Opel just unveiled the 2023 Astra Electric in hatchback and Sports Tourer flavors, and our spy photographers stuck a prototype without camouflage in last-minute tests in Germany at rival VW ID. 3’s company.
Automakers compare the new styles to their more sensible models to get an idea of how they compare. These back-to-back tests also help engineers adjust the main points of the chassis and powertrain configuration, before production style is presented. sale. This is the case for Opel’s progression team, which chose the VW ID. 3 as an apparent benchmark compared to the new Opel Astra Electric, as there aren’t many electric cars in the compact sedan segment.
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The Opel Astra Electric is very similar to the ICE-powered Astra, either in terms of EMP2 architecture and external and interior design. In contrast, the MEB-based VW ID. 3 is absolutely different from the MQB-based Golf. However, the Opel Astra will have to compete with either, as is the case with its stable companion, the Peugeot 308.
In terms of specifications, the Opel Astra Electric is presented with a front-mounted electric motor generating 154 hp (115 kW / 156 PS) and a 54 kWh battery that provides a WLTP of 416 km (258 miles). The closest competitor is VW. ID. 3 Pro with a rear-mounted electric motor generating 143 hp (107 kW / 145 PS) and a 58 kWh battery delivering a range of 425 km (264 miles).
With a length of 4,374 mm (172. 2 inches), the Opel Astra is 112 mm (4. 4 inches) longer than the VW ID. 3, but its wheelbase is 90 mm (3. 5 inches) shorter, which has an effect on passenger space. The ID. 3 also has other proportions with a shorter bonnet and a more rounded silhouette than the Astra. In fact, a direct competitor of the Opel Astra Electric would be a VW e-Golf or ID. Golf, which exists but is talked about for the future.
In 2023, VW will launch refreshments for the ICE-powered Golf VIII and electric ID. 3. It remains to be seen how those models will compare to the Opel Astra range. The only other non-SUV compact electric vehicle available on the market lately is the Nissan Leaf, which will soon take advantage of a new generation.