Vauxhall has announced that its all-new eighth generation of the Astra will be available for the first time as a battery electric Astra-e.
The All-New Astra will be available as a fully electric model from 2023. It will join the Vauxhall all-electric line-up alongside Corsa-e, Mokka-e, Combo-e Life and Vivaro-e Life, as well as an already fully electric light commercial vehicle line-up of Combo-e, Vivaro-e and Movano-e.
The new Vauxhall Astra will launch this year as a sporty five-door with a low-slung look and yet more space than its predecessor. With a length of 4,374mm and width of 1,860mm, it fits perfectly in the compact sector.
The new Astra’s architecture will incorporate the latest automated driver assistance systems. In addition to the multifunction camera in the windscreen, the technology will comprise 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), as well as ultrasonic sensors front and rear.
Cameras and sensors will be integrated with e-horizon connectivity in Intelli-Drive, which will extend the range of the cameras and the radar. This enables the system to adapt the speed in curves, make speed recommendations, and perform semi-autonomous lane changes. Hands-off detection on the steering wheel ensures the driver remains engaged at all times.
The new Astra will be available from the start of sales with powerful plug-in hybrid electric drive as well as highly efficient petrol and diesel engines, electrifying Vauxhall’s compact class model for the first time in the brand’s history. Power ranges from 81kW (110PS) to 96kW (130PS) with the petrol and diesel variants and up to 165kW (225PS) system output with the plug-in hybrid variants, but figures haven't been announced yet for the all-electric version.