Vauxhall has undergone a transformation in recent years, spurred on by a new generation of design that’s really helped to modernise this brand and propel it forward.
It all started with the latest Mokka crossover and later continued with a new generation of Vauxhall’s Astra. A significant improvement over its predecessor, it majors on style and technology, yet loses none of the practicality and family appeal of Astras that have gone before it.
Here’s all you need to know about the latest Vauxhall Astra before buying one.
What engines are available on the Vauxhall Astra?
Choice is absolutely core to this latest Astra, with the model offered with petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid powertrains, and there will even be an electric model introduced later in 2023.
Let’s start with petrol versions, which all use a turbocharged 1.2-litre petrol engine. Outputs of 108bhp or 128bhp are available, with a six-speed manual gearbox included on both, though an eight-speed automatic is available on the more powerful version. Getting from 0-60mph takes 10.5 seconds and 9.7 seconds in the 108bhp and 128bhp versions respectively, with each averaging around 50mpg.
Long distance drivers will want to look at the 128bhp 1.5-litre turbocharged diesel, which is available with both a manual and automatic gearbox. Vauxhall claims up to 58.9mpg with these, and it’s able to accelerate from 0-60mph in 10.6 seconds.
If you want a plug-in hybrid, there are two versions available, though each pair a 1.6-litre petrol engine with an electric motor and eight-speed automatic gearbox. In the standard Astra, the combined output is 178bhp, though a sporter GSe model takes power up to 222bhp. Performance for both is similar, though, with each taking around 7.5 seconds. They also offer up to 42 miles of electric driving, with Vauxhall claiming up to 256mpg and CO2 emissions as low as 23gkm.
What trim levels are offered on the Vauxhall Astra?
Vauxhall offers four trim levels on the Astra, with equipment highlights and prices as follows.
Design – from £25,290
All Astra models get a good amount of equipment, with the entry-level Design featuring LED headlights and rear lights, high beam assist, front and rear parking sensors and cruise control. It also features 16-inch alloy wheels, keyless start and Vauxhall’s ‘Pure Panel’, which merges a 10-inch touchscreen with a digital instrument cluster of the same size.
GS – from £28,185
Upgrading to the GS brings a sportier look thanks to its 17-inch black alloy wheel, black logos, a black roof and tinted rear windows. Additional equipment also includes dual-zone climate control, heated front seats and a heated steering wheel. You also get satellite navigation, a 360-degree parking camera and adaptive cruise control.
Ultimate – from £31,300
The high-spec Ultimate adds a number of high-end touches, including IntelliLux pixel LED headlights, a head-up display, a panoramic sunroof and wireless smartphone charging. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are also included, along with a heated windscreen and Alcantara seat trim.
GSe – from £40,550
With the GSe, you’re primarily paying for the extra performance that comes from the 222bhp hybrid powertrain, though Vauxhall has also fitted a sports chassis with frequency selective damping and bespoke Koni dampers. You also get unique GSe front and rear bumpers, 18-inch bi-colour alloy wheels and a host of additional black styling elements.
What about personalisation on the Vauxhall Astra?
With four clearly defined trim levels, there is plenty of choice on offer for Vauxhall Astra customers, ranging from a subtler look to something far sportier with the GSe. There’s a choice of seven different colours on offer, with the brighter shades being Electric Yellow, Crimson Red and Cobalt Blue.
There aren’t too many optional extras available, but full black Nappa leather can be specified for the Ultimate and GSe cars. Larger alloy wheels can also be specified on selected trim levels too, while a tow bar is also available as an option.
Enquire on a new Vauxhall Astra
