MORE ASTRA ZEN (some text hidden) --NONE--

By Jonathan Crouch

The improved version of Vauxhall's eighth generation Astra is now a cooler, more fashionable family hatch choice. Jonathan Crouch takes a look.

Ten Second Reviewword count: 54

The Vauxhall Astra. It's long been the staple of the company car park and this improved version of the eighth generation design aims to combine this model line's traditional no-nonsense appeal with a bit of extra flair. Plus there' greater comfort, an eco remit and significant changes for the versions you can plug in.

Backgroundword count: 184

This eighth generation Vauxhall Astra has been a very different kind of Astra; launched back in 2021, it had to be. After years of blandness from this model line, this MK8 version gained a far more streetwise look. And the option of both Plug-in Hybrid and full-electric drivetrains. Four years on though, a lot's changed in the family hatch segment in which this car competes. The Astra's traditional arch-rival the Ford Focus may be bowing out, but since this Vauxhall's original launch, we've had an updated version of the Volkswagen Golf and all-new smaller players arrive like the Kia K4 and the DS No4. Plus the segment is gradually being eroded by Hybrids and EVs. All of which makes necessary the mid-term MK8 Astra facelift we examine here. There's a smarter look, a bigger battery for the EV, more supportive seats, HD exterior lighting technology and recycled fabrics. As before, there's a choice of hatch or Sports Tourer estate body styles. And virtually brand new is the longer-ranging 17.2kWh battery Plug-in Hybrid drivetrain. Lots to talk about here then. Let's take a closer look.

Engines and Tech Specword count: 483

For the time being, the majority of Astra sales will continue to be either of the conventional 1.2-litre petrol combustion version, a 130PS manual or auto transmission powertrain that continues unchanged. Or of the Turbo Hybrid e-DCT6 variant, which uses a 48V self-charging Hybrid unit with 145PS and a dual-clutch 6-speed auto gearbox with a little 28hp electric motor built into it. But let's get on to what's different under the bonnet. The main updates here concern the powertrains you can plug in. The Plug-in Hybrid variant had only just been updated at the time of this facelift with a bigger 17.2kWh battery (up from 12.4kWh before), with EV range consequently improved to 52 miles (EAER). The powertrain on offer here is the usual now-uprated one that the Stellantis Group fits to its latest PHEV models, a 1.6 litre turbo petrol unit producing 150PS allied to a single electric motor delivering 110PS, the combined maximum in the mainstream Hybrid 195 variant being 195PS and 360Nm of torque. There's now a 7-speed auto gearbox (replacing the previous 8-speeder) and you can set the car to run in a dedicated pure electric mode. If you want to go faster in an Astra PHEV, you can talk to your dealership about the pricier, more powerful Hybrid 225 variant, which offers 225PS and has to be had with sporty GSE trim, featuring lowered, stiffer suspension.  The Astra Electric gets significant changes too, with a bigger 58kWh battery offering a range of up to 282 miles (22 miles further than the original version of this model could go). As before, there's a front-mounted 152bhp electric motor putting out a healthy 270Nm of torque. This kind of output ought to be enough for a car of this size, but because of the plump kerb weight, the initially rapid start-off punch tails off pretty rapidly, the 62mph benchmark finally reached in just 9.2 seconds, on the way to a modest top speed of 105mph. Through the corners, you'll feel the extra weight of that big battery, but as usual in an EV, its central low-down positioning minimises the downside by lowering the centre of gravity. Whatever version of this car you choose, it's refreshing to find when you set off down the road in this Vauxhall that an Astra feels significantly different to the Peugeot 308 it's almost entirely based upon. With slightly more of a focus on handling than comfort. True, there's not the rewarding depth of dynamic prowess that you'd get in this class in, say, a Mazda3, but we reckon this Astra still qualifies as best of the rest if you like your driving, mating the fluid gait you get with its Peugeot cousin with a slightly sharper feel. That's partly down to a bit more steering feedback; and partly down to fractionally firmer damping, though this Vauxhall rumbles a little over poorer surfaces as a result.

To see the full road test text contact us on 0330 0020 227