Skip advert
Advertisement

New Vauxhall Astra GSe: plug-in hot hatch joined by Sports Tourer estate

Sporty new trim level joins the Astra Sports Tourer range

The Sports Tourer estate version of the Astra has just gained a range-topping GSe trim level and it’s on sale now, featuring upgrades to the chassis and extra equipment as standard. 

GSe is Vauxhall’s new performance sub-brand, indirectly replacing the old VXR models. The GSe Astra models utilise a hybrid powertrain with the Astra Hatch GSe sharing the same system as the Sports Tourer and the new Grandland GSe getting a more powerful plug-in hybrid unit. 

Advertisement - Article continues below

The GSe uses the same plug-in hybrid system that is available elsewhere in the Astra range. It’s a turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol unit with a 12.4kWh battery providing a total output of 222bhp. Both the hatchback and estate model use the same eight-speed automatic transmission and offer a 0-62mph time of 7.5 seconds and a top speed of 146mph.

 A pure-electric range of up to 39 miles is available on the estate, where the hatch goes up to 40 miles. The hatchback also emits slightly less CO2 with 25g/km to the estate’s 26g/km.  

The GSe hatchback starts from £41,050, with the Sports Tourer coming in at £43,250. For the extra outlay over the Ultimate trim level, you get a few exterior tweaks to differentiate the GSe as the sportier offering. 

Along with the unique 18-inch wheels, there’s a black contrasting roof, tinted windows, blacked-out badging and a new front bumper. On the inside, the GSe receives Alcantara sports seats, a GSe-specific leather steering wheel and wireless smartphone charging and a head-up display as standard. The twin 10-inch screens on the dash are unchanged visually but do feature voice recognition. 

Both cars also sit 10mm lower than the standard model thanks to bespoke adjustable dampers with 11 per cent stiffer springs. To accommodate for the revised suspension, Vauxhall has also recalibrated the GSe’s steering for improved feedback and added responsiveness. 

Safety technology has also been upgraded for the GSe with forward-collision alert, active emergency braking, pedestrian detection and lane departure warning coming as standard. 

Now check out our list of the best plug-in hybrid cars on sale right now...

Skip advert
Advertisement
Senior news reporter

A keen petrol-head, Alastair Crooks has a degree in journalism and worked as a car salesman for a variety of manufacturers before joining Auto Express in Spring 2019 as a Content Editor. Now, as our senior news reporter, his daily duties involve tracking down the latest news and writing reviews.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

New Vauxhall Astra Hybrid available as family hatch and Sport Tourer estate
New Vauxhall Astra Hybrid - front
News

New Vauxhall Astra Hybrid available as family hatch and Sport Tourer estate

48V hybrid technology offers improved fuel economy and CO2 emissions compared to pure-petrol Astras, with prices starting from £30,025
21 Feb 2024
Vauxhall Astra review
Vauxhall Astra UK - front
In-depth reviews

Vauxhall Astra review

Stylish looks, impressive technology, and a wide variety of engines make the Vauxhall Astra a convincingly good family hatchback
20 Feb 2024
Vauxhall Astra GSe PHEV long-term test: a troublesome start to life on our fleet
Vauxhall Astra GSE PHEV long termer - first report header
Long-term tests

Vauxhall Astra GSe PHEV long-term test: a troublesome start to life on our fleet

First report: British brand’s new plug-in hybrid hatch joins our fleet
15 Feb 2024
Car Deal of the Day: Vauxhall Astra is a stylish family hatch for just £238 per month
Vauxhall Astra UK - full front
News

Car Deal of the Day: Vauxhall Astra is a stylish family hatch for just £238 per month

It looks better than ever, features a smart cabin and the price is right so the Vauxhall Astra is our Car Deal of the Day for 2 February
2 Feb 2024

Most Popular

Huge Audi new car blitz to bring us 9 models in 2 years
Upcoming Audi models - four-way image
News

Huge Audi new car blitz to bring us 9 models in 2 years

After a quiet few years, the German giant is gearing up for its biggest product onslaught to date
25 Mar 2024
Posh new trim level for Dacia Sandero while the Sandero Stepway gets more power
Dacia Sandero - front
News

Posh new trim level for Dacia Sandero while the Sandero Stepway gets more power

Both the Sandero and Sandero Stepway ranges have been tweaked, gaining more safety features to meet the latest regulations
26 Mar 2024
Road tax set to rise in April: here’s how much more you’ll pay
Road tax documentation
News

Road tax set to rise in April: here’s how much more you’ll pay

Drivers with newer cars can expect to be paying roughly £10 more per year, a although the biggest gas guzzlers will fare the worst
26 Mar 2024