Vauxhall opens orders for new Astra and introduces petrol automatic version

Key Takeaways

• New Vauxhall Astra and Astra Sports Tourer are now available for order.

• A new 1.2-litre petrol engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission is introduced, starting from £27,495 OTR.

• The Astra Electric now qualifies for the £1,500 Electric Car Grant, with prices starting from £28,495 OTR.

• The Astra Electric is priced £1,500 less than equivalent hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions.

• Astra Electric features an updated 58.3kWh (gross) battery, providing a range of up to 281 miles (WLTP preliminary), an increase of 22 miles.

• Vauxhall offers price parity between Astra hatchback and Sports Tourer models across all trims.

• All Astra versions are priced under the £40,000 VED threshold, saving customers £2,200 in VED over six years.

• Three trim levels are available: Griffin, GS and Ultimate, with prices starting from £27,495 OTR.

• The Electric All In package offers eight years of roadside assistance, £500 credit towards charging solutions and 10,000 miles of free home charging for eligible customers.

Overview

The New Vauxhall Astra and Astra Sports Tourer are now available for order, featuring updated styling and a comprehensive range of powertrains. This includes a new 1.2-litre petrol automatic variant, alongside hybrid, plug-in hybrid and an enhanced fully electric version. The Astra Electric now qualifies for the Electric Car Grant, making it more accessible, and Vauxhall maintains price parity between hatchback and Sports Tourer models.

New Astra and Astra Sports Tourer Overview

Vauxhall has opened orders for the New Astra and Astra Sports Tourer. The Sports Tourer is priced identically to the hatchback, without an added premium. The Astra Electric now qualifies for the £1,500 Electric Car Grant (ECG). The New Astra and Astra Sports Tourer feature distinct styling, drawing inspiration from the Vauxhall Experimental concept. The powertrain line-up includes a plug-in hybrid and a 48V hybrid version.

Astra Electric Updates

The fully electric version of the Astra features an updated 58.3kWh (gross) battery. This enhances the driving range by 22 miles, achieving up to 281 miles (WLTP preliminary) on a single charge. With the ECG applied, the Astra Electric is available for £1,500 less than the equivalent hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions. Prices for Astra Electric start from £28,495 OTR, including the ECG.

New Petrol Automatic Powertrain

A new 1.2-litre petrol powertrain has been added to the Astra line-up, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This petrol version utilises a 1.2-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine, delivering 130PS and 230Nm of torque. It accelerates from 0–62mph in 9.7 seconds and has a top speed of 130mph. Fuel economy is up to 48.7mpg (WLTP Combined High). Prices for the petrol automatic start from £27,495 OTR (On-The-Road).

Trim Levels and Specification

Customers can choose from three trim levels across all New Astra hatchback and Sports Tourer models and powertrains, each offering a generous standard specification.

Griffin

Priced from £27,495 OTR, the Griffin trim includes the illuminated Vizor and signature compass lighting, tinted rear windows and 17-inch alloy wheels. Sports Tourer models also feature roof rails. The cabin incorporates ergonomic Intelli-Seat features, heated driver and front passenger seats and a heated vegan leather steering wheel. Convenience features include a 10-inch Pure Panel infotainment display with wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto®, satellite navigation, adaptive cruise control and an electro-chromatic frameless rear-view mirror.

GS

Available from £28,995 OTR, GS models build on the Griffin specification with 18-inch black alloy wheels and a sportier bumper. Astra GS features fabric sports seats with an AGR-certified driver’s seat. The Pure Panel ‘Pro’ infotainment system integrates a 10-inch touchscreen and 10-inch digital instrument cluster into a seamless edge-to-edge glass display, also showing the 180º parking camera system. Additional driver comforts include keyless entry and start, electric and heated door mirrors and dual-zone climate control.

Ultimate

For £31,495 OTR, Ultimate is the range-topping trim. It adds enhanced connectivity, technology and driver amenities. New for Astra, Ultimate is equipped with Intelli-Lux HD headlights as standard, alongside ergonomic ReNewKnit™ seats with heating and massage functions for the driver and front passenger. The front passenger seat on Ultimate trim is also AGR-certified. Drivers benefit from Intelli-HUD, a head-up display providing traffic and navigation information. Connectivity is enhanced with a wireless smartphone charger. Further safety features include Lane Positioning Assist, Blind Spot Alert, Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. Astra Sports Tourer models also receive a power tailgate.

Electric All In Package

The New Astra Electric is available with the Electric All In package, designed to facilitate the transition to electric vehicle ownership. This package provides access to various charging solutions for retail customers of Vauxhall’s electric range. Benefits include:

• Eight years of comprehensive roadside assistance, including emergency charging assistance.

• £500 credit towards one of the following: a Home wallbox (Ohme Pro model, installed by Octopus Energy), Octopus Electroverse charging credit, Connected Kerb charging credit, Tesco charging credit or Kerbo Charge cross-pavement channel installation.

• 10,000 miles’ worth of free home charging when switching to the Intelligent Octopus GO home energy tariff, providing cost savings for EV owners. This offer is provided by Octopus Energy and is available to eligible new and existing Octopus Energy customers who purchase a brand new electric Vauxhall vehicle and an Ohme wallbox via a Vauxhall Retailer, at participating Retailers only. It excludes NI, IoM and Channel Islands. Customers must switch to the Intelligent Octopus GO tariff (domestic customers only), and existing Intelligent Octopus GO customers are not eligible. The 10,000 free miles of electric driving is paid as a credit of £175, including VAT, to the customer’s home energy account within 60 days of switching and after the first direct debit. Only one claim is permitted per household. The energy credit of £175 funds 2,500 kWhs at the current Intelligent Octopus GO EV rate of 7p per kWh.

• Unlimited access to connected services via Vauxhall Connect Plus.

Range Pricing Summary

Standards and Methodology

All range and fuel economy figures are measured according to the World Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP). WLTP is a global standard for determining the levels of pollutants and CO2 emissions, fuel consumption and energy consumption, and range of conventional and electric cars. It provides a more realistic assessment of a vehicle's performance under various driving conditions compared to previous testing methods.

Standards referenced:

• European Commission — World Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP) — https://ec.europa.eu/growth/sectors/automotive/environment-performance/wltp_en

Positioning Context

The New Vauxhall Astra and Astra Sports Tourer are positioned within the compact car segment, offering a range of powertrains including petrol automatic, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and fully electric options. The introduction of a more accessible petrol automatic variant and the Electric Car Grant qualification for the Astra Electric aim to provide broader customer choice and value. The price parity between hatchback and Sports Tourer models addresses the need for practical family vehicles without a premium for increased space. This strategy aligns with Vauxhall's focus on making electrification attainable for a wide customer base.

Brand / Historical Context

Vauxhall Motors began manufacturing cars in the UK in 1903. As one of Britain’s oldest automotive manufacturers, its philosophy is to build vehicles that offer design, high levels of equipment and technology, and electrification at an attainable level. Vauxhall is part of Stellantis NV, a global leader formed from the merger of Groupe PSA and FCA Group in January 2021. The company has offered a fully electric version of every model in its car and van line-up since the end of 2024.