Technical specifications are still a complete mystery, but Opel’s head honcho did say the Manta will deliver “first-class acceleration on tap.” He went on to mention the EV is being conceived for “pure driving pleasure,” albeit some would argue that statement would make more sense for a rear-wheel-drive sports coupe as the original Manta.

Hochgeschurtz goes as far as to say the 2025 Opel Manta will be that type of “car that fans crave” while also offering a “fascinating, astoundingly spacious new interpretation.” The strikingly designed vehicle previewed here is certainly not the production model, but rather a concept the German marque will probably introduce in the coming years.

It looks as though Opel will be going for the coupe-SUV look by giving the 2025 Manta a heavily sloped roofline that’ll have a negative impact on cargo capacity. The impressively short front and rear overhangs suggest it will ride on a dedicated EV platform. As with virtually all concept cars, the oversized wheels won’t make it to production.

The lack of any visible door handles further suggests we are dealing with a concept, which is why there’s also no B-pillar. The absence of side cameras or conventional mirrors is additional proof the Manta pictured here is merely a showcar. Opel even says the “illustration not representative of production intent.” This tells us the final production version could go through substantial changes between now and the middle of the decade.

Source: Opel

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It should be mentioned the announcement impacts only new orders, so if you’ve already placed a deposit for an ICE-powered passenger van from a Stellantis brand, you won’t be forced to switch to its EV equivalent.

There are some exceptions to this decision as people living in Balkan countries, the United Kingdom, and Switzerland will still be able to go for a gasoline- or diesel-fueled passenger van. In addition, those residing in countries that are not part of the European Union will still have the option of an ICE-powered vehicle.

As to which vehicles are losing the piston engines, the list is quite long: Citroën Berlingo, Opel Combo Life, Peugeot Rifter, Citroën Jumpy Combi, Citroën Spacetourer, Opel Vivaro, Opel Zafira, Peugeot Expert, and the Peugeot Traveller. While Fiat is getting its own midsize van called Scudo, the Italian brand hasn’t made a similar announcement just yet.

By dropping the combustion-engined versions in those parts of Europe, it means these compact and midsize passenger vans will suddenly become a lot more expensive. Needless to say, this radical decision taken by Stellantis will greatly impact sales in 2022. We should specify the move does not include the cargo/commercial versions of those vans, which will soldier on with ICEs.

The former Vauxhall Astra factory at Ellesmere Port in the United Kingdom is in charge of producing the electric vans, supported by an investment of £100 million and the creation of 1,000 new jobs.

Meanwhile, Volkswagen announced this week it will (finally!) unveil the ID. Buzz production model on March 9 before having it on sale across Europe in the latter half of the year.

[Source: Stellantis]

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That means it should not come as a surprise the German marque will be selling the Astra estate with a choice between two plug-in hybrid powertrains to mirror the 308. At launch, only the base PHEV setup will be available, combining a turbocharged, four-cylinder 1.6-liter gasoline engine with an electric motor to extract a healthy 180 horsepower and 266 pound-feet (360 Newton-meters) of torque. Later on, a more potent electrified powertrain will unlock 225 hp while retaining the same amount of torque.

Opel is remaining tight-lipped about the rest of the specifications concerning the plug-in hybrid, but we are expecting the Astra Sports Tourer to use the same 12.4-kWh battery pack and eight-speed automatic transmission as the equivalent Peugeot model. The purely electric range should revolve around 37 miles (60 kilometers) based on the WLTP cycle.

Alternatively, the Rüsselsheim-based company will sell the new Astra with a gasoline 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine in different states of tune, joined by a 1.5-liter turbodiesel mill. It will effectively be the last Astra ever to offer combustion engines in Europe since Opel has announced it will become an EV brand on the Old Continent by 2028.

Meanwhile, it’s worth pointing out that either of the two PHEV versions of the new Astra Sports Tourer will lose some of the cargo capacity compared to a conventionally powered model. Specifically, the luggage volume with the rear seats in place will drop from 608 to 548 liters. Fold the rear bench and the capacity grows to 1,574 liters, which is lower than the 1,634 liters available for a gasoline-only wagon.

One of the 14 brands of Stellantis, Opel will have the Astra with a long roof on sale in 2022 with the same wide array of goodies available for the hatchback. We include here the firm’s latest head-up display and matrix LED headlights, plus some wagon-only goodies like the adjustable load floor and a retractable cover you can alternatively store behind the floor for a greater load height.

Source: Opel

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With a sole electric motor producing 8 hp (6 kW), the Rocks-e is certainly not the fastest EV out there. It tops out at just 28 mph (45 km/h) and has a small 5.5-kWh battery with enough juice for 47 miles (75 kilometers) of range per the WLTP cycle. It’s considered a safer and more convenient alternative to an electric bike, so don’t think of it as a fully fledged car because you’ll be in for a disappointment.

It slots below the Corsa-e electric supermini and is much smaller as it’s only 2.41 meters (95 inches) long. The petite EV from Rüsselsheim features 14-inch wheels and adopts a mildly modified appearance compared to the mechanically identical Citroën Ami. With a turning circle of just 7.2 meters, it’s perfect to use in a crowded city with narrow roads.

Once the battery is depleted, Opel says the Rocks-e will take approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes to fully recharge using the three-meter charging cable hooked up to a normal household socket. It goes without saying the limited range makes the pint-sized EV suitable only for the urban jungle, prompting the company to describe its entry-level electric car as a Sustainable Urban Mobility (SUM).

The plan is to have it on sale this fall, but initially only in German. Customers will be able to either order one straight on Opel’s website or head to one of the dealers that will sell the Rocks-e. Come 2022, the diminutive two-seater will go on sale in other markets in Europe where drivers aged 15 will be allowed to drive it.

Source: Opel

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Compared to its predecessor, the 2022 Astra is now a little bit longer to accommodate a stretched wheelbase for greater rear legroom. It’s now 4374 mm long, 1860 mm wide, and measures 2675 mm between the axles while the cargo area can swallow up to 422 liters. The hatchback’s smart looks are matched by its technology including matrix LED headlights sourced from Opel’s range-topping car, the Insignia.

Speaking of technology, you’ll find more of it inside the cabin where the minimalist dashboard accommodates a pair of 10-inch digital screens. Thankfully, Opel was smart enough to retain physical controls for some of the functions you will be using the most, which is something all automakers should do. Instead of integrating everything in the infotainment, drivers should still have quick access to climate settings by using old-fashioned switchgear.

Opel – which will be switching to a purely electric lineup in Europe by 2028 – will still offer the Astra for the time being with a choice of gasoline and diesel engines. The absolute novelty is the availability of a plug-in hybrid setup in two different versions. Technical specs have yet to be revealed, but the PHEV system is likely inherited from the electrified Peugeot 308.

In the French hatchback, a gasoline engine works with an eight-speed automatic transmission, an 81-kilowatt electric motor, and a 12.4-kWh battery to deliver a total output of 180 hp or 225 hp. Both PHEV setups promise to deliver an electric range of 60 kilometers (37 miles) in the WLTP cycle. Expect the new Astra to deliver similar figures since the cars have roughly the same size and weight while sharing the architecture.

The five-door hatch should be followed in the months to come by an already confirmed wagon. Opel won’t be attending this year’s IAA show in Munich set for September but will begin accepting orders this fall ahead of starting deliveries at the beginning of next year. With the arrival of the Astra L, the production of the popular model will return to Rüsselsheim, Germany. Customers will be able to order the car with a head-up display, a 360-degree camera, and cruise control with stop & go functionality, not to mention AGR-certified massaging seats wrapped in Alcantara or leather.

It remains to be seen whether an all-electric Astra will follow seeing as how Stellantis – the parent company of Peugeot and Opel – has plans for a 308 EV later this decade to take on the Volkswagen ID.3

Source: Opel

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Before that happens, all existing products will be electrified by 2024, with the return of the Manta scheduled to take place around the middle of the decade. But while the original Manta A and the subsequent Manta B were sports coupes, it would appear the modern-day equivalent will be a fully electric crossover judging by this teaser image.

In related news, Opel also announced plans to enter the Chinese market as an electric-only brand. It’s unclear at this point which models will be initially introduced in the People’s Republic and when the launch in China will take place, but it seems parent company Stellantis is determined to increase Opel’s footprint.

Before all of this happens, the next-generation Astra is days away from being introduced. For the first time, it’s going to be electrified by adopting a plug-in hybrid powertrain likely inherited from the mechanically related Peugeot 308.

On the commercial side, the end of 2021 will see the rollout of a fuel cell Vivaro fleet to complement Opel’s entirely electrified LCV lineup. Let’s keep in mind the company has also developed an electric rally car, so its electrification agenda is targeting pretty much all segments of the market.

Opel is one of the 14 brands underneath Stellantis’ umbrella, which will switch to four electric-centric platforms going forward:

• STLA Small, with a range up to 300 miles (500 kilometers)
• STLA Medium, with a range up to 440 miles (700 kilometers)
• STLA Large, with a range up to 500 miles (800 kilometers)
• STLA Frame, with a range up to 500 miles (800 kilometers)

Source: Stellantis

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The changes start at the front where the 2022 Grandland has borrowed the high-tech matrix LED headlights from Opel’s flagship car, the Insignia. The designers have completely revised the grille to accommodate the so-called Vizor face, which lends the crossover a sharper and cleaner front end. It’s flanked by no fewer than 84 LEDs for each headlight, providing superior illumination in the dark hours when the optional night vision system should prove to be quite useful.

Stepping inside the cabin, you’ll immediately notice the new dual-screen setup as part of Opel’s so-called “Pure Panel” cockpit. A fully digital 12-inch instrument cluster is joined by a touchscreen infotainment featuring a diagonal as large as 10 inches on the more expensive versions of the Grandland. Much more compact than before, there’s a nifty new gear lever for the automatic transmission.

The Rüsselsheim-based automaker is bundling a lot more technology into the crossover, including a 360-degree camera and auto parking assist that takes care of all the steering. Optional AGR-approved ergonomic seats should provide excellent comfort for a mainstream compact car, while an electric tailgate is part of the 2022 updates as well.

Oddly enough, Opel isn’t releasing any details about the technical specifications. It does confirm the Grandland Hybrid4 will still be available, so we’re expecting dual electric motors and a 1.6-liter turbo gasoline engine. In the pre-facelift version, the PHEV setup was good for a substantial 300 horsepower (221 kilowatts) and featured all-wheel drive as well as an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The electrified Grandland is expected to carry over the 13.2-kWh lithium-ion battery pack, which in the previous model had enough juice for 59 kilometers (37 miles) based on the WLTP cycle. Full details about the facelifted model will be disclosed in the coming weeks, with production starting this fall at Opel’s factory in Eisenach, Germany.

Source: Opel

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Meanwhile, teaser images show the next-gen model will represent a huge departure from the aging design of its predecessor. Whether we’re talking about the exterior or interior design, the revamped Astra looks thoroughly more modern, adopting Opel’s latest design language and a dual-screen layout in the cabin.

Since we’ll have to wait a bit longer to discover all the juicy technical specifications, Opel isn’t going into any details about the PHEV setup. However, we strongly believe it will be related to the one developed for the new Peugeot 308. That’s because the two cars ride on the same EMP2 platform, therefore the Astra should have a similar (if not identical) electrified powertrain.

Peugeot will be selling the new 308 with two plug-in hybrid powertrains, both of which will share a 12.4-kWh battery and an 81-kilowatt electric motor. The French automaker has promised 60 kilometers (37 miles) of WLTP-certified range for both PHEVs, one with a 150-horsepower gasoline engine and another with a stronger 180-hp version.

Speaking of power, the Peugeot 308 in the lesser plug-in hybrid configuration will deliver a combined output of 180 hp while the range-topping version will produce a healthy 225 hp. Both are going to feature a front-wheel-drive layout, but we’re hearing Stellantis could be working on a dual-motor PHEV system with AWD for compact hot hatchbacks with nearly 300 hp.

In regards to styling, the overhauled Astra appears to be much sharper than the model it’s about to replace. The overall appearance resembles the latest-generation Mokka but obviously in a hatchback format without the extra ground clearance. Inside, the side-by-side displays also seem to be derived from those of the crossover.

The next-gen Astra will once again be built in Rüsselsheim at Opel’s main plant in Germany and is programmed to go on sale late this year or early 2022 depending on the market.

Source: Opel

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Riding on the same EMP2 platform as the all-new Peugeot 308, the next-generation Opel/Vauxhall Astra will be launched in early 2022 with gasoline, diesel, and PHEV powertrains. While its French cousin has already been confirmed to spawn a purely electric derivative in 2023 to take on the VW ID.3, Lohscheller refused to comment about whether the Astra would also get an EV variant.

If an Astra sans combustion engine is on the agenda, logic tells us it will be based on the eVMP platform Stellantis is developing for dedicated EVs. The architecture will be inaugurated in 2023 with the next 3008 compact crossover, and we know the hardware is being developed for FWD and AWD models with a single electric motor and a dual-motor setup, respectively.

Details about the all-electric 308 and a potential Astra are shrouded in mystery at this point, but we do know eVMP is being engineered for vehicles with up to 650 kilometers (404 miles) of range per WLTP. The most powerful models are going to pack 335 hp (250 kW) and will share the battery packs from one car to the other to efficiently spread out the costs.

Meanwhile, the revamped Astra will enter production later this year when it will return to the Rüsselsheim factory in Germany whereas the outgoing model is built in Poland and UK. Opel CEO Michael Lohscheller also confirmed the hatchback will be joined by a more practical wagon, which is hardly a surprise considering the new 308 is also getting the long-roof treatment.

We’re expecting the plug-in hybrid drivetrains to mirror those of the equivalent Peugeot model, so a gasoline engine will work with an electric motor to develop a combined 180 hp in the base PHEV and 225 hp in the higher-specification setup. In the 308, both setups offer 37 miles (60 kilometers) of electric range (WLTP) thanks to a 12.4-kWh lithium-ion battery pack.

The overhauled Opel/Vauxhall Astra could debut in the second half of the year, with the IAA show in Munich scheduled for September being an appropriate venue for an official premiere.

Source: Automotive News Europe

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