Vauxhall Astra-e fully electric hatchback due 2023
Vauxhall’s eighth-generation Astra will include a fully electric version that will arrive 2023, the brand has confirmed.
Joining the previously announced plug-in hybrid, petrol and diesel versions that go on sale next month, the Astra-e will mark the first time the family hatchback has been available as an electric model and will reinforce the brand’s plans to have an electrified line-up by 2024 and fully electric model range by 2028.
Powertrain details have not been announced yet but the Astra-e will join the existing Corsa-e, Mokka-e, Combo-e Life and Vivaro-e Life cars, as well as the fully electric Combo-e, Vivaro-e and Movano-e vans.
As well as debuting the fully electric version, the new Astra will also get its first-ever plug-in hybrid models. These team up either a 180hp or 150hp petrol with up to a 110hp electric motor and 12.4kWh battery, giving CO2 of 24-31g/km and 201.8mpg-256.8mpg official fuel consumption, along with a 35-mile electric-only range. This puts the Astra PHEV in the 11% BiK bracket for 2021/22.
Other engines on offer include a 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbo petrol direct injection engine with six-speed manual gearbox and either 110hp or 130hp – emission start from 122g/km. The line-up also includes a 130hp 1.5-litre four-cylinder diesel with either a six-speed manual gearbox or an eight-speed automatic transmission and CO2 emissions from 113g/km.
The introduction of the new fully electric and PHEV Astra models has been enabled by the new model’s use of the latest version of the EMP2 platform from parent firm Stellantis, also the basis for the new Peugeot 308.
Although the platform is PSA-derived and common to Stellantis group models, the brand said the Astra has been developed from the start as a Vauxhall and the handling is “composed as well as dynamic” while torsional rigidity is 14% higher than its predecessor.
The new platform means the Astra hatchback has a 13mm longer wheelbase but is only 4mm longer than before due to the short front overhang, bringing extra onboard space and 422 litres of boot volume.
A Sports Tourer version will arrive in 2022. Details are yet to be announced.
Alongside the new platform and engines, the new-gen Astra will also debut a radical new redesign, incorporating the latest Vauxhall Griffin badge and the new Vizor brand face introduced on the Mokka, as well as two-tone roof. It also features new Intelli-Lux LED headlamps, taken from the Insignia and incorporating 168 LED elements.
The interior also takes a major leap forwards and uses the fully digital Pure Panel, already seen on the Mokka and providing a digital cockpit with a fully glazed surface incorporating two 10-inch touchscreen displays. The focus is on providing the driver with necessary information and useful operating options but without distracting them. Key settings such as climate control can still be operated via physical switches and buttons and the Intelli-HuD head-up display is available.
Other onboard tech includes voice recognition for the infotainment system and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity as standard.
The Astra also features the semi-automated Intelli-Drive assistance system and adaptive cruise control, along with the Intelli-Vision 360o camera for easier parking, extended traffic sign recognition, rear cross-traffic alert and active lane positioning.
The new Astra hatchback is available to order from the autumn with deliveries from Q1 2022.
Natalie Middleton
Natalie has worked as a fleet journalist for over 20 years, previously as assistant editor on the former Company Car magazine before joining Fleet World in 2006. Prior to this, she worked on a range of B2B titles, including Insurance Age and Insurance Day.
