Vauxhall has announced the pricing for the new Astra Plug-In Hybrid and Astra Sports Tourer Plug-In Hybrid, featuring an enhanced powertrain that boosts power and range without an increase in cost.
Prices start from £36,145 OTR for the hatchback GS and £37,365 OTR for the Sports Tourer GS. This means that both models are available under the £40,000 threshold for the Expensive Car Supplement, resulting in significant VED (road tax) savings.
Vauxhall is making electrified driving more accessible with the new pricing for the Astra Plug-in Hybrid. The hatchback sees considerable reductions versus the previous generation. Savings of up to £4,955 are available for GSE, £4,835 for Ultimate, and GS sees a reduction of £3,570.
In comparison to the previous version, reductions are up to £4,955 for the Sports Tourer GSE, with considerable reductions of £3,600 and £4,835 for the Sports Tourer GS and Astra Ultimate, respectively.
The extended electric driving range has positively impacted company car users with the BiK rate for the hatchback GS 195PS moving into the 9% bracket. For a taxpayer in the 20% band, the GS version would have a monthly repayment of just £53.97, equating to a yearly repayment of £647.64.
Next-generation plug-in hybrid
The latest generation plug-in hybrid for Astra and Astra Sports Tourer introduces a larger battery capacity of 17.2kWh, with an electric driving range of up to 52 miles (EAER), and an increased power output of 195PS and 360Nm of torque.
The new plug-in hybrid presents Vauxhall customers with a comprehensive choice of powertrain options as it joins petrol, 48V Hybrid, and fully electric variants across the Astra range.
The larger 17.2kWh battery (up from 12.4 kWh from previous generation models) powers a 92kW (125PS) electric motor combined with a 150PS 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine to produce an impressive total power output of 195PS (up from 180PS) at 6,000rpm, with maximum combined torque of 360Nm at 1,750rpm. Electric driving range has also increased from 35 miles to a maximum of 52 miles (EAER).
The new plug-in hybrid benefits from a new seven-speed dual clutch automatic transmission that’s been optimised for the higher performance from this powertrain.
Drivers can also select three different driving modes using the mode selector on the centre console:
– Hybrid is the default mode and offers the best of both worlds, optimising fuel efficiency and driving performance.
– Sport draws on the combined peak power of the engine and electric motor for maximum power and performance.
– Electric activates the electric motor only, providing near-silent, zero-emissions-in-use driving. When the traction battery is holding a charge, the Astra Plug-in Hybrid will always start in Electric mode by default.
The Astra Plug-In Hybrid can be recharged from 20-100% in just 2 hours 53 minutes from a 7.4kW AC charger (when fitted with the optional 7kW on-board charger for £500), or 4 hours 6 minutes from a 3.7kW AC charger with the standard 3.7kW on-board charger.
Specification
The Astra and Astra Sports Tourer Plug-In Hybrid are both available in stylish GS and top-of-the-range Ultimate trims.
Each well-equipped model has driver convenience and comfort in mind, thanks to the latest technology and driving assistance systems. Both GS and Ultimate versions benefit from a 10-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as full LED headlights, high beam assist, lane departure warning with lane keep assist, speed sign recognition, driver drowsiness alert, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection.
GS versions feature a contrasting black roof, a black Griffin logo and Vizor frame at the front, and 17-inch black alloy wheels. Other additions include the Intelli-Vision 360° panoramic parking camera, heated front seats, a heated leather steering wheel, keyless entry and start, and the Pure Panel Pro digital display, which features an edge-to-edge glass finish for the touchscreen and digital instrument cluster. For enhanced comfort, the driver’s sport-style seat features eight-way adjustment and is certified by AGR (Campaign for Healthier Backs).
The top-of-the-range Ultimate trim enhances the specification even further with Vauxhall’s adaptive Intelli-Lux Pixel headlights, providing exceptional visibility at night, while 18-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, ReNewKnit seat trim, and a panoramic glass sunroof enhance style. Additional convenience is provided by the Intelli-HUD (head-up display), a 10-way electrically adjustable driver’s seat, and driver assist features including lane change assist with side blind spot alert, lane positioning assist, and rear cross-traffic alert.
Astra GSE
The Astra GSE also receives the upgraded 17.2kWh lithium-ion battery and a 92kW (125PS) electric motor, resulting in an electric range of up to 50 miles (EAER). It’s combined with a 180PS 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine for a total power output of 225PS, and maximum torque of 360Nm. Vauxhall has also equipped the Astra GSE with the new seven-speed e-DCT7 dual-clutch gearbox.
This all translates into a top speed of 146mph, with 84mph possible in electric mode – comfortably enough to enjoy zero-emissions travel on motorways. 0-62mph is dispatched in 7.6 seconds (7.7 seconds for Astra Sports Tourer GSE), and a specially tuned GSE engine sound enhances the experience onboard.
The GSE is set apart from the rest of the Astra line-up by several unique design features. Bespoke front and rear bumpers and aerodynamically-optimised gloss-black 18-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels emphatically convey its purposeful intent, which is amplified by a ride height that is 10mm lower than on standard models.
Inside, GSE models feature a seat design that is more performance-oriented (while remaining AGR-approved). The seats are also heated and trimmed in Alcantara, while the driver’s seat features 10-way electric adjustment with memory function. Other interior highlights include a panoramic sunroof, Intelli-HUD (head-up display) and wireless smartphone charger.
The Astra GSE’s superior handling comes from a unique chassis that is 10mm lower than on non-GSE versions. The suspension has been enhanced with firmer springs and oil-filled dampers, specially tuned to produce a compelling blend of dynamic driving and comfort. Frequency Selective Damping (FSD) technology from KONI has been deployed, too, providing different damping characteristics at high frequencies (to control the suspension) and low frequencies (focusing on the body). The FSD technology helps improve ride comfort.
As part of the performance upgrades, the Astra GSE also has a customised steering calibration for a sportier feel. Steering response has been increased by 9% over standard models, with the response rate better at all wheel angles. This 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 later.
Prices for the Astra GSE start from £38,795 OTR, a £4,805 decrease from the previous version, and for the Sports Tourer GSE, a starting price of £39,995 OTR, a reduction of almost £5,000. Both models are priced below the £40,000 Expensive Car Supplement tax threshold.
