RAY MASSEY: Vauxhall’s electrifying new sub-range kicks off with Astras
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RAY MASSEY: Vauxhall launches an exciting new sub-series – featuring a pair of Astras as its first incarnation
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Opel has launched an exciting new sub-range — with a pair of Astras as its first incarnation. A new hot hatchback and sports touring car are petrol-electric plug-in hybrids (PHEV), whose names are followed by GSe — short for “Grand Sport Electric.”
They are powered by a turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine, coupled with an electric motor and battery, which together produce 225 horsepower.
Orders open this year with deliveries in 2023 and prices from around £40,000.
Athletic Looks: Vauxhall’s Grand Sport Electric (GSe) Sports Tourer Estate Hybrid
All-electric GSe versions will follow as Vauxhall aims to be an electric brand by 2028.
With an athletic look, the new PHEVs feature a 10mm lower ride height, revised steering and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) calibrations that provide superior stability when cornering, braking and at higher speeds, complementing higher performance and the agile handling characteristics.
The steering is calibrated for a sportier feel, while the unique springs and oil-filled dampers of the front and rear suspension are tuned for both dynamic driving and comfort.
Orders open this year with deliveries in 2023 and prices from around £40,000
Steering is calibrated for a sportier feel, while the front and rear suspension’s unique springs and oil-filled dampers are tuned for both dynamic driving and comfort
All-electric GSe versions will follow as Vauxhall aims to be an electric brand by 2028
With athletic looks, the new PHEVs feature a 10mm lower ride height, revised steering and electronic stability control calibrations
Opel said they match the best in their respective classes for standstill launch, acceleration, top speed, driving pleasure and lower emissions
They are powered by a 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbo engine mated to an electric motor and battery, which together produce 225 hp
The design is bold, with 18-inch alloy wheels inspired by the Manta GSe concept, along with custom Alcantara front sports seats certified by the German AGR campaign for healthier backs and a GSe decal on the tailgate.
Opel said they match the best in their respective classes for standstill launch, acceleration, top speed, driving pleasure and lower emissions.
Vauxhall MD James Taylor said: ‘These are the ideal cars for the launch of our dynamic new sub-brand, with sporty styling, enhanced driving performance and all the benefits of an electrified powertrain.’
Prices for the Astra range start at £24,665 for the 110hp Design petrol hatchback, with the Sports Tourer equivalent starting at £25,865.
The Hatch GS Line 180hp PHEV costs from £33,000.
Nissan’s Sunderland production passes the 5 million milestone
Qashqai and Juke SUV production at Nissan’s Sunderland plant has passed the $5 million mark – just as new electrified versions of crossover models roll off the line.
Landmark: The new Qashqai e-Power and Juke hybrids go into production alongside the all-electric Leaf
The new Qashqai e-Power and Juke hybrids will go into production alongside the all-electric Leaf.
The pair are part of a £500 million investment by Nissan, which will include a new £10 million assembly facility that makes the cars’ battery packs.
Leasing an electric car in the fast lane
According to comparison website Leasing.com, the number of drivers who want to lease an electric car is almost 17 times higher in just four years.
One-fifth of the total demand for new car leasing in the first six months of 2022 was for battery-powered electric vehicles, compared to just 1.2 percent of all lease applications in all of 2018.
The average price of the electric cars sought was £43,142.