Astra Electric
Alternatives: Peugeot e-308, DS N°4, Citroën ë-C4, Tesla Model 3 Standard, Kia EV4 Fastback
Overview
The Vauxhall Astra Electric represents the British brand's shift toward full electrification in the family hatchback and estate segments. Built on the flexible EMP2 platform shared across the Stellantis group, the Astra Electric delivers a traditional driving experience with conventional car proportions rather than futuristic crossover shapes. Available as a five-door hatchback or a Sports Tourer estate, it targets cars like the Peugeot e-308, Citroën ë-C4, and Kia EV4 Fastback.
Design
Visually, the Astra Electric relies on subtlety rather than obvious EV styling. It retains the sharp, crisp aesthetic of its combustion-engined siblings, anchored by the signature Vauxhall Vizor front end that houses the badge, grilles, and headlights behind a single dark panel. Clean lines run along the bonnet and sides, creating a athletic stance. Subtle badges and aerodynamic 18-inch alloy wheels are the primary exterior giveaways of its electric underpinnings. The Sports Tourer estate variant lengthens the roofline gracefully without compromising the balanced proportions. Standard LED lighting all round gives the vehicle a modern light signature, while higher trim levels gain Intelli-Lux pixel LED headlights that adapt to night-time traffic conditions.
Interior
Inside, the Astra Electric combines a 10-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10-inch central touchscreen in a single sweeping driver-focused housing. Vauxhall has preserved physical buttons for the heating and air-conditioning controls, avoiding frustrating menu navigation found in some competitors. Material quality is robust, with soft-touch plastics adorning upper surfaces, though some harder plastics persist on the lower doors and center console. The front seats provide outstanding ergonomic support on longer drives. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard.
Performance & Powertrains
Power comes from a front-mounted single electric motor developing 156 hp and 270 Nm of torque. This allows the hatchback to cover 0-62 mph in 9.2 seconds before reaching a top speed of 106 mph. Energy is stored in a 58 kWh battery pack, offering up to 280 miles of range. Charging capability includes standard 11 kW AC three-phase support and 100 kW DC rapid charging. A 20-80% top-up on a public fast charger takes approximately 26 minutes. A standard heat pump and battery preconditioning feature help preserve efficiency during cold weather driving. The driving experience prioritizes comfort, refinement, and quiet progress over aggressive performance.
Practicality
Cabin space in the front is generous, accommodating tall drivers easily with plenty of headroom and shoulder room. Rear passenger space is more modest, while suitable for children or average-sized adults, legroom is tighter than in ground-up EV platforms like the Volkswagen ID.3 Neo. The hatchback provides 352 litres of boot capacity with the rear seats up, expanding to 1,268 litres when folded flat. Storage throughout the cabin includes decent door bins, a central armrest compartment, and smartphone slots near the USB ports.
Buying
Prices for the Vauxhall Astra Electric start from £29,995 for the entry Griffin specification. The line-up progresses to the mid-tier GS trim at £31,495 and caps at £33,995 for the range-topping Ultimate model. The EV Hub recommended configuration is the GS trim. The GS offers the best balance of tech and value, adding the dual-screen setup, ergonomic AGR seats, and dual-zone climate control.