Overview
Vauxhall Motors is part of the Netherlands based Stellantis N.V., which was formed by the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (Italian/ American) and Groupe PSA (French). You may not be familiar with these names, but the automotive brands in the portfolio would be well known to most consumers.
These include: Maserati, Opel, Peugeot, Jeep, FIAT, Alfa Romeo etc. The Vauxhall electric vehicle (EV) portfolio includes both, battery-electric vehicle (BEV) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) models:
- All-Electric Vauxhall Mokka-e SUV
- All-Electric Vauxhall Corsa-e Hatchback
- Vauxhall Grandland Plug-In Hybrid SUV
- Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer Plug-In Hybrid
- Vauxhall Astra Plug-In Hybrid
- Vauxhall Combo Life Electric
- Vauxhall Vivaro Life Electric
Electric Cars: The Basics
For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles:
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The Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer PHEV Estate
The ubiquitous Vauxhall Astra is a compact family car that was introduced in 1991. The latest generation (8th generation/ 2022 model) is available as a conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) and also as a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV).
The Vauxhall Astra estate car has always offered a compelling ‘value for money’ proposition, however, with the introduction of the estate PHEV, the proposition has become even stronger, given the improved efficiency of the electric vehicle (EV), lower tailpipe emissions and striking new exterior styling.
Moreover, despite the introduction of a number of family PHEVs in the recent past, the number of estate plug-in electric cars on sale is still limited. Therefore, for families and company-car drivers seeking practicality, lower motoring costs and improved environmental credentials, the all-new Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer plug-in hybrid is worth consideration.
The Astra plug-in hybrid estate has a 12.4 kW onboard EV battery, with a zero-tailpipe emission electric range up to 37 miles (WLTP certified). Even accounting for real-world driving conditions, the Astra plug-in electric car should be able to achieve an EV range up to 32 miles. Do keep in mind that the average journey in the UK is a mere 12 miles and the average distance covered in a day is 30 miles.
Therefore, a 32 mile emission-free electric range is useful. The Astra PHEV has a 3.7kW onboard charger as standard (0%-100%: 3 hours 30 minutes). However, there is the option to upgrade to 7.4kW (0%-100%: 1 hour 55 minutes). Charging the EV with a domestic socket will take up to 5 hours 30 minutes!
Taking advantage of the EV range will also require inculcating a habit of charging the EV on a regular basis, which again is as easy as charging a smartphone. We at e-zoomed discourage the use of a domestic 3-PIN plug for charging an electric car.
A ‘topping up’ approach to charging will help improve the overall efficiency of the vehicle and also improve the long-term maintenance of the onboard EV battery. Vauxhall offers a 8 years or 100,000 miles warranty.
Driving on e-mode will also improve the efficiency of the EV. Vauxhall claims a fuel economy up to 256 mpg. In the real-world achieving this will be a challenge, however, the PHEV will deliver a better fuel economy compared to the conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) variant.
Of course, if you are driving mostly on the motorway, with limited use of the electric range, the fuel consumption of the EV will be closer to the conventional ICE variant.
The Astra plug-in hybrid pairs a 1.6-litre (AT8) petrol engine with an electric motor (81 kW), powered by an onboard EV battery. In terms of performance, the front-wheel drive electric estate has decent capability for driving on motorways and in cities. The PHEV has a top speed of 140 mph and can achieve 0-60 mph in 7.7 seconds. The EV delivers a maximum 180 HP output (torque: 360 Nm).
The EV has a good level of standard equipment and technology, to include: Intelli-Vision (with 360° HD camera), intelligent speed adaptation, keyless entry + start, Pure Panel with navigation, ambient lighting and more. It is available only in one trim level.
We encourage drivers to use the pure electric mode to drive within city limits, to save money and reduce tailpipe pollution. The Astra PHEV has tailpipe emissions up to 25g (CO2/km), far lower than the petrol or diesel variant (128g CO2/km). Moreover, company-car drivers can benefit from the lower Benefit-in-Kind (BiK-8%) tax rate for the PHEV.
Bottom-line, electric driving is good for the environment and the wallet! You can lease electric vehicles at very competitive prices via e-zoomed!
PROS | CONS |
---|---|
Low tailpipe emissions | 7.2 kW on board charger not standard |
Decent electric range (43 miles) | DC charging not available |
A practical estate plug-in electric car | Available in only one trim |
The Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer PHEV Estate (credit: Vauxhall)
At A Glance | |
---|---|
EV Type: | Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) |
Body Type: | Estate |
Plug-In Car Grant (PiCG): | Not Available |
Engine: | Petrol/Electric |
Available In UK: | Yes |
Variants (1 Option) |
---|
Vauxhall Astra GS Line (from £33,900) |
EV Battery & Emissions | |
---|---|
EV Battery Type: | Lithium-ion |
EV Battery Capacity: | Available in one battery size: 12.4 kWh |
Charging: | Onboard charger: 3.7 kW AC as standard (0%-100%: 3h 30m). 7.4 kW AC optional (0%-100%: 1h 55m) |
Charge Port: | Type 2 |
EV Cable Type: | Type 2 |
Tailpipe Emissions: | 25g (CO2/km) |
EV Battery Warranty: | 8 years/100,000 miles/70% capacity |
Average Cost Of Residential Charging | |
---|---|
Battery net capacity : 8.8 kWh | £1.27 |
Battery net capacity : 11.6 kWh | £1.67 |
Battery net capacity : 12.0 kWh | £1.73 |
Battery net capacity : 13.10 kWh | £1.89 |
Battery net capacity : 14.10 kWh | £2.03 |
- Note 1: The average cost of residential electricity in the UK varies depending on the region, supplier and type of energy used. An average for the UK is 14.40 p/kWh.
- Note 2: Not all EV manufactures make available the data on net EV battery capacity, and in a number of instances the EV battery capacity advertised, does not state if it is gross or net capacity. In general, usable EV battery capacity is between 85% to 95% of the gross available capacity.
Charging Times (Overview) | |
---|---|
Slow charging AC (3 kW – 3.6 kW): | 6 – 12 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SOC) |
Fast charging AC (7 kW – 22 kW): | 3 – 8 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
Rapid charging AC (43 kW): | 0-80%: 20 mins to 60 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
- Note 1: SoC: state of charge
Dimensions | |
---|---|
Height (mm): | 1443 |
Width (mm): | 2062 |
Length (mm): | 4642 |
Wheelbase (mm): | 2732 |
Turning Circle (m): | 10.71 |
Boot Space (L): | 516 |
HYBRID-e | |
---|---|
EV Battery Capacity: | 12.4 kWh |
Pure Electric Range (WLTP): | 37 miles |
Fuel Consumption (mpg): | 256 miles |
EV Operation Efficiency (kWh/100km): | 16.0 |
Charging: | Onboard charger: 3.7 kW AC as standard (0%-100%: 3h 30m). 7.4 kW AC optional (0%-100%: 1h 55m) |
Top Speed: | 140 mph |
0-60 mph: | 7.7 seconds |
Drive: | Front-wheel drive (FWD) |
Electric Motor (kW): | 81 |
Max Power (HP): | 180 |
Torque (Nm): | 360 |
Transmission: | Automatic |
Seats: | 5 |
Doors: | 5 |
Kerb Weight (kg): | 1,717 |
Colours: | 6 |
NCAP Safety Rating: | Five-Star |
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