Vauxhall’s new Astra and Astra Sports Tourer Plug-In Hybrids have hit the market, complete with more power and electric range, along with significantly lower prices.

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The latest-generation 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 for up to 35 miles of electric driving.

Power and performance are up too. The powertrain combines a 125hp electric motor with a 150hp 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine for total power output of 195hp (increased from 180hp) at 6,000rpm, with maximum combined torque of 360Nm at 1,750rpm. The new model also gains a latest-generation, seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission optimised for higher performance, and drivers can select three different driving modes using the mode selector on the centre console. These include Hybrid, Sport and Electric.

The Astra GSE also receives the upgraded 17.2kWh lithium-ion battery and 125hp electric motor, delivering an electric range of up to 50 miles. It’s combined with a 180hp 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine for a total power output of 225hp and maximum torque of 360Nm. Equipped with the new seven-speed e-DCT7 dual-clutch gearbox, it’s capable of a top speed of 146mph, with 84mph possible in electric mode. The 0-62mph sprint 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.

Priced from £36,145, the new Astra Plug-In Hybrid also packs in bumper price drops, despite the boost to power and range. The hatchback gains savings of up to £4,955 for the GSE grade, £4,835 for Ultimate, while the GS secures a reduction of £3,570 versus the previous generation.

The Sports Tourer also gains big savings, with reductions of up to £4,955 for the Sports Tourer GSE, and considerable price drops of £3,600 and £4,835 for the Sports Tourer GS and Astra Ultimate, compared to previous versions.

The sports-orientated GSE models are also cheaper and start from £38,795 for the hatch, a £4,805 decrease from the previous version, while the Sports Tourer GSE gets a starting price of £39,995; a reduction of almost £5,000.

Importantly, all models are priced below the £40,000 Expensive Car Supplement vehicle tax threshold.

And there’s a tax benefit to company car drivers; thanks to the extended electric driving range, the BiK rate for the hatchback GS 195hp moves into the lower 9% bracket. For a taxpayer in the 20% band, the GS version has a monthly BiK cost of £53.97, equating to a yearly cost of £647.64.

The Astra Plug-In Hybrid can charge from 20-100% in two hours 53 minutes from a 7.4kW AC charger (when fitted with the optional 7kW on-board charger for £500), or four hours six minutes from a 3.7kW AC charger with the standard 3.7kW onboard charger.

The Astra and Astra Sports Tourer Plug-In Hybrid are both available in GS and top-of-the-range Ultimate trims.

Both versions feature 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 come with 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-degree panoramic parking camera, heated front seats, a heated leather steering wheel, keyless entry and start, and the Pure Panel Pro digital display. 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 gains Vauxhall’s adaptive Intelli-Lux Pixel headlights, along with 18-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, ReNewKnit sustainable and premium seat trim, and a panoramic glass sunroof. Extra kit includes 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.

The GSE is set apart from the rest of the Astra line-up by unique design features, such as bespoke bumpers and aerodynamically optimised gloss-black, 18-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels. It also rides 10mm lower than standard models and gets a unique chassis set-up, along with Frequency Selective Damping (FSD) technology and customised steering calibration.

Inside, the seat design is more performance-orientated – while remaining AGR-approved – and 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.

Astra / Astra Sports Tourer Plug-In Hybrid Pricing