First Drive: Vauxhall Astra Electric
The battery-powered version of the iconic Vauxhall model shows that evolution, not revolution, is a viable option for car manufacturers, says John Challen.
The staged revamp of the new Vauxhall Astra model lineup has been ongoing for some time, but arguably the most eagerly awaited piece of the jigsaw – the all-electric version – has arrived.
Already leading the electric B-hatch and B-SUV segments with the Corsa and Mokka respectively, Vauxhall is hoping that the arrival of the contender in the equivalent C-segment has a similar impact. With just five years before the brand’s commitment to 100% electric vehicles – and a year before there is a fully-electric option of every Vauxhall model – Astra Electric arrives at a pivotal time. SUVs might be the driver’s favourite at the moment but, for some who might long for the days when hatches were everywhere, this new kid on the battery block will be getting a lot of attention.
An electric version of the Sports Tourer will follow later on in 2023, but now the Astra lineup features: petrol, PHEV and GSe variants of hatch and Sports Tourer. The electric hatch is, understandably, familiar in many ways to its stablemates, with the obvious difference of electric, not engine, power.
And the base Astra is a great place to start. It has won many admirers in the fleet sector and beyond for its all-round qualities, such as refinement, comfort and driving experience. With the Astra Electric, these are built on with a two-tone colour scheme, 18-inch alloy wheels and a ‘sporty’ front bumper. But really, the big news is the powertrain – a 154hp e-motor, which works with a 54kWh battery. The battery comprises 17 modules and a total of 102 cells and features a liquid cooling system for optimum performance. Also helping here is a standard heat pump and a specific underbody and rear axle design, while a next-gen synchronous motor also features.
Astra engineers have worked hard to ensure that the kerb weight – 1,679kg – is the same as the PHEV version of the car, achieved with mass reduction of major components such as the doors. Meanwhile, there’s a 31% increase in torsional stiffness from that new underbody and an integrated battery design. Performance-wise, the Astra Electric has 270Nm of torque and a top speed of 106mph. Drivers will, according to WLTP, have up to 258 miles of range, with the Astra boasting a hugely impressive 4.2mi/kWh energy consumption.
Like other models in the Astra range, every variant has three driving modes: Eco, Normal and Sport. Performance varies, depending on the mode selected, with power ranging from either 109, 136 or 156hp and torque a choice of 220, 250 and 270Nm across the respective options.
Inside, it’s as you would expect to see in other Astra models, with the Pure Panel Pro driver display and HMI carried over. AGR-approved seats, noise reducing glass and an air quality sensor tick the wellness boxes. Moving further back, the battery powered Astra’s boot offers the same storage as the PHEV version (from 352 to 1,268 litres) and also has a 1.02m opening for easy access, loading and unloading.
What is new on Astra Electric is Intelli-Drive 2.0, which now offers semi-automatic lane change and intelligent speed adaption technology, in addition to numerous ADAS features found elsewhere in the range.
Vauxhall has previously commented on how it has simplified its ranges, so Astra Electric features just two grades. First up is the GS, which offers a decent spec, including 10-inch colour touchscreen and digital instrument cluster, wireless smartphone connectivity, LED lights, heated front seats and a lot more.
Move up to Ultimate and drivers will benefit from the Intelli-Drive 2.0 ADAS technology, a panoramic sunroof, Alcantara upholstery, wireless smartphone charging and head-up display.
The OTR price for the GS is £39,995, while drivers looking for the extra options provided by the Ultimate will pay just over £3,000 more, at £43,110. The latter will be the more popular model, says Vauxhall, with a 53% sales mix.
Verdict:
There is a lot to like about the Astra Electric. Granted, it’s not a huge departure from the ICE and PHEV models, but that works in its favour because it was already a good car to start with. Add in an impressive electric powertrain that offers class-leading efficiency and this Astra is sure to be on the shortlist of many drivers. In our limited time behind the wheel, we actually managed 4.7mi/kWh, which is testament to the work that has gone in to make this car as streamlined as possible, while also being great to drive.
There’s more than enough power and driving range for the majority of drivers, and while the driving experience is maybe not as dynamic or exhilarating as some alternatives, it’s not dull either.
In Brief:
WHAT IS IT? Electric hatch
HOW MUCH? From £39,995
RANGE? 258 miles
CHARGE? 10-80%, 30 minutes (100kW DC)
Key fleet model: Ultimate
Pros: Efficiency, refinement, decent spec
Cons: Acceleration, price increase over ICE
Seven-word summary: Excellent efficiency in familiar and impressive surroundings
Also consider: MG4 EV; Renault Megane E-Tech; Volkswagen ID.3
John Challen
John previously edited International Fleet World magazine, and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the role, having been in automotive journalism for more than 20 years. Over those two decades, he has researched and written about a vast range of automotive topics, including fleet, EVs, engineering, design, retail and the aftermarket.
