Hybrid technology offers a wide range of advantages, especially for “newcomers to electric mobility”, and for journeys with a lot of stop-and-go traffic thanks to recuperation: Compared to its purely conventionally operated counterpart, fuel consumption and CO2 emissions in the new Astra Hybrid are reduced by around 14 per cent. At low speeds in the city, customers can even drive purely electrically and therefore locally emissions-free. A socket or charging station for power supply is not required as the Astra Hybrid’s battery recharges during deceleration. All components of the drivetrain are optimally coordinated with each other, which is also noticeably reflected in a high level of driving comfort. And thanks to the comp
“We recently launched one of the first fully electric estates in the Astra Sports Tourer Electric. Now we are once again expanding the selection of drives available for our compact class bestseller. The new Astra and Astra Sports Tourer Hybrid with 48-volt technology are the ideal economical alternative for anyone who wants to reduce consumption and emissions without having to rely on an external power supply. At the same time, you can temporarily travel fully electric and therefore locally emissions-free with the new Astra Hybrid. Together, this represents an exciting package at an attractive entry-level price,” said Patrick Dinger, head of the Opel brand in Germany.
Consumption down, driving pleasure up: hybrid system perfectly in sync
The drivetrain of the new Astra and Astra Sports Tourer Hybrid includes a lithium-ion battery that charges automatically under certain driving conditions, as well as a new 100 kW/136 hp turbocharged 1.2-litre petrol engine. The three-cylinder engine was developed specifically for hybrid use and comes in combination with a new electrified six-speed dual-clutch transmission and a 21 kW/28 hp electric motor.
The technology is especially effective in city traffic. The electric drive supports the petrol engine when accelerating and starting from a standstill. The electric motor contributes torque, especially at low engine speeds, which benefits driving dynamics and CO2 savings. At low speeds, the electric motor also enables fully electric travel for up to one kilometre or up to 50 per cent of the time driven in the city. When the Astra Hybrid slows down at higher speeds, the petrol engine switches off while the electric motor acts as a generator to recharge the 48-volt battery of the hybrid system. The optimally coordinated system is designed to always provide the best performance with the lowest energy consumption.
Depending on their driving preferences, Astra and Astra Sports Tourer Hybrid drivers can choose between the three modes Eco, Normal and Sport. From a standing start, the new Astra Hybrid accelerates to 100 km/h in 9 seconds and can reach a top speed of up to 210 km/h.
The compact design of the system represents another advantage. The electric motor is integrated into the transmission housing, the 48-volt battery is located under the left front seat meaning that Hybrid drivers can use the full loading volume. The Astra Sports Tourer Hybrid holds up to 1,634 litres.
