Opel: Astra and Rocks-e roll to the start 🎥
VERSATILE Tough times for manufacturers of high-volume cars. Opel is trying to overcome the various crises with new models as well as in a wider segment and with a comprehensive range of powertrains.
The latest from the Opel model range can be seen - and also experienced - in a showroom on Utoquai in Zurich. There, the company from Rüsselsheim presented the new edition of the Astra, one of the most popular models in the compact class. Also completely new is the Rocks-e citymobile for city and agglomeration use. Both models are available for a test drive until June 22, 2022.
Astra also comes as a pure electric vehicle
With the Astra L, Opel is now entering the new era in which CO2 is the important currency. That's why the eleventh generation is now also available as a plug-in hybrid for the first time and as a fully electric model from 2023. The new Astra is also intended to be a design statement for the brand. The sleek lines on the outside and inside are characteristic. At 4.37 meters long, it is roughly the same length as the outgoing model, but has a wheelbase that is 13 millimeters longer.
Completely new infotainment systems
The interior also underscores the new philosophy, with a fully digital cockpit, Pure Panel with widescreens and no connecting cables. The new generation of infotainment systems can be used via the touchscreen or voice recognition - with "Hey, Opel," the Astra becomes bright-eyed.
Diesel version for customers with fleets
The powertrain is still conventional for the time being. It will be launched at the end of June with a 1.2-liter gasoline engine and a 1.5-liter diesel with revised turbocharged engines producing 110 and 130 hp. Fleet customers will be particularly interested in the diesel. Both models can be combined with a 6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic transmission.
Prices start at 32 640 francs
The top version with plug-in hybrid system follows a little later. This consists of a 1.6-liter gasoline engine and an electric motor with a system output of 180 hp. A 225 hp version will follow later. The PHEV version is equipped with a 12.4 kWh battery, which is enough for around 60 kilometers of electric operation.
The price of the Astra L starts at 32,640 Swiss francs, the plug-in version at 39,370 Swiss francs, and the Sports Tourer station wagon version, which will be available from 2023, will cost an additional 1200 Swiss francs. The Astra-e will also hit the road in 2023.
Under 10 000 francs into the Opel world
Opel is now also represented in the subcompact segment: The Citroën Ami's corporate sibling, which is only 2.41 meters long and 1.39 meters wide, is powered by a 9-kW electric motor, reaches around 45 km/h and will be available towards the end of the year at a price of less than 10,000 francs.
One charge of the 5.5 kWh battery is enough for 75 kilometers, and charging the battery at a household outlet is said to take only four hours. The fact that there's no air conditioning shouldn't be too much of a disadvantage in the Rocks-e's small territory. Of course, the small car can be ordered online.
