Vauxhall has announced that the new eight-generation Astra will have a fully electric variant called the Vauxhall Astra-e.
While Plug-in variants and the petrol and diesel version will be available from October 2021, the all-electric Vauxhall Astra-e is scheduled for a launch in 2023. This will be joining Vauxhall’s already varied electric lineup consisting of the Corsa-e, Mokka-e and Combo-e Life and commercial EVs like the Combo-e, Vivaro-e and Movano-e.
Design
The Astra incorporates the company’s new Griffin badge first debuted on the Mokka and will also feature the new brand face called Vauxhall Vizor. Headlamps with wing-shaped DRLs flank the black panel housing the badge while the front bumper forms part of the grille opened up presumably for cooling the battery pack. The hood, too, features a central line that runs into and through the badge terminating on the bumper.
From the side, you get to see the hatchback design, completed with a sporty two-tone roof and a painted body painted C-pillar. The rear sports a spoiler mounted to the roof and sleek headlamps. The protruding bumper also gets a blacked-out diffuser for better aerodynamics. The Vauxhall Astra-e, too, should feature all of the exterior details save for a few paint and badging differences.
Interior
According to the press release, Astra takes a leap through time. Analogue instruments have been replaced with the fully digital Pure Panel that also first debuted on the Mokka. A touchscreen infotainment system comes standard. However, climate control still features physical buttons and switches for ease of use. According to the press release, the front seats have been developed in-house and feature exemplary ergonomics, allowing for complete comfort even on long journeys. For lighting, the Astra gets the new Intelli-Lux LED Pixel lights, a set of 168 LED elements lined through the interiors. The hatchback also gets a wheelbase of 2,675mm, allowing for roomier cabin space and 422 litres of boot space.
Features
The Pure Panel forms the 10-inch digital instrument display and 10-inch infotainment screen under one long glass panel. Vauxhall says that the designers were careful not to show superfluous data or functions of the car so as not to overburden the driver and instead showcases all the important information and useful operation options. The infotainment system, which users can also control with voice commands, supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. Most used functions additionally can be accessed via physical buttons.
And then, there are the driver assistance functions. Cameras and sensors placed around the car are integrated with e-horizon connectivity in Intelli-Drive. According to Vauxhall, this allows the car to adapt the speed in curves, make speed recommendations and perform semi-autonomous lane changes. Additionally, the car gets adaptive cruise control, long-range blind-spot detection, extended traffic sign recognition, rear cross-traffic alert and active lane positioning.
Vauxhall Astra-e Release Date
The Vauxhall Astra-e is scheduled for a launch in 2023. Powertrain options of the car haven’t been shared, but according to a report in Auto Express, the Vauxhall Astra-e could feature a 60 kWh battery pack with a range of about 250 miles on a single charge.
Featured image: Standard 2021 Vauxhall Astra/Vauxhall