe Hochgeschurtz said:
"This will be the first time that we offer both a battery-electric and a plug-in hybrid version of the same model. I am confident that the new Astra and Astra-e will make a powerful impression and attract many new customers to the brand. Opel sets standards with this car, which has everything it takes to once again become a bestseller."