Vauxhall’s First EV, PHEV to Debut at Frankfurt

Vauxhall will debut three new models at the Frankfurt auto show including the all-electric Corsa-e.

The show, from Sept. 10-22, will also see the U.K. brand introduce the Grandland X Hybrid4 and an all-new Astra.

The Corsa-e is the flag-bearer for a completely new Corsa range, based on Vauxhall parent PSA Group’s advanced CMP Multi-Energy Platform. The French automaker announced last month it would introduce a battery-electric version of the small car marketed in Europe under the Opel brand.

With 136 hp from its 50-kWh battery, the Corsa-e accelerates from 0-62 mph (100 km/h) in 8.1 seconds.

Using the new, more stringent WLTP test, it has a range of 205 miles (330 km). The Corsa-e can be charged to 80% of its capacity in 30 minutes on a 240V Level 2 charger.

To celebrate the new model’s launch in the U.K., the first 500 customers to reserve a Corsa-e will receive a free home charging kit when they take delivery of their EV.

As with the Opel version, Vauxhall's all-new Corsa also will be available with a range of high-efficiency gasoline and diesel powertrains.

Arriving in Vauxhall showrooms in January, the new Corsa has undergone a complete overhaul, with each engine variant of the new model emitting less carbon dioxide than even the most efficient versions in the current Corsa.

All powertrain options offer reduced fuel consumption, flexibility and refinement, Vauxhall says. It weighs up to 238 lbs. (108 kg) less than the outgoing model yet retains dimensions similar to the outgoing model, with five doors as standard.

The all-new Corsa offers front collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection, intelligent speed control and limiter, lane-keep assist and traffic-sign recognition.

Arriving in showrooms in January, the new Grandland X Hybrid4 is Vauxhall’s first plug-in hybrid.

The powertrain comprises two electric motors, all-wheel drive, a 13.2-kWh lithium-ion battery and a 1.6L gasoline 4-cyl. (combined 300 hp) engineered for the hybrid application.

Together, the gasoline engine and electric motors produce up to 300 hp and offer combined fuel consumption of 166 mpg (1.4 L/100 km), emitting 36 g/km CO2. The Grandland X Hybrid4 achieves 0-62 mph in 6.1 seconds.

The front electric motor is coupled to an electrified eight-speed automatic transmission, while the second motor and differential are integrated into the electrically powered rear axle, providing all-wheel traction on demand.

The Grandland X Hybrid4 offers four driving modes – electric, hybrid, AWD and Sport. In all-electric mode, the car has a range of 32 miles (52 km). In hybrid mode, the car automatically selects the most efficient method of propulsion. When traveling at low speeds within cities, for example, the system switches to electric mode for zero-emissions driving.

The Vauxhall Astra, meanwhile, will be available in hatchback and sports tourer body styles. It features a refreshed exterior design and a new range of fuel-efficient powertrains.

Vauxhall has refined details such as the grille and front bumper design and has added LED headlamps on higher trim levels to provide a fresher appearance.

A drag coefficient of 0.26 makes the Astra hatchback the most aerodynamic car in its class while reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, Vauxhall says.

The new Astra’s range of all-new powertrains comprises 3-cyl. turbocharged gasoline and diesel engines with stop/start systems. These offer CO2 reductions of up to 21% versus the outgoing model.