The baptism of pure electric at Opel takes place without fanfare. Also for the Astra, as has already been the case for the Corsa and Mokka, the battery version embraces the philosophy of integration, like any other model in the range, rather than trying to stand out at all costs, and in a transition perspective which will see electric take over and on series cars in the coming years, it is all in all a coherent choice.
Not that there aren’t any revealing details in the new Astra-e, but can to look for them with a little attention because they’re not the same as the ones we’re used to noticing elsewhere: no closed front grill only on electric variants, Astra for all the versions offers the Vizor, the characteristic front grille in glossy black which also hides some sensors for safety and closes the front entirely, accompanied by a sports bumper common to the rest of the range. Not even the absence of exhausts in the bumper is striking, now hidden from view even on models that still have internal combustion engines.
Specifically, however, there are the 18″ alloy wheels with an aerodynamic design which contribute to efficiency and energy saving. Even inside, the entirely digital instrumentation with double 10″ widescreen unites it with the rest of the range, but it reveals specific graphics for the indications regarding the energy reserve, consumption and driving modes. Even the gear control is identical to those of the other versions equipped with automatic transmission, with the addition of the “B” button, to enhance engine braking and energy recovery during release, which is only found on plug-in hybrids. On a practical level, driving the new electric Astra means above all rediscovering the pleasure of traveling in almost total silence, with few ambient noises effectively filtered and an essential control design that limits visual stimuli, making the experience more relaxing, especially in presence of the head-up display, which puts essential information before the driver’s eyes.
