All-electric version of Vauxhall’s family hatchback offers a range of up to 258 miles
The Vauxhall Astra is the latest model in the British brand’s line up to get the zero emissions treatment. The rather unimaginatively named Vauxhall Astra Electric will be available as a five-door hatchback and Sports Tourer estate – just like the current, eighth-generation Astra – and will start from £39,995.
Instead of relying on the e-CMP architecture used by the Corsa Electric and several other electric cars from the Stellantis family, the Astra Electric uses the latest EMP2 platform and features the same running gear as its sister car, the Peugeot e-308. This means there’s a 54kWh battery pack, powering a front-mounted motor delivering 152bhp and 270Nm of torque. According to Vauxhall, this combo is good for 258 miles in the Astra Electric.
Compared to the Astra Electric’s most direct rivals – the Renault Megane E-Tech, Kia Niro EV, Cupra Born and recently facelifted Volkswagen ID.3 – the Vauxhall doesn’t excel in the range department. Both the Megane E-Tech and Niro EV will cover around 280 miles on a single charge, while Cupra and Volkswagen’s electric hatchbacks can go up to 340 miles between top ups.
Speaking of which, Vauxhall has confirmed the Astra Electric will charge at up to 100kW from a suitably fast DC rapid charger, allowing for an 80 per cent top-up in 30 minutes. Vauxhall has also confirmed that, from launch, all Astra Electric models will be fitted with a three-phase 11kW on-board AC charger, though a full recharge from a typical 7kW home wallbox will take close to eight hours.
A 0-62mph time has yet to be confirmed, but we expect it'll be in the region of eight to nine seconds, meanwhile top speed has been confirmed as 105mph.
Aside from a new set of 18-inch diamond cut alloy wheels and some ‘e’ badging, the electric Astra looks virtually identical to its petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid counterparts. At the front, the Astra Electric features the brand’s trademark ‘Vizor’ grille, which was added to Corsa supermini as part of a recent facelift, and the brand’s IntelliLux pixel LED headlights.
Inside, every Astra Electric will have the Pure Panel infotainment set-up, consisting of two 10-inch screens. There’s also ‘Hey Vauxhall’ voice control and plenty of safety kit plus, as per the regular Astra, the EV’s ergonomic sports seats have been certified by the German campaign for healthier backs (AGR).
Vauxhall claims that, with the battery in the Astra’s underbody, there’s no loss of boot space over the Astra PHEV. So the electric hatch has a 351-litre boot with the rear seats in place, and the Sports Tourer offers 516 litres.
While the five-door Astra Electric will face competition from many EVs – including its Peugeot e-308 sibling, the aforementioned Volkswagen ID.3 and Renault Megane E-Tech, plus the more budget-friendly MG4 EV – the Astra Sports Tourer Electric will only have the newly updated MG5 EV and the Peugeot e-308 SW to compete against.
Order books for the Astra Electric hatch are due to open later this year, with the Astra Electric Sports Tourer going on sale sometime later. The Astra Electric twins will be a key part of Vauxhall plans on becoming an all-electric car manufacturer by 2028.
Keyword: New 2023 Vauxhall Astra Electric to start from £39,995