Electricity manufactured in Europe and affordable, it is not for now. This is how one could summarize the speech of Carlos Tavares, head of the Stellantis group, who often returns to criticize Europe’s decision to ban thermal sales until 2035 in the countries of the Union.
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At the end of August we still do not know the prices in the French market of the electric Opel Astra that we were able to test last June. Indeed, the German brand launched its marketing campaign before a certain Peugeot e-308, the electric version of its newly renovated compact sedan and technical cousin of the Astra.
A surprising calendar, because Peugeot logically remains an emblematic brand on the French market with a market share of over 16% in 2023, while Opel remains below 3%.
During the summer, it was finally Peugeot who placed orders for the e-308: with a starting price of 44,350 euros. This already gives an idea of the future price of the Astra in France, which is estimated to be below 47,000 euros to benefit from the ecological bonus. A little expensive for the two compact sedans in the Stellantis group, especially compared to a Tesla Model 3, which currently has a starting price of 42,000 euros.
A very comfortable Astra-e
Until now, the Astra and 308 have been offered in petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid versions. As often happens, when a thermal model sets aside the electric one, we gain in comfort, with the silence and dynamism that this engine offers.
The electric Astra is no exception to the rule and is even doing better than expected, with a platform that is not optimized for 100% electric models.
Opel has worked especially on the weight of the vehicle, 1.7 tons, like the plug-in hybrid version. A limited weight that allows this Astra to boast a range of 418 kilometers according to the WLTP standard. A realistic autonomy, but rather in urban driving. During our test in the vicinity of Berlin, on a route that combines city, small rural roads and motorway, consumption was below 17 kWh per 100 kilometres, that is, a range close to 315 kilometres.
We find the same technical architecture as in the recently tested Jeep Avenger, with a 156 horsepower engine and manufactured in France, coupled to a 54 kWh battery. Configuration that will logically be found in the electric Peugeot 308.
It should be noted that this maximum power is available in Sport mode. In Normal mode, it makes 136 horsepower and just 108 horsepower in Eco mode. But in any case, we will have the maximum power and torque if we put our foot down hard on the right pedal, which is quite reassuring.
As for charging, we also maintain Stellantis standards, with 11kW as standard in alternating current, at home for example, and up to 100kW in direct current in a fast terminal.
An Astra in full price war
Without confirmation at the moment of its final price, but which should be close to that shown by the Peugeot e-308, this Astra-e already leaves the French market and, in general, Europe with a certain disadvantage. In fact, it’s hard to find a place in the middle of a price war between Tesla and Chinese manufacturers like MG or BYD.
However, Opel intends to accelerate strongly, with the aim of consolidating itself as a 100% electric brand from 2028.
The next highly anticipated novelty, the Crossland SUV, which will also be 100% electric like its French cousin, a certain Peugeot 3008.
Source: BFM TV
