Following the recent announcement that Opel will revive the GSe badge as a new sub-brand for dynamic, electrified models, the German brand has now released advance information and images of its first new GSe models. The new Opel Astra GSe hatchback and the new Opel Astra Sports Tourer GSe estate plug-in hybrids, will offer the optimum balance between ride comfort and performance, combined with the option of emissions-free mobility.
Opel CEO, Florian Huettl said: “The new Opel Astra GSe and new Astra Sports Tourer GSe are the ideal cars for launching our dynamic new sub-brand, in full alignment with our strategy to become an all-electric brand by 2028.”
With an impressive power output of 165 kW / 225hp and maximum torque of 360 Newton metres (WLTP combined fuel consumption: 1.1 - 1.2 l / 100 km, CO2 emissions 25-26 g / km; preliminary values) the new Astra GSe and Astra Sports Tourer GSe will match the best in their respective classes for launch from a standstill, acceleration, and maximum speed.
Opel has achieved high performance-oriented handling characteristics by equipping the new Opel Astra GSe models with a dedicated chassis, lowered by 10 millimetres, to deliver superior stability during cornering, under braking and while driving at higher motorway speeds.
The sporty calibration of the steering is GSe-specific, while the unique springs and oil-filled dampers of the front and rear suspension are specially tuned not only for dynamic driving but also for comfort. 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 exclusive to GSe models, with the activation threshold adjusted upwards to match the dynamic driving behaviour.
The new-generation Opel Astra hatchback, launched in Ireland this summer, will be joined by the Sport Tourer estate version in 2023. Already recognised as a bold and pure design statement for the brand, the signature styling cues of the GSe give it an even more purposeful appearance. From the outside, the design of the 18-inch light-alloy wheels, inspired by the acclaimed, all-electric Manta GSe concept, the specific front bumper and fascia, and the GSe emblem on the tailgate, leave no doubts as to the dynamic GSe character.
Inside, the sporty ambitions are highlighted by Alcantara-trimmed performance front seats, which are not only unique to the GSe, but further extend Opel’s long-standing reputation for superior seat ergonomics, especially in the Astra’s compact class, thanks to their AGR certification.
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. GSe is now Opel’s top-of-the-range, sporty sub-brand, standing for Grand Sport electric.
