Opel Astra Plug-in Hybrid | The Electrified Hatch
If you’re looking for a practical car with enough space, but still want that sporty feeling of a compact car, a hatchback will probably be your best option. Opel maybe has the perfect hatchback for you, the new Opel Astra Plug-in Hybrid. The Astra was always my favorite model from Opel, so I was curious if this electrified version would exceed my expectations.
Playful Sporty Looks
When I first saw this car a smile appeared on my face. It looks pretty and it's a lot more sporty than I first thought it would be. The “Cult Yellow” exterior color is so bright and highlights the sharp curves perfectly, it suits this car very well. The black contrasting panoramic roof and black optics make the color even more bright. This car is a lot cleaner and more modern than the previous Astra. Starting at the front, the black logo, grille and futuristic-looking headlights will steal the show and will support that modern look even more. I’m surprised by how I loved those headlights, they're completely blacked out and have a nicely designed light signature. They're not only looking good, but they work great too! More about that later! The back’s also a lot better than its predecessor because the rounded lines are gone and replaced by nice sharp lines. The fine modern looking rear lights improve the sporty and playful look.
Comfortable Hatch
On the inside, you get a spacious feeling while keeping the sporty part as well. The first thing that catches the eye is the Opel Pure panel which consists of two 10” screens. One right in front of you, showing you all the driver info you need and one for the infotainment system, which works fine and very smoothly. Wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto are also supported. These two are gradually well integrated into the automotive industry and will be a standard option. I use Apple Carplay every single day and can't imagine not having it anymore!
There’s also the head-up display to show you the most important info while driving and while you're enjoying those amazingly comfortable seats. Btw: They’re heated and have a massage function. Talking about heating, the steering wheel makes sure you don't get cold hands on colder days because it’s heated too!
By choosing the ultimate pack you will get that big panoramic sunroof that gives the car an even more spacious feeling. When I have the option, I’ll definitely choose a panoramic roof, a car just looks so much prettier and brighter with one fitted.
Sporty Hybrid
It was my first time driving a hybrid and it left a good first impression. Having the efficient and smooth advantages of an EV in combination with the advantages when driving at a higher speed of the combustion engine, is just the best of both worlds. The electrical range is about 66-67km (WLTP), but when tested it reduced to around 40km. With the 180hp engine you have the perfect amount of power to drive smoothly and relaxed on the bigger and faster roads.
Because it was the first hybrid for me, I started with a completely open mind and It turns out to be an efficient way of driving for people who live in the city but also for people who have to do longer distances regularly. The 12,4 kWh battery pack is a rather small and light battery, but provides enough energy for a daily commute. The fact that it’s a plug-in hybrid is a big plus for me. You can plug it in while shopping or at home and start with a full battery for the next ride. While driving, you can choose to charge the battery and when it’s charged enough you can choose to use just the electric motor. Also when you hit the brakes it regenerates and converts kinetic energy into electricity.
Driving this car is a real pleasure and the driver aids systems work great on this car. The Intelli-drive 1.0 combines 3 different assistance systems, lane assist, lane change assist and rear traffic assist. The last one is a warning system that alerts you when there are cars or people behind the car when you’re reversing, the sensors can recognize hazards up to 40 meters far. Going even a step further, you have Intelli-drive 2.0 that combines advanced intelligent speed adaptation which recognizes the road signs and gives you the chance to adapt your speed, it even takes the weather into count. That 2.0 version has a semi-automated lane change function that helps you change lanes automatically.
Also a big plus are those amazing Intelli-Lux LED Pixel Lights, they work so great! They’re one of the best headlights I’ve tested so far. It consists of 168 continuously reacting LED elements (84 Per Headlight) that ensure the light output is precisely adapted to light up the road to its maximum while it prevents blinding or glare for other users.
Astra For The Win
My love for hatchbacks only got bigger by testing the Astra Plug-in Hybrid. Sportiness, spaciousness and elegance can be found in this car. In combination with modern-day technology Opel nailed it with the new version of the Astra. They truly made their slogan “The future is for everybody” true by creating this hybrid. With a price starting from €39.091 (BE), considering everything this car has to offer, it's a win for me.
