We all know the Opel badge: the image of a lightning boldly striking through the “O”, the first letter of the iconic Opel name. After this extensive test at the wheel of this GSe, we can truly say that this sporting version of the Astra bears tribute to it.

Indeed, this Astra GSe is fast, nimble, with beautiful handling, quiet, stable, steering with precision and offering Gran Turismo comfort to its occupants.

It has style too, and is economical and “green” on top of all this: it’s an efficient hybrid, with sufficient range to bring you around town in a totally emission free manner. Just read further…

Hans Knol ten Bensel

We already applauded the styling and the wonderfully clean interior and dashboard layout of the Astra. Less is more, is the philosophy when it comes to infotainment and ergonomics.

Inside, your eyes admire the GSe-exclusive performance seats. On the outside, one sees clearly that this is an Astra with a sporting touch: it has exclusive 18-inch alloy wheels and the characteristic GSe front bumper.

Driving resuscitates the Opel legend…

Sporting Opels are legendary. The Ascona’s and Manta’s driven by Walter Rohrl for instance. They were efficient, fast, yet still very recognizable as Opels, keeping a very close resemblance to the production series versions. At the wheel of this GSe one feels also this unique punch, the steering precision, the effortless but very impressive performance.

Indeed, this GSe has what it takes. With an impressive system output of 165 kW/225 hp – the 1.6 litre four-cylinder engine delivers 133 kW/180 hp, the electric motor contributes up to 81.2 kW/110 hp – and with a maximum torque of 360 Nm, the Astra GSe with spoil you with an acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.5 seconds; a top speed of up to 235 km/h is also in the cards. Need we say more? Indeed, this Opel will make you smile.

Because it’s a hybrid, it will not spoil the city atmosphere, as with its 12.4 kWh lithium-ion battery, the Astra GSe can cover up to 64 kilometres on e-power according to WLTP2 (EAER City according to WLTP2: 69-73 km).

The fuel consumption is according to WLTP1: 1.2-1.1 l/100 km, CO2 emissions 26-25 g/km; each combined. With a depleted battery, the hybrid mode is of course still very useful, as the system then recuperates the kinetic energy when decelerating. When cruising along at legal maximum speeds on the autobahn, it is easy to consume less than 6 litres/100 km, and with a very disciplined right foot in city traffic and a lot of anticipation, you can achieve anything between 6 and 7 litres/100 km. But it you are tempted by the smooth and abundant power at your disposal, it will inevitably cost you…

Precise and nimble handling

The Opel engineers did some serious homework. It has a dedicated chassis, lowered by 10 millimetres. The sporty calibration of the steering is GSe-specific, while the springs and oil-filled dampers of the front and rear suspension are specially tuned not only for dynamic driving but also for comfortable cruising.

The dampers feature KONI FSD (Frequency Selective Damping) technology, which enables different damping characteristics at high frequencies (suspension control) versus low frequencies (body control).

The ESP settings are also specific for thenGSe, with the activation threshold adjusted upwards to match the dynamic driving behaviour. The result is a comfortable Opel which handles like a dream, displays utmost stability at high speeds and steers with uncanny precision.

State of the art driving aids and infotainment.

The Astra GSe comes with the so-called “Intelli-Drive 1.0” system with forward collision alert and active emergency braking, pedestrian and drowsiness detection, lane departure warning and traffic sign assistant, cross traffic and side blind spot alert and automatic speed assistant with stop function as standard.

The parking pilot for the front and rear and the 360-degree “Intelli-Vision” camera support the driver when maneuvering.

You are well connected with the wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible multimedia navigation system including 10-inch colour touchscreen and the 10-inch driver information display. Compatible smartphones can also be easily charged via wireless charging in the centre console.

Conclusion

Opel has built here a very desirable high performance hybrid with excellent manners. Opel says that with this car, it has redefined the performance “Zeitgeist.”

Indeed, it has done so. Just for Opel historians: the Opel “GSe” label was traditionally an abbreviation of “Grand Sport Einspritzung” (Grand Sport Injection) as on the Opel Commodore GS/E and the Opel Monza GSE.  Now GSe stands for “Grand Sport electric”.

We can only say, we were electrified…

Hans Knol ten Bensel