Opel Astra GSe gains sportier appearance and lowered suspension by Irmscher

Performance-focused PHEV is the most powerful variant of the Opel Astra

by thanos potatoes

February 2, 2023 at 11:05 a.m.

by thanos potatoes

The sixth generation of the Opel Astra recently received a warm hatch version in the form of an electrified GSe and, unsurprisingly, German tuner Irmscher took notice. The Opel Astra GSe can now be fitted with a more robust body kit along with a choice of wheels and interior upholstery options.

Irmscher had already come up with a tuning kit for the regular Opel Astra, so it’s no surprise that the GSe gets a similar treatment. The highlight is the new front splitter, which in combination with the side skirts and the rear bumper extension make the Astra look like a true hatchback. At the rear, there is a diffuser and a larger rear wing. Aerodynamic components are body-colored with black inserts.

The tuner offers a range of performance alloy wheels and tires. Among them are 19-inch Cosmo Star alloy wheels with a polished diamond or black finish, 19-inch High Star wheels or the more sensible 18-inch Turbo Star wheels. Finally, you can get the black decals on the Irmscher lettered profile.

Read: Opel/Vauxhall Grandland GSe is a 296 hp PHEV SUV with sports suspension and 19-inch wheels

On official renderings, the model benefits from a lowered suspension that brings it 25mm (1 inch) closer to the ground. Note that the original Opel Astra GSe is already lowered by 10 mm (0.4 inches) compared to lesser models from the factory, thanks to version-specific suspension with unique springs and oil-filled Koni FSD dampers. Opel combines the sportier chassis with a different calibration for the steering and ESP, so Irmscher didn’t bother to change them.

There are no changes to the plug-in hybrid powertrain. The Opel Astra GSe comes equipped with a 1.6-liter turbocharged gasoline engine and a single electric motor that produces a combined power of 222 hp (165 kW / 225 PS) and 360 Nm (265.5 lb-ft) of torque. Power is transmitted to the front axle via an eight-speed automatic gearbox

As for the interior, the preparer proposes fine leather upholstery for the seats and door panels, available in different colors. These can be combined with velvet rugs and stainless steel door frames. All modifications are available both for the hatchback and for the more practical ST body style, and for all types of powertrain of the Opel Astra. This means they apply to gasoline, diesel, PHEV and all-electric models.