Review: Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer Electric
What is it?
The electric car segment has largely been dominated by the SUV bodystyle. People, it seems, like to sit a little higher up and as a result, manufacturers have been drawn to this off-road-inspired type of design for the vast majority of battery-powered vehicles. Estate cars, however, haven’t made quite so much of an impact on the plug-in power scene.
But estate electric cars do make a lot of sense in terms of space and practicality, which is why Vauxhall has made just such a model - the Astra Sports Tourer Electric. We’ve been finding out what it’s like.
What’s new?
Alright, so we’ll admit that the Astra isn’t alone in this segment as you’ll also find the Peugeot e-308 SW acting as an option for drivers who want a battery-powered estate car. In fact, the two share a lot of common ground and sit atop the same platform. You’ve got the same battery and same motor setup, too, meaning that underneath the skin these two are really quite similar.
In fact, if you want a little extra space then you might want to take a look at the Peugeot. Its 548-litre boot is a little larger than the Astra’s 516-litre load area. However, you’ve still got more than enough space in the Vauxhall for most occasions.
What’s under the bonnet?
Powering the Astra is a 154bhp electric motor which is linked to a 54kWh battery pack. The battery itself is fully integrated into the car’s platform, too, which means that you get a lower driving position and a stiffer chassis overall. In fact, it’s 31 per cent more rigid than the petrol or diesel-powered Astra Sports Tourer.
It brings a total range of up to 256 miles, too, while a maximum charge rate of up to 100kW means that a 20 to 80 per cent top up could take 26 minutes. Using a home charger will see a full top-up take just under six hours, too.
What’s it like to drive?
It’ll come as little surprise that the Astra Sports Tourer drives in a similar fashion to the standard Astra hatchback. That’s no bad thing, mind you, as it means it’s comfortable, refined and easy to get along with. Of course, with just 154bhp it’s not what you’d call fast, but it’s more than quick enough and Vauxhall’s claimed 0-60mph time of 9.2 seconds feels pretty realistic from behind the wheel.
Because of that battery placement, the seating position is nice and low, too, allowing you to feel a little better connected to the car than in rival models. The Sports Tourer also gets a new rear axle that helps to deliver slightly sharper handling, too, and this is noticeable through tighter corners and twistier sections of road.
How does it look?
Vauxhall has taken a strong new direction with the design of its cars. The Astra, like the recently updated 208, makes heavy use of Vauxhall’s sharp new ‘Vizor’ front grille which gives it a lot of impact and presence on the road - far more than we’ve come to expect from the brand’s cars, in fact.
Higher-spec cars also get a contrast black roof and plenty of black detailing which works to contrast the main body panel sections. At the rear, the number plate has been moved lower down, so that than sitting within the bumper - as it does on the hatchback - it’s placed on the tailgate to give a lower load lip and easier access to the boot.
What’s it like inside?
Vauxhall is punching into far more upmarket segments than it has done previously and it’s through the wider use of more high-quality materials that this is being achieved. There are plenty of soft-touch plastics dotted throughout the Astra’s cabin and everything has a good level of fit-and-finish. Some of the shiny gloss black plastics do let the side down a touch, but it’s generally a nice place to be.
Vauxhall also uses its new ‘PurePanel’ display in the Astra, which sees both infotainment and driver display screens housed underneath one single piece of glass. It’s standard on all but the entry-level equipment grade, too, so the vast majority of vehicles will see it included.
What’s the spec like?
Having said that, if you’re not hung up on the PurePanel, the entry-level Deign has more than enough equipment for most with LED head- and tailights included alongside front and rear parking sensors, climate control and plenty of driver assistance technology.
The sportier GS brings a more dynamic flavour to the Astra through its 18-inch black alloy wheels and black badging, while range-topping Ultimate will be the choice of drivers who want all of the bells and whistles - it includes high-output Pixel LED headlights, a panoramic sunroof and better cushioned front seats, among other features.
Verdict
The Astra Sports Tourer Electric combines plenty of fine qualities. It’s comfortable and refined to drive, spacious enough for families and - most importantly - plenty enough range for daily driving.
Though rivals do offer slightly more range and features, it’s the Astra’s polished driving experience that really shines through here.
