2005 Opel Astra Diesel Hybrid Concept

As with most other hybrids already on the market, the Astra also features a series of energy-preserving and energy-generating

One unique feature which the Astra Concept sports is Opel's take on the panoramic roof. (Photo: General Motors of Canada)

systems. These include full engine stop at idle and full electric propulsion at launch. During braking and coasting, the electric motors act as generators, which capture energy to charge the battery pack for longer range.

Aside from a set of snazzy-looking alloy wheels, there is little which differentiates the Hybrid Concept from the Astra GTC hatchback. It uses conventional tires, the same body panels as the stock hatchback and doesn't even have vinyl stickers or a fancy paint job.

One unique feature which the Astra Concept sports is Opel's take on the panoramic roof. While many car manufacturers use a transparent or metal sliding roof panel, the Astra hatchback has a windshield which stretches back into the main roof without any structural roof pillars to block the view. Aside from this

Aside from the roof, little differentiates the hybrid concept from the new for 2005-model 3-door Astra hatchback. (Photo: General Motors of Canada)

feature, which is new for 2005-model 3-door Astra hatchbacks, little else differentiates the concept externally.

The story is much the same on the inside; there is little change made to the stock vehicle, and the changes that were made are minor. A gauge which gives instant feedback on the operation of the hybrid system including which motors are currently working, replaces the tachometer in the instrument panel.

In addition to the new instrumentation, the dashboard-mounted LCD display, normally used for navigation and audio purposes, gains the ability to display an animated graphic of the vehicle's propulsion state when driven à la Toyota Prius.