Sexy New Vauxhall Astra Now With EV Options?

Vauxhall revealed the all-new, eighth generation of the Astra. It is the latest in 40 of Astra success. In a UK first in this segment, Astra comes in an electric drive.

The current model Astra was on sale in Australia under the now-defunct Holden brand.

Vauxhall has 2 performance plug-in hybrids, In addition, as well as petrol and diesel engines in with either friction-optimised six-speed manual and eight-speed automatic transmissions.

Astra is sleeker and lower than the outgoing model. With a length of 4,374mm and width of 1,860mm, looks stylish yet compact. Astra is 4mm longer than the old car, with the wheelbase increased to wheelbase of 2,675mm (+13mm), and has 422 litres of cargo space.

New headlight designs include adaptive Intelli-Lux LED® Pixel light with 168 LED elements, that has been borrowed from Insignia.

Inside, the driver gets a fully digital Pure Panel, banishing dials forever. The centre stack is topped with a super wide LCD screen that is cockpit styled towards the driver. There are a few buttons and dials, but the dash, console, and stack, have been neatened up.

The front seats, are in-house AGR (“Aktion Gesunder Rücken e.V.”), and there is an HuD, semi-automated Intelli-Drive assistance systems, and aIntelli-Vision 360-degree camera.

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ABOVE: 2022 Vauxhall Astra

New Looks

The new looks is defined by angles and faceting, and a front end featuring those new lights. The grille is simplified too, eschewing the busy old fashioned look of the old model.

Rear lights are sharp LED arrays with the central emblem doubling as the hatch release.

This expansive, digital cockpit (optionally fully glazed) has 2×10-inch that are integrated with the driver’s side air vent.

Physical controls are reduced to just a few buttons, leaving the Pure Panel keep the look neat. Vauxhall claims the interior is “detoxed of irritating visual stimuli and without the need for sub-menus”. The cabin is not strewn with cables owning to wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Handling

The new Astra uses the 3rd generation of the EMP2 multi-energy platform.

There are McPherson strut suspension up front, and a torsion bar at the rear. Under braking, the stops quickly but remains stable in curves or straights. The torsional has been improved by 14 per cent making for a supre tight chassis.

Advanced driver assistance

The driver is aided by a multifunction camera in the windscreen, four body cameras (one at the front, one at the rear and one on each side), five radar sensors (one at the front and one at each corner), and ultrasonic sensors front and rear.

Cameras and sensors are integrated with e-horizon connectivity in Intelli-Drive, and will adapt the speed in curves, make speed recommendations and perform semi-automatic lane changes. Hands-off detection on the steering wheel ensures the driver remains engaged at all times.

The long list of automated driver assistance systems also includes:-

adaptive cruise control with stop and go queue assist
Intelli-HuD head-up display
long-range blind-spot detection
Intelli-Vision 360o camera for easier parking
extended traffic sign recognition
rear cross-traffic alert and active lane positioning

Astra comes as plug-in hybrids

Astra comes in plug-in hybrid electric drive, petrol, and diesel engines, giving Astra and electric option, finally.

Power is 81kW (110PS) and 96kW (130PS) for petrol and diesel engines, and 165kW (225PS) for plug-in hybrids. A six-speed manual is standard on petrol and diesel engined cars, with an eight-speed automatic transmission (electrified on the plug-in hybrids) optional on the more powerful engines.

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