Vauxhall Astra Electric

The latest Vauxhall Astra introduces the first all-electric version, and Richard Gooding finds that it's a car which places efficiency and ease of driving high on its list of priorities

What is it?

A staple of the UK’s motoring landscape, the Vauxhall Astra is both a fleet and family favourite. Now in its eighth generation, the hatchback gained its first all-electric version in 2023, using powertrain components shared with other models in the Stellantis group, owner of Vauxhall since 2021. Crowned the 2023 EV Manufacturer of the Year at the GreenFleet Awards, Vauxhall also offers the Astra with plug-in hybrid and ICE powertrains. In addition to the five-door hatchback, a Sports Tourer estate version is sold alongside it, with the same choice of powertrain options.

What range does it have?

Unlike the Vauxhall Corsa Electric tested in the last issue of GreenFleet, the Astra Electric has a choice of a single battery. It uses a similar lithium-ion unit as its smaller sibling, but in the Astra the 54kWh battery gives an official WLTP combined test cycle range of up to 260 miles. During our test conducted in colder conditions, we saw a highest value of 262 miles when charged to 100 per cent.

How long does it take to charge?

On a 7kW home wallbox connection, a 0-100 per cent charge takes eight hours, but plug the Vauxhall into an 11kW public charger, and this drops by around two hours. A 100kW DC rapid charger connection takes 26 minutes to refill the battery from 20-80 per cent. As with some other cars fitted with the same Stellantis powertrain, Vauxhall’s electric family hatch has a standard on-board 11kW AC charger, and a heat pump.

How does it drive?

Dressed in its sharp-lined suit, the latest version of the Astra is much bolder than any one before it, and cars finished with a black roof really do look good, the ‘shark fin’-type rear C-pillar and black badging making a visual statement. Inside, Vauxhall’s ‘Pure Panel’ digital dash is actually made up of two 10-inch screens, one which controls the infotainment system, and one which gives the driver a wealth of – configurable – information behind the steering wheel. Thankfully, not all functions are controlled through the touchscreens. Two rows of physical shortcut and air conditioning buttons sit below the sharp display, making controlling these functions that little bit easier.     

Driving the Astra Electric is easy, too, the light and accurate steering allowing you to place the car on the road with no drama. The 199lb ft of torque gives adequate pace, while passenger comfort is placed high on the agenda, with either little wind or road noise entering the cabin. A composed and compliant ride is another plus, and if there is any criticism, it’s that Vauxhall’s larger electric hatchback errs on the side of being a little unmemorable to drive.     

One thing it is good at, though, is being efficient. Official efficiency is 4.2mpkWh, but we saw 4.7 on one occasion, and the ‘B’ ‘gear’ mode can unlock increased energy recuperation under braking. However, the small button on the centre console requires some muscle memory to locate it. As in the Corsa Electric, a trio of Eco, Normal and Sport driving modes give scope for tailoring of the driving experience.

What does it cost?

The entry level Vauxhall Astra Electric is priced from £37,795 in Design trim. Highlights include 18-inch bi-colour alloy wheels, front and rear parking sensors, keyless start, active cruise control, a 10-inch colour touchscreen and 10-inch digital instrument cluster with wireless smartphone mirroring, and lane departure warning and speed sign recognition systems. As with the special edition Corsa Yes, the £34,995 Astra Griffin is a value-led model offering single-zone climate control, and heated front seats and a steering wheel among its key features.       

Next up is the £40,145 Astra Electric GS that counts a black roof, dark-tinted rear windows, alloy effect pedals, a black interior headliner, dual-zone climate control, 360-degree panoramic parking camera, and a traffic sign recognition system as standard. Finally, priced from £43,260, the Astra Electric Ultimate adds LED matrix headlights, a head-up display, a panoramic sunroof, a heated windscreen, wireless smartphone charging, and alcantara suede seats.     

The Astra Electric is also available as an estate, or ‘Sports Tourer’ in Vauxhall-speak, and trim levels for this reflect the hatchback, but cost around £2,200 more, model-for-model. The big benefit of the Sports Tourer is the additional 200 litres of luggage space it offers over the hatchback.

How much does it cost to tax?

All electric vehicles on sale in the UK are currently exempt from paying VED charges in both their first and subsequent years of registration, so this is also true of the Astra Electric. The Vauxhall EV hatchback attracts a Benefit In Kind (BIK) value of two per cent for the 2024-2025 tax year.

Why does my fleet need one?

Smart looks, a quality and technology filled cabin, and great efficiency means the Vauxhall Astra Electric should find many friends among fleet drivers who are looking for an EV which is easy to drive, comfortable, and has a bold, newfound sense of style.