Vauxhall adds manual transmission to Astra line-up with new lower entry price

Key Takeaways

• Vauxhall has introduced a six-speed manual transmission to the Astra and Astra Sports Tourer petrol range.

• The manual variant lowers the entry price for the Astra range to £26,495 OTR.

• Hatchback and Sports Tourer models are priced identically across all trim levels.

• The manual transmission is paired with a 1.2-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine producing 130PS and 230Nm of torque.

• Three trim levels are available: Griffin, GS and Ultimate.

• The Astra range features a comprehensive powertrain line-up including 48V Hybrid, Plug-in Hybrid, Electric and petrol options.

• All versions of the new Astra are priced under the £40,000 threshold, avoiding the Expensive Car Supplement and saving £2,200 in Vehicle Excise Duty over six years.

 

Overview

Vauxhall has opened orders for a six-speed manual transmission variant of the Astra and Astra Sports Tourer, providing a more accessible entry point to the model range. The manual gearbox is paired with the 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine and is available across all three trim levels: Griffin, GS and Ultimate. All Astra models are priced below the £40,000 threshold for the Expensive Car Supplement, which saves owners £2,200 in Vehicle Excise Duty (road tax) over the first six years of ownership.

Engine and Powertrain

The new manual variant features a 1.2-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine. This engine delivers a power output of 130PS and 230Nm of torque. It joins the existing eight-speed automatic transmission option in the petrol line-up.

Transmission and Performance

The six-speed manual transmission enables the Astra hatchback to accelerate from 0 to 62mph in 9.7 seconds, while the Astra Sports Tourer completes the same acceleration in 10 seconds. Both body styles have a top speed of 130mph. The powertrain achieves a fuel economy of up to 50.4mpg under WLTP Combined High testing.

Astra Powertrain Range

The Astra range offers a selection of electrified and internal combustion powertrains. This includes a 48V self-charging hybrid, a plug-in hybrid and a fully electric version. The Astra Electric features an updated 58.3kWh battery, which increases its range by 22 miles to a total of 281 miles under WLTP standards.

Exterior Design and Colour Options

The introduction of the manual transmission coincides with the launch of a new Denim Blue paint colour. The Astra is available in seven colour options, including Electric Yellow, which is exclusive to the hatchback, and Clover Green, which is unique to the Sports Tourer.

Trim Levels and Specifications

The Astra is offered in three trim levels:

• Griffin: Features the illuminated Vauxhall Vizor, signature compass lighting, tinted rear windows, 17-inch alloy wheels and roof rails on Sports Tourer models. The interior includes ergonomic Intelli-Seats, heated front seats, a heated vegan leather steering wheel, 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: Sporty mid-tier specification.

• Ultimate: Top-of-the-range specification.

UK Pricing and Availability

The manual Astra range is available to order with the following On-the-Road (OTR) pricing:

• Griffin: £26,495 OTR

• GS: £27,995 OTR

• Ultimate: £30,495 OTR

Hatchback and Sports Tourer models are priced identically across all trims, allowing customers to choose the larger body style without a price premium.

Vauxhall offers electrified versions of the Astra (Electric, Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid) at equal pricing across equivalent trim levels. With the government Electric Car Grant applied, the Astra Electric is positioned at a lower price than equivalent Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid variants.

All Astra models are priced below the £40,000 threshold for the Expensive Car Supplement, which saves owners £2,200 in Vehicle Excise Duty (road tax) over the first six years of ownership.

Comparison Table

Positioning Context

The Vauxhall Astra operates in the family hatchback and estate segments. It is designed for private buyers, families and fleet operators seeking practical, well-equipped transport with a choice of petrol, hybrid or fully electric propulsion.

Vauxhall Motors commenced vehicle manufacturing in the United Kingdom in 1903. The brand produces electric vehicles at its Ellesmere Port facility, which is the first electric-only manufacturing plant in the United Kingdom. Vauxhall is a subsidiary of Stellantis NV, which was formed in January 2021 through the merger of Groupe PSA and FCA Group.