Opel Astra Hybrid 180 hp test

Much more modern

In the Stellantis portfolio, Opel is taking the opportunity to dust off its image, which is becoming much more modern with the new Astra. The Vizor-type grille underlines the new personality of the brand, with this look taken from a concept car. Its clean lines give it a certain character. We find at the rear its airs of futuristic car, with fine full LED lights, and a third brake lights integrated in a small appendage on the spoiler.

Our yellow copy is entitled to a black roof, marking all the more the beltline and the C-pillar looking like a shark fin. Insiders know of course that the car shares its platform with other models of the group. However, the German is far from it in terms of style, and is therefore entitled to its own identity. Its style, a little less expressive than a 308, makes it a little more classic and also discreet, which some prefer.

A spaceship dashboard

On board, the revolution also took place. Opel has given in to the fashion for spaceship interiors. So much the better ! The difference marked with the previous generation is striking! The regulars of the mark finally do not recognize an Opel. Fortunately the logo reminds us of this, but we are clearly entering a whole new dimension for the brand.

A double shelf constitutes the instrumentation. There are two sizes depending on the finish. The very modern design of the dashboard has nothing in common with that of its cousins. However, we recognize a few identical elements, such as the automatic transmission controls. Nothing is missing in terms of connectivity. We feel well installed, even in the back for two. The trunk loses 70 liters in this hybrid version.

Always start electric

At the wheel, you can easily find your position on the AGR-certified seats. In addition, a very clear head-up display completes the reading of on-board information. The car always starts on electric power. Full battery, we thus leave in silence the Saint-Cloud from where we leave. Some joggers and walkers are surprised by our presence, which they detect at the last moment.

We forced the electric walk to evaluate the autonomy on a first urban route, before quickly finding ourselves in the countryside. In our reality, it went about 35 kilometers. Subsequently, in hybrid mode, the Astra still has real electric phases, with a battery that is never really empty. The crossings of villages are thus often smooth.

Comfortable and efficient

On our entire route of around 200 kilometres, the average was 5 litres. Once the accumulators are at a minimum, however, it exceeds 7 litres, which remains reasonable for a compact also intended to be on the road. And from this point of view, the power of 180 horsepower offered by this twin-motorization demonstrates great responsiveness. By pressing the accelerator, the 360 ​​Nm of torque transform acceleration and recovery into formality.

The German displays a very good level of comfort. The Astra is based on the EMP2 (V3) platform, whose qualities have already been praised. A rather good base which however has been personalized here by Opel. It thus offers a better compromise with dynamism than a DS4, and turns out to be a little less fun to drive than a 308. It proves to be a good swallower of kilometers, without being particularly noticed.

This is clearly its strong point, well served by high-level soundproofing, compared to that of other competing compacts. On the other hand, we regret a regeneration at a single level via the “B” mode, and a brake pedal with a consistency that is not always constant. This can be surprising during certain braking, even if you end up getting used to it. On the charging side, count about 7 hours on a domestic socket. This time can be reduced with the 7.4 kW AC charger.

WE love

New modern look futuristic interior Comfort

We love less

Fairly short electric range Brake pedal feel Reduced trunk capacity