Alongside the E-powered Berlingo, we also had our first drive in the electric version of the C4 in the scenic surroundings of Paris. To tell you right away, with this velvety smooth e-power, the C4 really comes into its own. You get the impression, only after a few kilometers behind the wheel, that this car is actually built for this.
Because, as we told you already in our test of the C4 diesel, this car is all about superb comfort. Add to this the refinement of the electric drive, and subjectively, a sort of noble Rolls Royce feeling invades you.
Indeed, the progressive hydraulic cushions, like we explained, irons out the road ahead for you. Meanwhile, you sink with a smile in the advanced comfort seats. They give you just the right amount of support and comfort to let you almost feel you are in four wheeled superlimousine heaven. The superlight steering still underlines this impression. You can literally steer this C4 with your fingers…
With its 136 HP electric motor, this C4 is indeed meant to let you taste the exquisite joys of just quiet, unhurried motoring. It invites you to do this, but this does not mean that this car is sluggish at all. With 260 Nm of torque always there whenever you need it, it certainly responds eagerly at the slightest movement of your right foot. 0 to 100 km/h is absolved in 9,7 seconds. Top speed is limited wisely to 150 km/h. Add to this the unerring sure footedness of Citroën handling, whatever the road and the weather, and you will agree that it is a very nice experience to be behind the wheel of this car.
We told you here in these columns that due to the heat pump sensor changes and a modified final gearing, the WLTP cycle range is now 357 km.
Charging times are very reasonable indeed; On a 7 kWh wallbox, you can charge the ë-C4 overnight in 7,5 hours. When you are in a hurry, it is good to know that it accepts 100 kW fast charging, and will charge in 30 minutes from 0 to 80 pct charge.
We look forward for a longer test of this smooth goddess of the road soon!
We told you that the ë-C4 shares its platform with the DS3 amongst others, and the E-range improvements are therefore also implemented for the ë-C4.
Indeed, since October, the ë-C4s have benefited from the same technological developments, resulting in an increase of the approved range in the WLTP cycle to 357 km; This represents a longer field range by almost 30 km, depending on the conditions of use.
Manufactures are also helping their fleet customers via software (updates) to optimize the cost management and use of their car fleets.
Therefore, Citroën has been helping its C5 Aircross Plug-In Hybrid customers in France and the United Kingdom with the Plug-in-Reminder system to reduce their fuel consumption and environmental impact by displaying messages on the car’s screen that invite them to charge the car. The ideal time for charging is set by the on-board computer when it registers that the fuel consumption of the car can be optimized based on the number of trips made and the number of times the car has been charged. This system will be extended to Europe in early 2022 and will be fitted in the C5 X. With PHEV Connect, Citroën helps fleet managers manage their plug-in hybrid fleet and optimize their costs. PHEV Connect has been deployed in Europe since March 2021 and already covers more than 7,400 vehicles…
Autonomous vehicles will certainly be important to improve the efficiency of large ports, all over the world.
So Ford collaborates with DP World London Gateway to demonstrate how autonomous delivery could benefit large worksites, such as ports. DP World London Gateway – one of the UK’s fastest growing ports – is located 40 km east of central London and already embraces automated technology as an intrinsic part of its operations as a deep-sea container port.
The trial is part of Ford’s Self-Driving Research Programme, which works directly with customers to better understand how autonomous vehicles could integrate into their businesses
Researchers monitored DP World employees as they both loaded and accessed parcels directly to and from a simulated autonomous vehicle – without any assistance from a driver…brave new world!
The initiative is part of Ford’s Self-Driving Research Programme, designed to help businesses understand how autonomous vehicles could benefit their operations.
First launched in June to explore the potential impact upon courier services and doorstep deliveries, the DP World trial tested how recipients managed when accessing self-driving delivery vehicles themselves.
The underlying intention behind the pilot programme is to identify new opportunities and models for autonomous vehicle operations – in particular understanding how existing processes and human interactions can work alongside automated vehicles.
“It was incredible to see how enthusiastically the team at DP World embraced working with the support of a self-driving vehicle. We are continuing to work very closely with our customers to learn how these vehicles can benefit their businesses and it is exciting to see first-hand the impact this can have across a diverse range of locations,” said Richard Balch, director, Autonomous Vehicles and Mobility, Ford of Europe. “What worked so well at DP World premises could equally be of benefit at universities, airports and manufacturing facilities.”
Ford has been testing self-driving technology in major cities across the U.S. in partnership with Argo AI. The company plans to invest around $7 billion (€6.02 billion) in autonomous vehicles during 10 years through to 2025 – $5 billion (€4.3 billion) of that from 2021 forward – as part of its mobility initiatives.
All over Europe, the Hyundai IONIQ 5’s trophy case has grown significantly in recent weeks and months. The 100% electric Hyundai also managed to distinguish itself in the annual and firmly contested election of the VAB Family Car of the Year.
The prestige of this award lies also in the election process. Not only a panel of specialized sector journalists can vote, a large and diverse group of families from the readership of VAB Magazine are also invited to put all nominated cars to a thorough test, and cast their vote…
Needless to say that we are keen to put this IONIQ 5 next year for you through its paces…
Continuing its electrification strategy which was already established when the brand was founded in 2014, DS Automobiles is continuing its energy transition with the launch of a new plug-in hybrid package for the flagship DS 9. We will drive the new DS9 for you mid January, and we are certainly looking forward to it!
The DS 9 E-TENSE 250 features a 200 hp 4-cylinder PureTech engine, accompanied by an 80 kW (110 hp) electric motor. A new 15.6 kWh (total capacity) battery, with an unchanged number of cells, delivers up to 70 kilometers on the WLTP city cycle (EAER City) or 61 kilometers on the WLTP combined cycle with an unchanged vehicle weight. The 7.4 kW on-board charger allows charging from 0-100% in merely 2 hours and 23 minutes.
CO2 emissions drop to merely 26 g/km, with a certified fuel consumption of 1.1 litres/100 km according to the WLTP combined cycle.
Performance leaves nothing to be desired: top speed of the DS 9 E-TENSE 250 is electronically limited to 240 km/h, with the possibility of reaching 135 km/h on electric drive only.
The DS 9 E-TENSE 250 costs €55,990 (incl. VAT) in Belgium in its PERFORMANCE LINE + version and €59,990 (incl. VAT) in Belgium in its RIVOLI + version.
More on this stylish flagship DS9 here below. Just read further!
Hans Knol ten Bensel
Refinement for the eye and touch… in different equipment levels
As its top of the range model, the DS9 stands out, as you could expect, in sheer refinement.
The DS 9 PERFORMANCE LINE + has chrome front door badges with the DS PERFORMANCE LINE logo, DS WINGS and a chrome boot lid. The radiator grille in brilliant black is topped off by the DS PERFORMANCE LINE emblem. The 19″ aluminum MONACO Black wheels are enhanced up by a Carmine wheel core.
In the interior, one finds mixed Alcantara®/black leather seats with Carmine and gold stitching complementing the Alcantara® center console and dashboard.
On the dashboard, your eyes rest on a DS PERFORMANCE LINE badge executed in turned aluminum.
A crystal insert on the control panel below the central screen adds a further touch of sophistication. The multifunction steering wheel is crafted in perforated full-grain leather with a leather-wrapped airbag cushion and handmade Carmine and Gold stitching.
The DS 9 RIVOLI + is inspired by the Tuileries district and combines noble materials with high-quality diamond-shaped decorations. Three different interiors are offered: Basalt Black in grained leather or OPERA with a choice of two shades of Nappa leather, highlighted by Ruby Red or Black strap-on seats.
The elegance of the OPERA version is illustrated by the use of nappa leather on the seats, rear seat, center console, door panels and upholstered instrument panel.
A high-quality rear center armrest and adjustable Lounge headrests complete the comfort package for the rear seats.
The nobility of materials sooths your senses with an all-leather steering wheel, smooth leather-covered gear knob, leather-wrapped grab handles, aluminum accents on the pedals and center console, Alcantara® headliner, sun visor and parcel shelf, and haute-couture-inspired mother-of-pearl stitching.
Building on the research carried out since the brand’s inception, acoustic insulation is also further enhanced.
Acoustic and laminated glazing is combined with a state of the art welded body which dampens vibrations. You can also enjoy the sound of a 515 W FOCAL Electra® Hi-Fi system, developed especially for the DS 9, with stainless steel tweeter grilles beneath the fourteen speakers, ideally placed throughout the cabin for an auditorium-like audio experience.
Behind the wheel, you are safely assisted by the latest tech…
The DS 9 benefits from the advanced technologies that make the other models in the DS range so outstanding. With DS ACTIVE SCAN SUSPENSION, a camera at the top of the windshield scans the road, while four position sensors and three accelerometers record all movements and transmit the information to a computer that can react to each wheel individually to improve safety, comfort and ease of use.
With DS DRIVE ASSIST, the DS 9 allows its driver to enjoy a level 2 semi-autonomous driving behavior.
The speed is controlled according to the environment in which the DS 9 is driven. The system uses sensors to precisely position the car in its lane of the driver’s choice by acting on the steering. DS DRIVE ASSIST can be used at speeds of up to 180 km/h and controls speed and trajectory under the driver’s supervision to ensure comfort and peace of mind.
The speed is controlled by an adaptive controller, which makes it possible to manage the driving conditions in traffic jams: the car restarts automatically after a stop of less than three seconds. If the car is stationary for a longer period of time, the DS 9 is restarted in traffic with a simple push of a button or a touch on the accelerator pedal.
DS DRIVE ASSIST’s on-board camera detects solid and broken lines. While driving, it constantly analyzes the image and deciphers situations. It keeps the vehicle in its lane, or even in the part of the lane desired by the driver. If the driver prefers to regain control of the steering, he or she cancels the correction by holding the steering wheel firmly. The change is also interrupted when the direction indicators are activated. The system can be activated from 30 km/h.
When parking, the DS PARK PILOT function detects parking spaces when driving at a speed of up to 30 km/h. The driver then indicates on the touchscreen that he or she wants to park in a stroke or a slot. Then there’s only one thing to do: press the Park button and wait for the technology to work. Acceleration, braking and steering are controlled automatically. DS PARK PILOT also makes it possible to leave a parking space.
On long journeys, DS SAFETY combines a series of key functions: DS NIGHT VISION, DS DRIVER ATTENTION MONITORING, DS ACTIVE LED VISION, blind spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, comprehensive traffic sign recognition and active lane departure warning.
DS NIGHT VISION offers an exceptional view of the road at night. The infrared camera, located in the radiator grille, detects pedestrians, cyclists and animals on the road up to 150 meters away. The driver sees the scene of the accident on the large digital handset, with hazards displayed in yellow and then red depending on the degree of hazard. He can then respond.
DS DRIVER ATTENTION MONITORING uses an infrared camera on the top of the steering column and a camera on the top of the windshield to continuously monitor the driver’s eyes for fatigue (blinking), face (direction of gaze) and head movement for distractions, as well as the trajectory of the driver. car on the road, especially driver anomalies or steering inputs. For example, it can identify any drop in vigilance due to an anomaly in any of the factors – blinking, non-linear and erratic movements – and automatically trigger an audible and visual alarm on the central screen, day and night.
In addition to the visual pleasure provided by the modules that light up and rotate 180° at the counter, the DS ACTIVE LED VISION can be adapted in width and reach to the driving conditions and the speed of the car. Different lighting modes are automatically activated: Parking, Town Beam (increased beam from the third second of driving), Country Beam (focused on the front from 50 km/h), Motorway Beam (increased range from 110 km/h), Adverse Weather (activated when the windscreen wipers are on, increased module power and reduced high beam intensity) and High Beam (maximum illumination combined with automatic high beam switching). The “revolving headlamps” function completes the offer. By illuminating the road better and further, or with a wider beam of light, the driver – and the passengers – gain in safety.
Needless to say that we are looking forward to sample driving impressions of this new version of this refined “grande routière”, and as said, we can tell you already that we will drive the new DS9 for you mid January, so stay tuned on these columns!
We will unveil also soon some more Citroën news, a bigger range for the ë-C4 and Citroën informs its B2C and B2B clients to make still better use if their plug-in hybrid C5 aircross…
After the Dacia Duster ECO-G in 2021, the Dacia SANDERO Stepway ECO-G now wins the title of “VAB Family Car of the Year 2022” in the category up to €22,000.
A jury consisting of families and specialized motoring journalists annually selects the VAB Family Car of the Year, a tradition which has now lasted for 35 years!
Dacia takes the win for the second time in the category up to €22,000, this time with the Sandero Stepway.
As you may know, the Sandero Stepway ECO-G is equipped with the modern ‘bi-fuel’ engine on petrol and LPG, the ECO-G100. This makes the Dacia Sandero Stepway score particularly well in terms of cost per kilometer.
As you can see on the photo, with its increased ground clearance, New SANDERO Stepway presents itself as the more versatile “crossover” adventurer of the DACIA range.
This Stepway is nevertheless an excellent family car: it still offers space for three adults in the rear, a 1/3-2/3 folding rear seat (depending on the chosen version) and a family-sized luggage compartment with a capacity of 328 liters and is optionally available with a movable floor.
SANDERO Stepway is built on the modular CMF platform, and this means extra stiffness and safety.
In addition to the speed limiter fitted as standard equipment, the Sandero boasts also the latest generation ESC system and cruise control. The SANDERO Stepway offers of course also various driver assistance systems: Automatic brake assist system, Blind spot warning, Parking aid and Hill Start Assist.
DACIA offers in its range a bi-fuel solution on petrol and LPG under this ECO-G label. This technology is built and integrated in the factory, adding extra reliability and safety to its ECO-G 100 engine, making it a veyr attractive proposition indeed.
While we looking forward to driving early Fabruary the KAMIQ and the SUPERB COMBI iv = PHEV, we show you here some photos of the facelifted KAROQ, of which we showed some sketches earlier.
The car now has a wider, hexagonal ŠKODA radiator grille and a new front apron. The headlights are slimmer, just as the rear lights, and have a four-light cluster design. They can naw also be had with full LED matrix technology.
A longer rear spoiler, a front apron with air curtains, aerodynamically optimized bottom panels for the fuel tank and new alloy wheels with a diameter of 17, 18 or 19 inches help the air resistance of reduce the car by more than 9% to a coefficient (cd) of 0.30. This makes the KAROQ to one of the most aerodynamic cars in its segment. The photos speak further for themselves…
At the end of January next year, we will test for you, dear reader, the Renault Arkana E-TECH Hybrid, and this will prove highly interesting indeed. But Renault has further stunning news in store, which your servant reserves for you in these columns.
Renault Group presented namely the actual progress of its Refactory project, an initiative launched a year ago to transform the Flins site (Yvelines, France) into the first European factory dedicated to the circular economy of mobility. Circular here means re-using second hand vehicles…no less!
On this occasion, the group is inaugurating its Factory VO (Used Vehicles), the first factory specializing in the reconditioning of used vehicles on an industrial scale. This conversion is part of the group’s overall transformation plan, focused on value creation and sustainable development. Just so interesting!
Read more about it here…
Hans Knol ten Bensel
A wonderful initiative…
Your servant can only applaud this bold initiative, which in my opinion is visionary to say the least. We just cite here Luca de Meo, CEO of Renault Group, on this project.
“We are keeping our promise: one year after its launch, the Refactory embodies an innovative and ambitious project for the Flins site, a new source of economic, social and environmental value. The Refactory is emblematic of the Renaulution, which engages the group in a deep, rapid and lasting transformation, driven by the creation of value. At the heart of this project, our 1st used vehicle factory demonstrates our ability to industrialize our know-how and activities linked to the circular economy. This Factory OV (or used vehicle factory) puts us in an excellent position on the growing used vehicle market, with a unique industrial tool capable of reconditioning up to 45,000 vehicles per year ”.
4 poles…
According to Renault, the Refactory is based on an ecosystem articulated around 4 poles:
RE-TROFIT: this division brings together the retrofit and reconditioning activities of used vehicles. Operational since September 2021, the Factory VO has already reconditioned more than 1,500 vehicles. In the next two years, it is planned to increase its capacities and introduce new activities, such as important body repair. A retrofit offer to convert commercial vehicles to electric will also be studied by 2023.
RE-ENERGY: this pole contributes to the development of applications around the second life of batteries and new energies. With the rise of electric mobility, Gaia, a subsidiary of the group specializing in battery repair, is preparing to change its scale of activities: by the end of 2021, 2,000 battery repairs will be carried out and this will grow to more than 20,000 repairs per year by 2030. In coordination with Mobilize, the Flins site hosted in 2021 a stationary energy storage device from batteries, with a capacity of 15 MWh (“Advanced Battery Storage” project). The development of mobile or stationary energy storage systems for multiple uses (construction sites, solar energy storage, on board ships, etc.) will represent a capacity of 30 MWh over the years 2021 and 2022. In the As part of the Hyvia joint venture dedicated to hydrogen mobility, the Flins site will also host, from 2022 onwards, the assembly activities of fuel cells, recharging stations and the supply of hydrogen.
RE-CYCLE: this division brings together recycling and re-use of parts and materials. The gradual arrival between 2021 and 2022 of the teams from the Choisy-le-Roi plant, experts in the remanufacturing of mechanical parts, will make it possible to maximize the use of reconditioned and spare parts within the Factory VO and the group. It is also planned to extend the strategic activity of repairing electronic boards (mechatronics) as part of this transfer of activity. The division is continuing to implement short loops for the recycling of materials and parts, such as catalytic converters or bumpers.
RE-START: this cluster encompasses the innovation and training center project. It brings together 3 entities: an innovation center at the service of Industry 4.0 to develop specifically prototyping, 3D printing, the retrofitting of our robots, a commercial vehicle prototyping activity, as well as a campus where professional training leading to diplomas are offered to employees of the Flins factory. At the start of 2022, this cluster will integrate an incubator dedicated to research and innovation in the circular economy, as well as new academic certifying training courses with the support of the region.
A state of the art factory, creating value…
To preserve product value and respond to the growth of the second hand vehicle market, the Flins used vehicle reconditioning plant is based on a unique model, designed to offer the best level of the market in terms of lead times, cost and quality.
The Factory VO is a 100% digitized site, which ensures excellent traceability and real-time monitoring of the repair stages. Developed to recondition all types of vehicles, of all brands, the site is mainly based on 4 major assets:
Economies of scale:
Spread over an area of 11,000 m2, the Factory VO in Flins is presently the largest reconditioning site in Europe. Organized into three teams, it can recondition 180 second-hand vehicles per day, or 45,000 vehicles per year by 2023, with the possibility of doubling this figure in the medium term.
Lower costs…
The site’s competitiveness is a result of the high productivity rate, driven by an online organization and optimized production systems for new vehicles. The Factory VO benefits from short delivery loops of parts and materials from group subsidiaries such as Gaia, Indra, and Choisy in order to limit the replacement of parts as much as possible, favouring repairs instead. Pooling logistic flows with those of new vehicles also cuts costs and reduces the impact on the environment.
Short repair and reconditioning times…
Equipped with 4 production lines, the Factory VO is organized in such a way that there is no going back. Carried out by SGS Automotive Services, technical inspection and control is integrated on the line in order to increase efficiency and reduce delays. The site is equipped with a photo and video studio installed on a turntable to generate automated shots (up to 10 vehicles per hour). This high-resolution scanner gives access to a virtual 360-degree inspection (interior, exterior, underbody and tires). Designed by specialist Twinner, this tool allows the vehicle to be offered again for sale immediately, without waiting for it to be returned to the dealership. On average, the Factory VO reconditions a vehicle in 8 days instead of 21 days.
“New vehicle” quality standards…
Reconditioned vehicles benefit from the same quality standards as the manufacture of new vehicles. An independent quality control device is integrated into the production, as well as a battery qualification system for electric vehicles. By 2022, 200 employees will have joined the Factory VO. These internal recruitments at the Flins plant are accompanied by a certified training program, made up of a general section (after-sales strategy, durability of materials, recycling, etc.) and more specific training geared to to the Factory VO (electromechanical, smart repair).
The Refactory project is, still according to Renault, at the heart of the Group’s sustainable development strategy. It is a global industrial project, which is intended to be deployed more widely, recently also at the factory in Seville, Spain.
All this has a very good reason: these activities contribute, at their scale, to the decarbonisation trajectory to aim for the group’s carbon neutrality in Europe in 2040.
A very interesting initiative, which we will follow closely in the future…
We are and have always been admirers of Abarths, we just love their panache and are always keen to drive them. Abarth engineers are making the iconic 695 ever faster and more attractive, and indeed, here is some good news.
The brand with the Scorpion launched a new “Collectors’ Edition”: the Abarth 695 Esseesse, a name that has its roots well anchored in the history of the brand and refers directly to the early days when the tuning kits of the 1960s of Carlo Abarth made his fortune and established him as the inventor of tuning for production cars.
Produced in a limited edition of just 1,390 units, it is split up into a black 695 “Nero Scorpione” version and a further 695 coloured in a “Grigio Campovolo”.
The Abarth team of engineers and designers were inspired by the 1964 “500”model, the “Cinquino”, transformed into the 695 Esseesse, with a displacement increased to 690 cc and 38 hp to reach 140 km/h, designed for everyday use as well as a sporty city car, and produced in a limited edition of just 1000 units. The model was distinguished by its specific badges with the monogram “SS” in capital letters on the hood and “esse” in small letters on the dashboard.
Still faster and more agile..
When designing the new Abarth 695 Esseesse, the aim was to further improve performance in terms of acceleration and handling. The research therefore focused on weight reduction, a different balance and attention to aerodynamics. The new 695 Esseesse is not only characterized by an aesthetic aspect, but the new aluminum bonnet with double curvature reduces the weight by 25% compared to a normal bonnet. In combination with the application of the Akrapovič exhaust system and other efficient modifications, the overall weight of the car has been reduced by 10 kg compared to an Abarth 595 Competizione. But there is more: at the rear one finds a ‘Spoiler ad Assetto Variabile’. All these elements are not only enhancing the style, but have also led to better performance, for example in the 400 m standing start, where the 695 Esseesse manages to improve by 1/10 of a second compared to the Competizione version.
The best performing Abarth in the range…
Available only as a saloon, the new Abarth 695 Esseesse immediately impresses with its new aluminum bonnet and rear spoiler, reminiscent of the racing world and the storied history of the Scorpio brand. At full inclination (60°) and a speed of 200 km/h, the ‘Spoiler ad Assetto Variabile’ – adjustable from 0 to 60° – increases the aerodynamic force by up to 42 kg, resulting in greater stability when cornering and a greater responsiveness in mixed sections. In combination with the aluminum bonnet, this translates into lower weight, better cornering performance and better acceleration performance. In short, the new Abarth 695 Esseesse ‘Collector’s Edition’ is the fastest in the range.
The exterior styling is further enhanced with elements inspired by both past and present, which make the 695 Esseesse resolutely exclusive, such as the white inserts on the front and rear bumpers, the mirror caps and the side decals. The 17″ wheels with red hub caps, red Brembo brake calipers, 695 logo on the side and 695 Esseesse badge on the rear are also white. Striking are the two titanium Akrapovič exhausts, conveying a marvelous sound, a backdrop for unique driving pleasure.
Exclusive interior
The new Abarth 695 Esseesse also shows its exclusivity in the cabin: the seats are marked with “one of 695” on the headrest, while the new 695 Esseesse “Collectors’ Edition” has numbered seats for the first time. For each of the two body colors there is a Sabelt seat with stitching in the same color as the body. Note also the red seat belts and the white backs of the front seats. Personalization also continues with the dashboard panel covered in Alcantara®, where the laser-cut letters “695 esseesse” stands out in the lower right corner. And to add to the racing spirit, there is a carbon fiber gear lever, and also carbon pedals and steering wheel inserts.
Engines and technical specifications
The new 695 Esseesse is equipped with the 1.4 T-jet engine, which delivers 180 hp and 250 Nm of torque at 3,000 rpm, and offers a top speed of 225 km/h (with the spoiler set at 0°) and acceleration from 0 to 0. 100 km/h in just 6.7 seconds. It covers the 400 meters from a standstill in 15.1 seconds. There are Koni FSD shock absorbers on both axles and red Brembo 4-piston calipers at the front and self-ventilated 305/240 mm discs at the rear.
The transmission is manual, but an Abarth sequential robotic transmission with steering wheel mounted paddle shifters is available on request. Finally, in terms of technology and connectivity, the Abarth 695 Esseesse is equipped with the Uconnect infotainment system with navigation, a 7″ touchscreen with integrated Apple CarPlay and Android Auto™ compatibility and DAB digital radio.
The new 695 Esseesse is now available at the Belgian and Luxembourg dealers of the Scorpion brand… let the pleasure begin! Needless to say, we are very keen to lay our hands on one…
On the heels of the world premiere of the next-generation Astra hatchback in September, Opel has today unveiled the estate model version, the all-new Astra Sports Tourer.
The newcomer will be available with two levels of plug-in hybrid electric drive, making it the German carmaker’s first electrified estate. The new Astra Sports Tourer also continues Opel’s successful tradition of compact estates, which began almost 60 years ago with the Kadett Caravan, the first such car in this class from a German brand.
Opel Astra Sports Tourer (2021)
In addition to electric drive, the new Astra Sports Tourer will be available with highly efficient petrol and diesel engines. Power ranges from 81 kW (110 hp) to 96 kW (130 hp) with the petrol and diesel variants and up to 165 kW (225 hp) system output with the electric plug-in hybrid variants. A six-speed gearbox is standard on the petrol and diesel power units, with an eight-speed automatic transmission (electrified on the plug-in hybrids) optional on the more powerful engines.
Practical
With vital statistics of 4,642 x 1,860 x 1,480 millimetres (L x W x H) and a loading height of around 600 mm, the practical new Astra Sports Tourer further strengthens Opel’s reputation in the estate market sector. However, the overall length is 60 mm shorter than that of the previous model, thanks to the particularly short front overhang, and despite the considerably longer wheelbase of 2,732 mm (+70 mm) that is even 57 mm longer than that of the new Astra hatchback.
Flexibility in the boot: “Intelli-Space” moveable floor
The boot of the new Astra Sports Tourer provides up to more than 608 litres of useful storage space with the rear seatbacks upright, and up to more than 1,634 l when folded. In addition, when the 40:20:40-split rear seatbacks (standard equipment) are folded down, the floor is completely flat. Even with their underfloor lithium-ion battery, the plug-in hybrid variants still offer cargo volumes of more than 548 l and 1,574 l respectively.
Opel Astra Sports Tourer (2021)
The boot volume of combustion engine variants is optimised with the optional “Intelli-Space”. This moveable load floor can be easily adjusted with only one hand to high and low positions, and parked at a 45-degree angle. In addition, for even higher convenience, the retractable boot storage cover can be stowed when the moveable floor is in both the upper as well as the lower position – in contrast to competitors that only allow stowage of the cover when the floor is in the upper position.
The new Astra Sports Tourer with “Intelli-Space” can also make life easier in the event of a flat tyre. The kits for tyre repair and first aid are stored in underfloor compartments that can be accessed from the boot or rear passenger seating area.
Bold styling: New Astra Sports Tourer with Opel Vizor and Pure Panel
Together with its five-door hatchback sibling, the stylish new Astra Sports Tourer is a true design statement and Opel’s first estate to interpret the brand’s new design philosophy. The Opel Vizor new brand face follows the Opel Compass where the vertical and horizontal axes – the sharp crease in the hood and the wing shaped graphic of the daylight running lamps – intersect with the Opel Blitz emblem in the middle. Stretching across the front, the Vizor also seamlessly integrates technologies such as the adaptive Intelli-Lux LED® Pixel headlamps and the front camera.
The all-new Opel Astra Sports Tourer (2021)
At the rear, the Opel Compass is repeated by the centrally mounted Blitz, the vertically aligned high-mounted brake lamp and the especially slim tail lamps. The latter are identical to those of the five-door hatchback, further strengthening the Astra family-ties.
In the cabin we find the fully digital Pure Panel human-machine-interface (HMI). Operation is via an extra-wide touchscreen, just like a smartphone. Important settings such as climate control can still be selected directly via switches. There is no need for cables either, since the new generation of multimedia infotainment and connectivity systems can be connected to wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto via compatible smartphones, already available on the entry-level variant.
Lighting the way for compact estates: Unique Intelli-Lux LED® Pixel Light headlamps
The new Astra Sports Tourer boasts the latest version of the adaptive, glare-free Intelli-Lux LED® Pixel light. The system comes directly from the Opel flagships Insignia and Grandland, with 168 LED elements.
Comfortable
Developed in-house, the front seats of the new Astra Sports Tourer are certified by Aktion Gesunder Rücken e.V. / Campaign for Healthier Backs (AGR).
Drivers receive additional support from optional state-of-the-art assistance systems such as the Intelli-HUD head-up display and Intelli-Drive 2.0. Hands-off detection on the steering wheel ensures that drivers remain engaged at all times. We just let you have a look at the photos here. More news soon!
Autoprova - for the Connaisseur 