ASTRA MAX (some text hidden) --NONE--

By Jonathan Crouch

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

Ten Second Reviewword count: 76

Vauxhall is hoping to increase its presence in the compact estate sector with this improved version of the eighth generation Astra Sports Tourer. SUVs and MPVs might offer more interesting options for family buyers but the solid, practical virtues of a good estate are not to be under-estimated. This one's smarter to look at and nicer inside. Plus its powertrains are now more efficient. So, aided by its French- derived underpinnings, it's a better package all-round.

Backgroundword count: 285

When what you need to fit in your car just won't, you need a bigger car. Family hatchback owners confronted with this nightmare scenario have a number of options at their disposal. They could take the rugged route with a compact SUV, choose the versatility of a compact MPV or step up to a medium range saloon. Alternatively, they could turn to an extended version of the family hatchback they already have. The estate car isn't the trendiest or most exciting option but when you need a little bit more room, it does the job. Vauxhall's eighth generation Astra Sports Tourer is little more than an extended Astra hatch but it could be all the car you need, especially in this improved form. With the demise of Ford's Focus Estate, this Astra station wagon faces two key rivals - it's identically-engineered Stellantis cousin the Peugeot 308 SW; and the evergreen estate version of the Volkswagen Golf. Both of those estate rivals have sold quite well over the years but sales of Astra estates have traditionally been way down on those of the standard hatchback versions. The compact estate market looks likely to remain a niche one but with flashy Sports Tourer branding, this revitalised eighth generation Astra estate could be destined to take a bigger slice of it. As for the recent changes made to prompt this review, well 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.

Driving Experienceword count: 491

For the time being, the majority of Astra Sports Tourer 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 Sports Tourer 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 Sports Tourer feels significantly different to the Peugeot 308 SW 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, an old Focus Estate, but we reckon this Astra still qualifies as a good pick 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.

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