Vauxhall has opened orders for the Astra Sports Tourer GSe, the electrified performance variant of the Astra Sports Tourer. Prices for the Astra Sports Tourer GSe start from £43,250.
GSe stands for Grand Sport Electric and is the new performance sub-brand from Vauxhall, integrating electric performance credentials with sharp handling and styling. From launch, there are three GSe variants: Grandland GSe, Astra GSe, and Astra Sports Tourer GSe. All three models feature unique styling upgrades inside and out and come with powerful electrified drivetrains and improved handling thanks to suspension and steering upgrades.
Order books for Grandland GSe and Astra GSe are already open.
The Plug-in Hybrid powertrain seen on conventional Astra Sports Tourer versions is upgraded for GSe variants. Astra Sports Tourer GSe comes with a 180PS 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine connected to an 81.2kW (110PS) electric motor for a total power output of 225PS and maximum torque of 360Nm – up from 180PS and 250Nm on standard Plug-in Hybrid variants. This helps the Astra Sports Tourer GSe accelerate from 0-62mph in 7.5 seconds and achieve a top-speed of 146mph.
Featuring a 12.4kWh battery, Astra Sports Tourer GSe offers up to 39 miles of pure electric range, and with emissions as low as 26g/km CO2, the Astra Sports Tourer GSe is eligible for a Benefit-in-Kind rate of 12%.
Vauxhall engineers have revised the suspension onboard the Astra Sports Tourer GSe for sharper handling, fitting it with 11 per cent stiffer springs and Frequency Selective Damping (FSD) technology by specialists KONI. The technology adjusts the damping characteristics at high frequencies (to control the suspension) and low frequencies (focusing on the body) to provide a smooth and balanced ride.
As part of the performance upgrades, Vauxhall has also recalibrated the Astra Sports Tourer GSe’s steering for a sportier feel and to deliver purer feedback. Steering response has been increased by 9 per cent over standard models, with the response rate better at all wheel angles. This also improves the on-centre feel and helps deliver better feedback at speed.
Vauxhall has also adjusted the Sport mode on GSe models, with the electronic stability control (ESC) set to engage slightly later.
The Astra Sports Tourer GSe features several styling upgrades to help it stand out on the road. A 10mm lower profile is achieved from the revised suspension and damping profile, and 18-inch ‘Commodore’ wheels give the car a distinct stance, while a black roof and black Griffin logos are also featured.
All Astra Sports Tourer GSe models also come with IntelliLux adaptive LED® Pixel headlights and dark tinted rear windows.
Inside, Alcantara®-trimmed performance front seats, certified by Germany’s AGR (Aktion Gesunder Rücken or ‘Campaign for Healthier Backs’) and a GSe-specific leather steering wheel are included as part of the GSe upgrades. A Multimedia Pure Panel Pro Navigation system with a 10-inch digital instrument display and a 10-inch touchscreen with Natural Voice Recognition is also featured, as is wireless smartphone charging and the Intelli-HUD head-up-display technology for an improved driving experience.
For improved safety and convenience, Astra Sports Tourer GSe models feature Intelli-Drive technology with Forward Collision Alert and Active Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection. Also included is Drowsiness Detection, Lane Departure Warning and Traffic Sign Assistant, Cross Traffic and Side Blind Spot alert and Automatic Speed Assistant with Stop Function – all contributing towards a safer driving experience for driver and passenger.
