OPEL
Grandland
Opel borrowed the underpinnings of the Peugeot 3008 SUV for its own Grandland model as both brands are part of the Stellantis group. This means there’s a fine hybrid version of the Opel, using a modestly electrified 1.2-litre petrol drivetrain, but the big talking point is the Grandland Electric. There’s a version due in 2025 with more than 700km of range, but even the smaller battery pack can take you 500km-plus in one hit.
We really like how the Astra looks on the outside, though its interior is a bit dull, and it doesn’t drive as well as its predecessor
Astra
Head over to the Opel Ireland website and you’ll see four distinct versions of the evergreen Astra. Alongside the practical Sports Tourer estate are three variants of the five-door hatchback. The regular model can be had with petrol or diesel power; the sporty looking – and expensive – GSe is powered by a 225hp plug-in hybrid system; and the Astra Electric can be had in three different trim lines with a range of up to 416km. We really like how the Astra looks on the outside, though its interior is a bit dull, and it doesn’t drive as well as its predecessor. The entry-level electric model isn’t bad value though.
Corsa
The Corsa nameplate has been around so long that it’s an easy car to forget when looking for a supermini, especially as it’s quite subtle looking in a market dominated by striking design. A mid-life update for the car did modernise the front end somewhat, and the interior was upgraded as well, though it doesn’t stand out even when compared to similarly sized cars from its cousins in the Stellantis group. Petrol and mild-hybrid engine options are currently available, and we’re told that an updated Corsa Electric is on the way, too.
Frontera
Those that remember the uncouth original Frontera (Opel’s first SUV, as it happens) need to banish it from their minds, as the new one is a thoroughly modern crossover designed to take on the likes of the Dacia Duster. It supposedly replaces the awkward-looking Crossland in the range, though the new Frontera is a much larger and more attractive car, plus it will be offered with a range of powertrains, including hybrid and fully electric.
Mokka
Though the Mokka isn’t the most spacious crossover in its segment, we have a soft spot for the little five-door machine because it’s surprisingly good to drive, notably so when the road surface turns bad. A moderately updated model with slightly revised exterior styling and cabin upgrades arrives this year, but we don’t expect many changes under the skin. Buyers can choose from perky petrol or mild-hybrid engines and the Mokka Electric – with a range of up to 322km – is just as affordable.
Vivaro Combi Electric/Zafira Life Electric
Don’t let the completely different names confuse you, as the Vivaro Combi and Zafira Life (both offered exclusively with electric power these days) are essentially the same vehicle with different levels of equipment. Both seat up to nine people thanks to their van-based architecture, with an official electric range of up to 330km. The Zafira Life Electric is the posher one outside and in, but either one makes for an excellent way to quietly carry lots of people.
Combo Life Electric
The Combo Life is the passenger-carrying alternative to the Opel Combo Cargo van, though the car is only offered with electric power. It’s a spacious and versatile vehicle with seven seats, which is great, though the official range is a rather meagre 280km to a charge, so it’s not for those that cart the family up and down the country every day. It would make for a fine town-based family wagon, though, for about the same price as a diesel-fuelled Astra estate.