Opel Ampera

Which Opel Ampera Version Should You Buy?

The Opel Ampera catalogue contains two front-wheel-drive, five-door hatchback versions with distinctly different specifications. The first-generation 1.4 CVT is a Hybrid produced from July 2011 through November 2016, while the second-generation AT is an Electro model produced from January 2016 through December 2019.

The Opel Ampera catalogue contains two front-wheel-drive, five-door hatchback versions with distinctly different specifications. The first-generation 1.4 CVT is a Hybrid produced from July 2011 through November 2016, while the second-generation AT is an Electro model produced from January 2016 through December 2019. The newer AT is the performance choice: it has 204 hp, reaches 100 km/h in 7.3 seconds, and develops 360 Nm. The 1.4 CVT has 86 hp, takes 10 seconds to reach 100 km/h, and produces 370 Nm. Buyers choosing between them should therefore focus first on drivetrain type and then on performance, because many economy, size, and weight figures are not measured in the supplied specifications.

Opel Ampera generations: what changed?

The 1 generation Opel Ampera was offered from July 2011 through November 2016 as a Hatchback 5-door. It has one listed version, 1.4 CVT. This is the Hybrid option, combining a 1398 cm³ engine specification with 95 fuel, a Variable gearbox, and FWD. Its ground clearance is 130 mm, and its tank holds 35 l.

The 2 generation was offered from January 2016 through December 2019, also as a Hatchback 5-door, with one listed version named AT. This version changes the model to an Electro powertrain with an Automatic gearbox, 1 transmission ratio, and FWD. Compared with the 1.4 CVT, the AT adds 118 hp and cuts the 0–100 km/h time by 2.7 seconds. Ground clearance rises by 25 mm, from 130 mm to 155 mm.

The production periods overlap: the second generation began before the first generation ended. Each generation nevertheless has only one listed version, so the buying decision is a direct comparison between 1.4 CVT and AT, not between multiple trims within the same generation.

Opel Ampera engine and drivetrain specs

The 1.4 CVT produces approximately 61.5 hp per litre from its 1398 cm³ displacement. An equivalent power-per-litre figure cannot be calculated for the AT because its displacement is not measured. Although the 1.4 CVT has 10 Nm more torque, the AT has 118 hp more power. In percentage terms, the AT provides approximately 137.2% more horsepower than the 1.4 CVT.

The transmission descriptions also differ exactly as listed: the 1.4 CVT uses a Variable gearbox, while the AT uses an Automatic gearbox with 1 ratio. Both versions are FWD, so neither offers a drive-layout advantage over the other.

Opel Ampera performance and economy

For acceleration, the AT is the clear choice. Its 7.3-second result is 2.7 seconds quicker than the 10-second result of the 1.4 CVT. The older 1.4 CVT has the higher maximum speed, however: 161 km/h versus 150 km/h, a difference of 11 km/h.

No city, highway, or combined consumption figure is measured for either version. Consequently, the supplied data cannot support an mpg, fuel-consumption, or operating-cost comparison. CO₂ output and ecological class are also not measured for both versions. The 1.4 CVT’s 35 l tank is documented, but tank capacity for the AT is not measured.

Opel Ampera dimensions, weight, and clearance

The AT has a measured kerb weight of 1625 kg. With 204 hp, that equals approximately 8.0 kg per horsepower. A direct weight-per-horsepower comparison is impossible because kerb weight for the 1.4 CVT is not measured.

Ground clearance provides a complete comparison. The AT offers 155 mm, while the 1.4 CVT provides 130 mm. The newer version therefore has 25 mm more clearance, or approximately 19.2% more than the earlier version.

Gross weight and wheel sizes are not measured for either Opel Ampera version. Overall length, width, height, and wheelbase are also not measured, so the catalogue data cannot support a numerical Opel Ampera dimensions or size comparison.

Opel Ampera suspension and brakes

Both versions use Independent, spring front suspension and Ventilated disc front brakes. For the 1.4 CVT, the rear suspension and rear brake specifications are not measured.

The AT adds documented rear hardware: Semi-independent, torsion suspension and Disc rear brakes. This does not prove a particular ride or braking advantage, but it does mean the AT has a more complete chassis specification in the available data.

Which Opel Ampera version should you buy?

Choose the second-generation AT if acceleration and power matter most. It delivers 204 hp rather than 86 hp and reaches 100 km/h in 7.3 seconds rather than 10 seconds. It also provides 155 mm of ground clearance, 25 mm more than the 1.4 CVT. Its 1625 kg kerb weight and approximately 8.0 kg-per-horsepower ratio are documented, while the earlier car lacks a measured kerb-weight figure.

Choose the first-generation 1.4 CVT if your priority is the Hybrid specification, the documented 1398 cm³ engine, or the 35 l tank. It also reaches a top speed of 161 km/h, which is 11 km/h higher than the AT, and its 370 Nm output is 10 Nm greater. Its engine description is more detailed, specifying 4 cylinders, an Inline layout, No boost, and Distributed injection (multi-point).

The data does not justify a recommendation based on fuel economy, mileage, reliability, interior space, battery condition, price, or value for money: those figures and assessments are not measured. There is likewise no supplied evidence for engine-oil requirements, drivetrain problems, or a comparison with other models. On the specifications that are measured, the AT is the stronger performance purchase, while the 1.4 CVT is the alternative for a buyer specifically seeking the earlier Hybrid drivetrain and its documented fuel-tank specification.