A few weeks ago, Opel proudly announced the return of sports models developed by the sub-brand of the German manufacturer. The latter now bears the name GSe (Great Electric Sport), and will also develop high-performance and electric models. The German brand today presents its first two models from the GSe division, the Opel Astra GSe and the Astra Sports Tourer GSe.

Exterior design specific to the GSe version

Compact and station wagon of the German brand, thus assigned a look specific to the GSe version. Thus, the design shown is as follows more assertive than classic versions. Thus, we find a more refined front shield and marked with the GSe emblem. The same on the back where the tailgate is marked with a colored GSe badge. Therefore, aesthetic changes are quite easy. Opel is also installing a new one Alloy wheels 18 inchesspecific to GSe versions.

Inside, the atmosphere also changes imperceptibly. The sporty nature of both models is emphasized availability of exhibition seats (AGR certification) from Alcantara. There is also yellow stitching on the seat that resembles the GSe abbreviation. A PurePanel digital panel with two is always present on board Screens are 10 inches.

New sporty hybrid engine and improved handling

If the appearance does not change much, on the other hand, under the hood, elements are evolving. Thus we find hybrid power plant which is currently equipped with the Peugeot 308. That is, on the one hand a Gasoline unit 1.6 l with a capacity of 180 hp and on the other hand a Electric motor 110 hp. All for one total power 225 hp and 360 Nm of torque. Which may not seem like much on paper. Moreover, the Peugeot 308 Hybrid with the same engine is not considered a sports car of the Lion brand. AND 8-speed automatic transmission will equip Astra GSe and Astra Sports Tourer GSe models.

If the engine seems a little light, Opel also insists that the steering control and sports behavior of vehicles were refined. There are new front and rear suspensions adapted to sports driving. Shock absorbers have a FSD function (Frequency Selective Damping), which allows you to adapt the damping of the car at a high or low frequency. Finally, Opel clarifies that the ESP has been configured specifically for the GSe versions to “adaptation to dynamic driving”.

If the German brand emphasizes the improved road behavior of its two GSe versions, no performance information provided methods such as top speed or acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h.

Sharp excitement meets pure vibrations. The new Opel Astra GSe launches the electric Grand Sport range. https://t.co/VTkqhyxYaj #OpelAstra #OpelGSe pic.twitter.com/KbRUlsd6tT

— OPEL (@Opel) September 28, 2022

Pricing is also not yet known and should be announced in the next few weeks. These two new Opels should arrive in dealerships early next year.
Opel is, in any case, ambitious with the Astra GSe and Astra Sports Tourer GSe. This was announced by Opel CEO Florian Hüttl “The new Astra GSe and Astra Sports Tourer GSe are the perfect vehicles to launch our dynamic new sub-brand, perfectly in line with our strategy to become a 100% electric brand by 2028”.

Other models will be introduced in the coming months.