5<\/span><\/p>\nHow we review cars<\/span>Buy used for less at Buyacar<\/p>\nVerdict<\/h2>\n
Vauxhall\u2019s plug-in hybrid Sports Tourer might just be one of the best versions of the current Astra yet. It balances practicality and efficiency, is fairly comfortable and drives well. Quality could be better, but solid tech and infotainment mean it\u2019s still a well-rounded offering that has no major flaws.<\/strong><\/p>\nThe eighth-generation Vauxhall Astra represents one of the biggest changes for the British brand in its history. Offered with plug-in hybrid and fully electric power for the first time, the Astra\u2019s appeal is broader than ever, which has been helped by the arrival of this Sports Tourer estate.<\/p>\n
While most buyers want SUVs, some still value the practicality of a wagon, so Vauxhall will continue to offer one \u2013 with different plug-in options. This Hybrid 180 driven here offers 178bhp and 320Nm of torque, thanks to its turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine and electric motor combination. Its 12.4kWh battery delivers up to 42 miles of electric-only range, according to Vauxhall.<\/p>\n
Factor in the \u00a339,135 starting price for the GS trim, compared with the more powerful Hybrid 225\u2019s \u00a343,400 price tag, and it seems like this more affordable model is a wiser choice, especially when you consider that it\u2019s only a tenth of a second slower from 0-62mph and offers the same electric range.<\/p>\n
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When it comes to its dynamics, the plug-in hybrid Sports Tourer feels pretty similar to other Astras. The steering is light, which helps to give the relatively long and large estate the sort of responsiveness you\u2019d expect of a supermini around town.<\/p>\n
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Our GS test car gets 17-inch alloy wheels as standard and we wouldn\u2019t suggest choosing the optional 18-inch rims. The Sports Tourer\u2019s ride is fine and certainly no worse than its Peugeot 308 cousin; there\u2019s plenty of suspension travel to soak up the worst bumps, but the high-ish kerbweight of 1,717kg gives the hybrid Sports Tourer a tendency to fidget on rough roads.<\/p>\n
Vauxhall\u2019s positioning within Stellantis means it offers a slightly sportier approach compared with Peugeot, while Citroen is the comfort-orientated brand. We wouldn\u2019t say the Astra is noticeably more dynamic than a Peugeot 308 SW, however.<\/p>\n
The Astra Hybrid 180 powertrain\u2019s throttle response is a little delayed, as are the eight-speed automatic\u2019s shifts, even when you move from \u2018Hybrid\u2019 to \u2018Sport\u2019 mode. Crucially, though, the combination of the petrol engine and electric motor means the PHEV never feels underpowered.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s around town in \u2018Electric\u2019 mode where the PHEV feels most impressive, nipping between junctions thanks to its punchy low-speed performance. The ride is respectable and it\u2019s sufficiently refined, too. There\u2019s not too much tyre roar or wind noise, but under hard acceleration the petrol engine is gruff.<\/p>\n
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The estate\u2019s interior is familiar, with the obvious addition of a lot more practicality. The PHEV is slightly compromised compared with petrol models because of the battery pack, with boot space dropping from 597 litres to 516 litres, but it\u2019s still a good size and there\u2019s plenty of rear passenger room, so it\u2019ll take care of family duties well.<\/p>\n
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The rest of the cabin is familiar, and our GS model gets plenty of kit. There\u2019s Vauxhall\u2019s dual-screen infotainment set-up, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, plus a 360-degree parking camera.<\/p>\n
Most of the touchpoints are finished in leather or soft-touch plastic and the layout looks premium enough for a family estate, but it\u2019s a shame that some frequently touched materials (such as the plastic on the doors) feel very cheap, while the piano black centre console will undoubtedly be covered in scratches after a few years of family life.<\/p>\n
\n\n\nModel:<\/td>\n | Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer Hybrid 180 GS<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
\nPrice:<\/td>\n | \u00a339,135<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
\nPowertrain:<\/td>\n | 1.6-litre petrol turbo\/1x e-motor, 12.4KWh battery<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
\nPower\/torque:<\/td>\n | 178bhp\/320Nm<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
\nTransmission:<\/td>\n | Eight-speed automatic<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
\n0-62mph:<\/td>\n | 7.7 seconds<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
\nTop speed:<\/td>\n | 140mph<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
\nEconomy\/CO2:<\/td>\n | 256mpg\/23g\/km<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
\nSize (L\/W\/H):<\/td>\n | 4,642\/2,062\/1,443mm<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
\nOn sale:<\/td>\n | Now<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n Source: Read Full Article<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"The lower-powered Vauxhall Astra PHEV estate promises to be the sweet spot in the range 4.0 out of 5 How<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"\n New Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer PHEV 2023 review - AutoMotoBuzz.com<\/title>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n |