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Vauxhall Astra 2021 video review
Find out more about Vauxhall latest plug-in hybrid, the Astra, in our video review.
Words by: Auto Trader
Published on 20 September 2021 | 0 min read
Introducing the brand new 8th generation Vauxhall Astra, featuring a bold new look, more space and hybrid technology.
Vauxhall Astra design
Designed here in the UK by Mark Evans, whose intention was to deliver a bold and pure design language, there is no mistaking that this is the new, distinctive face of Vauxhall.
The entire front section has been blacked out, meaning Vauxhall can more tightly integrate, or hide, a lot of sensors that you might otherwise see on a car of this sort – like the ultrasonic sensors on either side of the number plate. Importantly, this plug-in hybrid has two ports for refuelling. One is a petrol port on the right-hand side and on the left is the port for recharging the battery, so you (hopefully) won’t get the two mixed up at the pump.
The entire front section has been blacked out, meaning Vauxhall can more tightly integrate, or hide, a lot of sensors that you might otherwise see on a car of this sort – like the ultrasonic sensors on either side of the number plate. Importantly, this plug-in hybrid has two ports for refuelling. One is a petrol port on the right-hand side and on the left is the port for recharging the battery, so you (hopefully) won’t get the two mixed up at the pump.
Vauxhall Astra interior
Vauxhall wanted improved storage in the new Astra, so they’ve done a lot of work in that particular area.
We’re pleased to say that the storage is very good, with 422 litres in the boot. For reference, a Volkswagen Golf provides 380 litres, so the Astra would appear to be the more practical car. The rear space is excellent too. The new Astra is 11 millimetres longer than before, with a wheelbase that’s been stretched by 13 millimetres, so legroom and headroom are more than adequate. Those who want yet more storage will be pleased to hear there’s also a Sports Tourer aka estate version in the works. Another focal point that Vauxhall has delivered upon is improved material quality, and the materials really do feel like a step up from the previous version. The technical material on the upper level of the dashboard and the textured surface at the top level adds to the premium feel, whilst the seats have actually been certified by a German back health organisation, so it should be pretty comfortable and supportive on long journeys. The new Astra also boasts two 10-inch displays that run side by side, one for the driver and one for your infotainment system. It’s a lot like what you see on the Mercedes A-Class and the Volkswagen Golf and it all looks really nice but crucially, Vauxhall haven’t gotten rid of the physical buttons so there’s a row of buttons that give you instant shortcut access to your heated steering wheel, heating, ventilation and climate control. There’s even a physical volume knob.
We’re pleased to say that the storage is very good, with 422 litres in the boot. For reference, a Volkswagen Golf provides 380 litres, so the Astra would appear to be the more practical car. The rear space is excellent too. The new Astra is 11 millimetres longer than before, with a wheelbase that’s been stretched by 13 millimetres, so legroom and headroom are more than adequate. Those who want yet more storage will be pleased to hear there’s also a Sports Tourer aka estate version in the works. Another focal point that Vauxhall has delivered upon is improved material quality, and the materials really do feel like a step up from the previous version. The technical material on the upper level of the dashboard and the textured surface at the top level adds to the premium feel, whilst the seats have actually been certified by a German back health organisation, so it should be pretty comfortable and supportive on long journeys. The new Astra also boasts two 10-inch displays that run side by side, one for the driver and one for your infotainment system. It’s a lot like what you see on the Mercedes A-Class and the Volkswagen Golf and it all looks really nice but crucially, Vauxhall haven’t gotten rid of the physical buttons so there’s a row of buttons that give you instant shortcut access to your heated steering wheel, heating, ventilation and climate control. There’s even a physical volume knob.
Vauxhall Astra performance
The new Vauxhall Astra will come in two performance levels - 180 horsepower and 225 horsepower. Both will have a pure electric range of 35 miles and a charge time of around 90 minutes, meaning your daily commute will not only be covered, but will work out cheaper than fuelling a pure petrol or diesel.
Vauxhall Astra electric
Vauxhall will offer an all-electric version of the Astra available from 2023 with no further details on that version available at the moment, but those looking for an electric fix can make do with this plug-in hybrid model available for the first time in an Astra.
The new Vauxhall Astra will be available from January 2022, and further details including the new Astra price will be available soon.
In the meantime, tell us what you think about the new, eighth generation, Vauxhall Astra. Will it compete with the Volkswagen Golf? Will it add to the 15 million or so units Vauxhall have sold through history? Let us know on social!
In the meantime, tell us what you think about the new, eighth generation, Vauxhall Astra. Will it compete with the Volkswagen Golf? Will it add to the 15 million or so units Vauxhall have sold through history? Let us know on social!