Opel Astra Electric vs Volkswagen ID3 – Double test

Can you see the Opel Astra Electric against the Volkswagen ID3 as the electric variant of the classic battle?

The Volkswagen Golf and Opel Astra were each sold tens of thousands of times a year in our country alone. These are numbers that current models can only dream of. We promise: they won’t even come close, but that’s not due to the cars themselves. Attention has shifted to other segments. Due to all kinds of (crossover) alternatives, there is much more choice, new car brands have also been added and the EV turns everything upside down. Interestingly, these two brands in this segment are showing possible philosophies on that EV. In 2019, Volkswagen resolutely and with much fanfare opted for the ID sublabel, whereby the electric models would be placed next to the traditional models with their own name and on their own unique basis. As a Stellantis brand, Opel uses the one-size-fits-all methodology that has become the norm in that group. Just like the Mokka and the Corsa, the new Astra is also available in a fully electric form. The Astra Electric not only uses the name ‘Astra’, but also shares its body, interior, platform and basically everything else with the regular model.

Is the Astra as an EV on a platform that is also at a disadvantage for other drivetrains?

It also has an advantage. Even the electric version is available as a hatchback and as a Sports Tourer. With that option, the Astra has already defeated Volkswagen, because the ID3 does not exist as a station wagon. Today, Opel doesn’t have much use for that, because as a hatchback the Astra loses out to the others when it comes to interior space. It is downright cramped in the back for adults and the luggage space is quite limited at 352 liters. A platform specifically developed for EVs should also offer a flat bottom and therefore plenty of storage space in the interior. The Volkswagen offers plenty of space for loose items between the seats, while the Astra makes do with a bunch of smaller compartments. Despite the shortcomings, it is still impressive how Opel has concealed the electric drivetrain in the Astra. By making the battery thicker in cleverly chosen places than in other places, the electric Astra is exactly as spacious as the plug-in hybrid version. In other words: there is no noticeable difference in the interior of the presence of an electric drivetrain, and we have seen that differently.

The Astra Electric doesn’t have much power for an EV, does it?

Where possible, everything has also remained the same under the skin in the Astra. The petrol engine and gearbox make way for a relatively modest, 156 hp electric motor and an equally ‘humble’ battery pack of 51 kWh net. EVs usually boast more impressive figures, including the rivals in this test. Whether the Astra is fast enough will be judged differently by different people. The undersigned believes so, especially in the Netherlands. The immediate response and the immediately available power and torque make it no problem to merge or overtake, but don’t count on sensation.

The Volkswagen ID3 is certainly nice as a rear-wheel drive?

The Volkswagen ID3 has the electric motor on the rear axle, which gives it a number of advantages. The lack of drive responses in the steering wheel is very pleasant. In addition, there is more grip, which makes the ID3 immediately smooth from a standstill, which is also reflected in the sprint figures. In addition, Volkswagen gives all EVs on this platform a wonderfully small turning circle.

In the video we discuss all the components that are part of a comparison test. There is no free PDF available for this comparative test because the Renault Megane E-Tech Electric also participates in the test in the magazine. You can take that test in AutoWeek 51 2023 read.