Vauxhall has updated its Astra plug-in hybrid line-up to deliver more power and increased electric range at no extra cost.

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Open for orders now and priced from £39,715, the latest-generation Astra and Astra Sports Tourer Plug-In Hybrid models introduce a larger 17.2kWh battery for up to 52 miles (WLTP) of electric driving range. Both models previously came with a 12.4kWh battery with up to 35 miles of electric driving.

They also gain a new 125hp motor, paired with a 150hp 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine for 195hp of total power, up from 180hp and delivering 360Nm of torque. This enables the hatchback to accelerate from 0 to 62mph in 7.9 seconds, with 8.0 seconds for the Sports Tourer; 1.3 and 1.1 seconds faster respectively than the fastest fully electric and 48V hybrid variants, while also achieving a top speed of 140mph.

The extra electric driving range means the Astra Plug-In Hybrid 195hp in entry-level GS trim now moves into the lower (9%) Benefit-in-Kind bracket for company car drivers. The rest of the line-up remains in the 16% BiK bracket.

The uprated plug-in hybrids also gain a new seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, included as standard and featuring an additional gear over the six-speed dual clutch automatic from the 48V Hybrid version.

Drivers can choose between three different driving modes: Hybrid for optimised efficiency, Sport for maximum power and performance and Electric, which gives near-silent zero-emissions-in-use driving.

The new Astra and Astra Sports Tourer Plug-In Hybrid 195hp are both available in GS grade and the top-of-the-range Ultimate trim. Standard equipment across both includes a 10-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as full LED lighting, high beam assist and a raft of advanced driver assistance features.

The upgraded 17.2kWh lithium-ion battery is carried over to the Astra and Astra Sports Tourer GSE performance versions, delivering an electric-only range of up to 50 miles (WLTP). These models also get the new 125hp electric motor which, combined with a 180hp 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine gives a combined output of 225hp and maximum torque of 360Nm.

The Astra GSE and Astra Sports Tourer GSE also gain the new seven-speed e-DCT7 dual-clutch gearbox, replacing the previous eight-speed automatic transmission.

Performance stats show a top speed of 146mph, with 84mph possible in electric mode and a zero to 62mph time of 7.6 seconds (7.7 seconds for Astra Sports Tourer GSE).

The Astra GSE versions also stand out from the rest of the line-up with a specially tuned GSE engine sound, bespoke design features and more dynamic handling thanks to a lower chassis, bespoke tuned suspension and faster steering.

Astra Plug-in Hybrid Pricing