"Opel Ampere" - a revolutionary model with a charge "from the outlet"

In 2011, the Opel Ampere was introduced at the Geneva auto show. This is the first hybrid hatchback from the German concern. Stylish, technical, economical - these are the characteristics that apply to this machine. Today, it is in great demand abroad. Officially, the Opel Ampere in Russia is not yet sold. However, many car enthusiasts are watching this issue with interest.

Appearance

The external component of the "Opel Ampere" (the photo confirms this) is modern, attractive and even original. In front of the hybrid:

• A massive, brutal body.
• Expressive headlamps in the form of boomerangs.
• An unusual streamlined and curly bumper.

Dimensions of the car allow you to refer it to the C-class:

• The length is 4498 mm.
• The width is 1787 mm.
• The height is 1439 mm.

Hybrid Opel Ampera in total weighs exactly 1732 kg.

Interior decoration

Inside the "Opel Ampere" also withstands modern style. The front panel has its own unique design, which is inherent in almost all hybrid cars. So, the display shows the following parameters:

• Energy reserve.
• Residual mileage.
• Indication of modes.
• Stock of gasoline, etc.

Materials from which all the interior details (including buttons, switches) are made, have excellent quality. The steering wheel is covered with natural leather. At the same time, it is able to be adjusted by inclination, height. Also, the seat can be exposed both in height and longitudinally. This is one of the advantages, because Each driver will be able to find the most convenient position for himself.

"Opel Ampere" - this is a 4-seater car. Therefore, at the back he has exactly 2 separate seats. Between them is a tunnel. It is in it that there is a battery.

This new model has a capacious trunk. Its volume is 310 liters. If necessary, you can increase it by folding the backs of the rear seats. The result is a little more than 1000 liters.

The information and entertainment part of Opel Ampera is very diverse. The package includes:

• Bluetooth headset.
• CD | MP3 radio stereo system.
• Climate control.
• Heated seats in front.
• Parking brake.

As for safety, in this car the experts have thought through everything to the smallest detail. There are here 3-point safety belts. They are provided with all seats without exception. Numerous airbags protect the peace of each passenger and driver. Opel Ampera was tested by the EuroNCAP method. The result is the maximum number of points (5 stars).

Technical part

Under the hood of the "Opel Ampere" is a 150-horsepower electric motor. Together with it, there is a 1.4-liter gasoline unit. In addition, there is another electric motor. It is activated automatically if the machine develops a high speed. In total, the engine produces 150 hp. In this case it functions in several possible modes:

• Sport (all auto reactions are automatically exacerbated when the gas pedal is depressed);
• Normal;
• Hold-charge mode (for saving electricity);
• Mountain (if necessary for a long time to rise upwards).

The electric motor is powered by batteries. These are lithium-ion batteries. Their total capacity is 16 kW / h. This is enough to provide about 70 km of the way. As soon as the charge is completely exhausted, the gasoline engine starts. To charge the electric motor, it takes about 2.5-3 hours. It will take an ordinary 220-volt outlet.

"Opel Ampere" is a very agile car. It can accelerate to 161 km / h. At the same time, he gains speed from 100 km / h in just 9 seconds.

Cost

Opel Ampera in Europe is offered for 45 900 euros. This price is indicated for the basic (the most minimal) configuration:

• 8 airbags.
• Virtual dashboard.
• Climate control.
• Audio system and 6 speakers.
• Multimedia complex.
• 17-inch wheels.
• Keyless launch.
• Power windows.

Expert evaluation

A new "Opel Ampere" was appreciated by numerous experts. In their opinion, the car won the following estimates:

• For appearance - 3 of 5. It looks very good.
• For the dynamics - 4 out of 5. Very well moves around the city. There is no need to switch gears. On the highways the car moves confidently.
• Manageability is 3 out of 5. Compared to other electric vehicles, the Opel Ampere is less manoeuvrable.
• Comfort - 4 out of 5. Excellent equipment even at a basic level, convenience for both the driver and passengers at altitude.
• Safety - 5 out of 5. Safety is the most modern.
• Quality - is still unknown. Because The model is still new, then time will show how high the build quality is.
• Expenses - 5. Despite the fact that the car is not cheap, it is very economical in fuel and energy consumption.

Opel Ampere: reviews

What do they say about the new car motorists? Despite the fact that in Russia "Opel Ampere" from official dealers is not sold yet, many motorists have already managed to sit behind its wheel and evaluate its operational data. The main advantage, which all drivers pay attention to, is practicality. "Opel Ampere" is convenient, maneuverable and comfortable. Especially note the absence of any noise during the movement, even if the route is complex, and the road surface leaves much to be desired.

There are those who estimate the capacity of the trunk. Even for the transportation of oversized things this car will come in handy. His trunk is big. There is an opportunity to increase it further at the expense of seats in the second passenger row. They are compactly folded and will allow you to double the luggage space. Therefore, some for business would prefer to take such a car.

From the minuses:

• The steering wheel is too light.
• Too high cost of cars.
• Only 4 seats (of which 1 - for the driver), some believe that this is not enough. Therefore for a family such car will not choose.

Despite these shortcomings, many people emphasize that the Opel Ampera is an economical car. She has enough electric charge for a long time, and she spends a little gasoline.