Vauxhall reveals 156PS electric Astra

Vauxhall’s already given the eighth-generation version of its venerable family hatchback a bit of additional eco-friendly street-credit with the new, ‘hot’ GSe version, combining a sportier chassis with 225PS (165kW) of plug-in hybrid power. However, the Astra Electric does exactly as it says on the tin, and takes things one step further with a full battery-electric drivetrain.

It’s been made possible by the Astra’s adoption of the Stellantis developed EMP2 platform, which now supports fully-electric power – the same technology will be fitted under an electric version of the Peugeot 308, coming in 2023. It’s not quite as flexible as the modular and scalable, purpose made electric car platforms some rivals use, and perhaps that’s why there’s only one powertrain and battery combination; 54kWh of energy is stored in the Astra Electric’s cells, which feed an electric motor driving the front axle, rated at 156PS (114kW) and 270Nm (199lb ft) of torque.

Some manufacturers are making use of the instant torque provided by electric motors to develop emissions free hot hatchbacks and family crossovers, such as the new Abarth 500e and the Volkswagen ID.4 GTX. However, the Astra Electric seems far more concerned with the task of leveraging as many miles as possible from its lithium-ion cell-chemistry. No performance figures beyond the top speed of 105mph have been confirmed, but a maximum electric range is a somewhat useful 258 miles on a full charge.

That’s not an industry-leading figure, and with 100kW DC rapid charging meaning an 80 per cent top-up will take about half an hour (at a charging point powerful enough), the Astra Electric doesn’t seem to be about redefining family EVs or taking them a step forward technologically. And that’s in spite of the standard 11kW three-phase charging compatibility. Instead, it’s surprisingly no-nonsense, even failing to deviate in appearance from its internal combustion powered siblings.

Up front is the bold looking new ‘Vauxhall Vizor’ fascia, which also houses many of the sensors and cameras needed for the car’s various driver assistance features. Moving towards the rear of the car, the angular surfacing is far more radical than the smooth curves of the old General Motors designed Mk7, while the thin, LED taillights with horizontal signatures and ‘Astra’ boot lettering certainly suggest it’s an altogether more aspirational Vauxhall hatchback. The only difference you’ll spot on the electric model are the standard 18-inch wheels, with their more aerodynamically friendly design.

The Sport Tourer estate model is certainly more unique, though only by virtue of the small marketplace it’s entering. Electric estate cars are very few and far between, the segment somewhat comically occupied by the cheap-as-chips MG 5 EV and the not-so affordable Porsche Taycan Sport Turismo. The Astra Sports Tourer Electric has plenty of space to navigate between those two, but it will be joined by the Peugeot e-308 SW shortly.

Inside both cars, the interior is dominated by Vauxhall’s ‘Pure Panel’ cabin layout making use of two ten-inch displays – one for the instrumentation and another acting as a central infotainment screen. They can be supported by a head-up display system, while a bit of additional sportiness can be thrown into the mix with sports seats trimmed in Alcantara.

Vauxhall hasn’t announced any prices yet, but it will open orders for the hatchback first, early next year before the car hits the roads in the summer. The Sport Tourer will be a little later in 2023.