Introducing the Vauxhall Astra
Blazing a new trail for the ever-popular Vauxhall Astra nameplate, the latest generation of the brand's family hatchback impresses in a number of different ways.
Not only is the Astra sporting revolutionary exterior styling, it's also packing an interior unlike any Vauxhall hatchback before it, along with a number of useful gadgets and gismos.
On top of all this, there's plug-in hybrid, mild hybrid, and all-electric powertrains available in addition to the more traditional petrol variants.
Design and Practicality
Design is where the Astra will appeal to the hearts of buyers, and practicality is where the heads will be convinced. The dramatically-styled exterior is set off initially by Vauxhall's 'Vizor' front grille, which is complemented by muscular rear haunches and a taut stance.
The boot is more than decent at 422 litres in capacity; providing plenty of room for a pushchair or two and the weekly shop.
Vauxhall proudly boast that the AGR ergonomic seats fitted to the Astra are 'the best that the compact class has to offer', meaning that good posture and a relaxed, comfortable driving experience are guaranteed.
There's also the sporty GSe sub-brand Astra model for those looking for something even sharper.
Technology and Safety
Technology is another area where the Astra has taken a massive step up. Climb inside the cabin and you're greeted by Vauxhall's Pure Panel fully digital cockpit, which was first seen in the Mokka.
This system comprises of two integrated 10-inch displays, one of which contains the infotainment and sat nav functionality, with the other presenting you with essential driver information such as your speed, rev counter and trip computer.
Safety is at the heart of everything Vauxhall do, and that means standard equipment levels are extremely high on the Astra. Available features include:
- Adaptive cruise control
- Intelli-drive (performs semi-automatic lane changes)
- Long-range blind spot detection
- Intelli-Lux Pixel headlights
- Active lane positioning (keeps you in the middle of your lane automatically)
Engines and Performance
The Vauxhall Astra offers a range of powertrains, including petrol, mild-hybrid, plug-in hybrid (PHEV), and all-electric options.
The petrol range features a 1.2-litre turbo engine that produces 130bhp and delivers up to 52.3mpg with a choice of 6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic transmission. There's also a mild-hybrid 1.2-litre turbo that produces 134bhp and achieves up to 60.1mpg, paired with a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox.
Two PHEVs are available, both with a 1.6-litre engine producing either 180bhp or 225bhp. Both achieve up to 256.8mpg and offer an electric range of 35 miles (WLTP).
The electric Astra features a 156bhp motor with a 54kWh battery, providing 258 miles of range (WLTP), 199lb ft torque, and a fast-charging capability of 20 to 80 percent in 26 minutes
Astra Sports Tourer
To give the Astra range an even wider appeal, the new Sports Tourer estate features additional touches such as smarter loading, thanks to the advanced Intelli-Space system.
The new model sports innovative space, enhanced by lots of helpful attributes, including lashing-eyes, two-level flat load-floor, and clever underfloor storage lockers. The boot of the Astra Sports Tourer provides 40/20/40 split-folding rear seat-backs with easy-fold function, holding up to 608 litres of storage space with the rear seats upright, and up to 1,634 litres when folded.
Step inside to find the new and improved digitally-detoxed Pure Panel that streamlines driver information. The Ergonomic Active Front Seats allow for a relaxing drive with the luxury ventilation and massage function.
Enjoy the welcome touch of space, technology, and premium comfort, thanks to new state-of-the-art connectivity.
An all-electric powertrain for the Astra Sports Tourer is available too, making it the first fully electric estate model to be produced by Vauxhall.
Vauxhall Astra GSe
The Astra GSe (Grand Sport Electric) models really stand out from the crowd and are the perfect mix of electric power and performance-focused design.
Both the Astra GSe and Astra Sports Tourer GSe have enhanced performance compared to the standard plug-in hybrid models. They are powered by a 1.6-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol engine paired with an 81.2kW electric motor, delivering a combined output of 225bhp and 265lb ft of torque.
A 12.4kWh battery gives the Astra GSe models an electric-only range of up to 40 miles, while the Astra Sports Tourer GSe offers 39 miles of pure electric range (WLTP).
Upgrades to the suspension and steering, including a unique GSe-tuned setup with Frequency Selective Damping (FSD) technology, ensure sharper, more precise handling. Coupled with striking 18-inch 'Commodore' alloy wheels, the GSe models have a commanding and sportier presence on the road.
Intelli-Drive technology is also a key safety feature, providing Forward Collision Alert, Drowsiness Detection, Traffic Sign Assistant, and Active Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection.
Order a Vauxhall Astra
The Vauxhall Astra is still as popular as it has ever been. Its design, technology and powertrains have all moved the game on considerably in the family hatchback segment, while the practicality and comfort traits of old remain firmly in place.
If you'd like to enquire about ordering the Astra then please contact your nearest Evans Halshaw Vauxhall dealership.
