Vauxhall has opened orders for the Astra Hybrid and Astra Sports Tourer Hybrid, featuring 48-volt hybrid technology for improved efficiency and lower emissions compared to equivalent petrol models. Prices start from £30,025 with first deliveries commencing from July.
The new hybrid powertrain, also available on New Corsa and Grandland, features a lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 0.89kWh which is automatically recharged under certain driving conditions. This is combined with a new generation of 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine specifically developed for hybridisation. It produces 136hp at 5,500rpm and maximum torque of 230Nm at 1,750rpm.
The engine is paired to a new electrified six-speed dual clutch automatic transmission that has been designed for hybrid applications. A permanent magnet synchronous electric motor is integrated into the gearbox and produces peak power of 21kW (28hp) and maximum torque of 55Nm.
Enhanced efficiency and improved performance
Efficient and fun to drive, 48V hybrid technology is ideal for the Astra and Astra Sports Tourer. Compared with the similar non-electrified Astra 1.2 (130PS) with an eight-speed automatic transmission, the new Astra Hybrid offers a reduction in fuel consumption of up to 19% (56.5-60.1 mpg, WLTP combined) and significantly lower CO2 emissions of 106-112g/km CO2 (WLTP).
In everyday driving, the Vauxhall Astra Hybrid and Astra Sport Tourer Hybrid’s petrol engine and electric motor operate together or separately to optimise energy consumption and performance.
The electric motor allows the Astra and Astra Sports Tourer Hybrid to be driven short distances on electric power alone under low torque requirements (e.g. when manoeuvring or under 18mph in city traffic). It also supports the petrol engine under acceleration, for example when launching from a standstill. This contributes to a 0-62mph time of 9 seconds for the Astra Hybrid and 9.3 seconds for the Astra Sports Tourer Hybrid – 0.7 and 0.6 seconds faster respectively than the equivalent petrol models.
During deceleration, the petrol engine stops and the e-motor acts as a generator to recharge the hybrid system’s 48V battery. The battery also stores the energy retrieved by the regenerative braking system.
The new petrol engine has been enhanced for efficiency and operates in the Miller combustion cycle. This thermodynamic cycle is enabled by the variable geometry turbocharger, which improves performance at low rpm, and variable valve timing. A belt-driven starter combines with the e-motor to start the petrol engine from cold. The belt-starter also restarts the engine quickly and effortlessly while driving.
The arrival of the Astra Hybrid and Astra Sports Tourer Hybrid widens the powertrain options available to customers, with both models already available with fully electric, petrol, Plug-in Hybrid and sporty GSe powertrains.
Specification
In line with Vauxhall’s simplified trim line-up, both the Astra Hybrid and Astra Sports Tourer Hybrid are available in Design, GS and Ultimate specifications.
Design is the entry-point to the Astra Hybrid and Astra Sports Tourer Hybrid range, and is extremely well equipped. It features 16-inch alloy wheels and chrome-effect badging, while inside it benefits from a 10-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™. All Design models feature full LED lighting, high beam assist, front and rear parking distance sensors as well an array of driver-assistance tech, including lane departure warning with lane keep assist, speed sign recognition, driver drowsiness alert, adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection.
GS adds a number of design enhancements that make the Astra Hybrid and Astra Sports Tourer Hybrid even better to look at, including a contrasting black roof, a black Griffin logo and Vizor frame at the front and 17-inch black alloy wheels. Other additions over Design specification include an Intelli-Vision 360° panoramic parking camera, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, keyless entry and start and the Pure Panel Pro digital display, which features an edge-to-edge glass finish for the touchscreen and digital instrument cluster.
Top-of-the-range Ultimate trim enhances the Astra Hybrid and Astra Sports Tourer Hybrid even further, with Vauxhall’s class-leading adaptive IntelliLux LED® pixel headlights providing exceptional visibility at night, while Alcantara seat trim and a panoramic sunroof enhance the sense of style. Intelli-Drive 2.0 is also available and features Vauxhall’s most advanced and intuitive driver assist technologies, including Semi-Automated Lane Change Assist and Advanced Intelligent Speed Adaptation.
Astra Hybrid and Astra Sports Tourer Hybrid – Pricing
| Trim | CO2 emissions (g/km, WLTP) | MPG (WLTP Combined) | BiK rates(23/24) | P11D prices | OTR MRRP |
| Astra Design Hybrid 1.2 136PS e-DCT6 | 106 | 60.1 | 26% | £29,795 | £30,025 |
| Astra GS Hybrid 1.2 136PS e-DCT6 | 109 | 58.9 | 26% | £32,090 | £32,320 |
| Astra Ultimate Hybrid 1.2 136PS e-DCT6 | 112 | 56.5 | 27% | £35,205 | £35,460 |
| Astra Sports Tourer Design Hybrid 1.2 136PS e-DCT6 | 108 | 58.9 | 26% | £31,995 | £32,225 |
| Astra Sports Tourer GS Hybrid 1.2 136PS e-DCT6 | 111 | 57.6 | 27% | £34,290 | £34,545 |
| Astra Sports Tourer Ultimate Hybrid 1.2 136PS e-DCT6 | 114 | 55.4 | 27% | £37,605 | £37,860 |
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