221-hp Opel Astra GSe is first mannequin in electrified efficiency vary

Opel on Wednesday launched the Astra GSe as the primary mannequin in a brand new vary of electrified efficiency automobiles.

The vary will likely be offered underneath the GSe sub-brand, the designation taken from the GSE badge that featured on performance-oriented variations of Opel’s Commodore and Monza within the Seventies and ’80s. Again then the E signified “einspritzung,” the German phrase for “injection,” however right now it stands for “electrified efficiency.”

The Astra GSe is a plug-in hybrid, with its powertrain consisting of a 1.6-liter turbo-4 and electrical motor combo producing a peak 221 hp and 265 lb-ft of torque. A 12.4-kwh battery makes a small electrical vary potential.

The identical powertrain options within the common Astra, however the GSe combines it with a sport-tuned chassis. Key modifications to the chassis embody new springs, Koni adjustable dampers, a 10-mm decrease experience, 18-inch gentle alloys, and recalibrated steering and digital stability management techniques.

The GSe remedy additionally provides some visible fashions. Along with the brand new wheels, the Astra GSe additionally sports activities a brand new entrance fascia. Inside, there are sport seats up entrance lined in Alcantara.

The Astra GSe will be ordered as each the common hatch and Sports activities Tourer wagon.

Gross sales in markets the place Opel operates begin later this 12 months.

“The brand new Astra GSe and new Astra Sports activities Tourer GSe are the best automobiles for launching our dynamic new sub-brand, in full alignment with our technique to develop into an all-electric model by 2028,” Florian Huettl, Opel’s CEO, mentioned in a press release.