#HorsePower – Opel Astra electric

The Opel Astra’s modern styling hasn’t been altered in the fully-electric version, and that’ll appeal to some buyers – not everyone wants an electric car that looks radically different. That’s not to say that this current generation of Astra isn’t a looker. Opel’s ‘Vizor’ grille, which incorporates the headlights with its latest matrix illumination tech, works very well visually and subtly allows some airflow through it too.

Adding to the Astra Electric’s exterior styling are contrasting black door mirrors and a matching black roof. These elements work well, and the rear spoiler that wraps down and around the back window to boost the car’s aerodynamics adds to the sporty image. Also adding to the car’s efficiency through the air is a new 18-inch wheel design and, away from sight, the underbody is enclosed to help reduce drag and maximise driving range. The rear hatch – which carries a small ‘e’ badge to mark this out as the electric model – uses a thermoplastic production method to reduce weight and, when opened, reveals a boot capacity of 352 litres – increasing to 1,268 litres when the rear seats are folded forward.

The petrol-powered Astra hatchback accommodates 422-1,339 litres of luggage for reference, so the electric model is a little less practical. Need more space? Opel will also offer an estate version of the Astra Electric.

Sit into the AGR-certified front seats and you’ll find a modern, clean dashboard design. Opel’s ‘Pure Panel’ layout comprises of two screens fitted into a single black panel. Rather than dazzle the driver with flashy graphics and a bombardment of information, the instrument display contains a rather minimalist look, presenting the most pertinent information to the driver. Opel’s latest colour head-up display is one of the better ones on the market, especially when using the built-in navigation, as it presents easy-to-understand directions within your eye line.

The infotainment section of that Pure Panel display is angled towards the driver for convenience, and somewhat usefully, there are two rows of physical buttons immediately below it for frequently used functions such as the heated seats and cabin temperature. Other features available in the Astra Electric include a heated steering wheel and a heated windscreen, which are excellent for rapid winter defrosting. Opel also fits a heat pump as standard, which further boosts efficiency.

There is adequate room for passengers in the outer rear seats, making even the longest of journeys a comfortable experience. Middle-seat occupants lose a bit regarding legroom and space for their feet, as the Astra doesn’t have a flat rear floor. However, there are central air vents and a USB charging port in the back.