Most who want an EV hatch of this size will choose an SUV or crossover, but if you insist on a more conventional hatch or estate body shape, then you might well find this improved Astra Electric a good pick. Take body style out of the equation though, and at the kind of money Vauxhall wants here, there are an awful lot of other segment EV alternatives you might be better tempted by.
The value issue's all the more notable because in the last few decades, we've become used to Astras offering more for your money than rivals. And that might still be the case if you can persuade your local part of the brand's vast UK dealer network to sharpen its pencil with regard to the asking price. If you can't, then the reasons you'll choose this Astra over more obvious competitors (think Volkswagen ID.3 or Hyundai Kona Electric) will probably lie in terms of the more stylish looks of this enhanced L-series model. It'll certainly make a satisfyingly avant garde statement outside the school gates or the gym.
Ultimately of course, the reality is that this is less a radical electric take on Astra motoring and more merely a differently-flavoured Peugeot E-308. But there's nothing wrong with that and, as with that Peugeot, what you get here is a refreshing change from all the SUVs and Crossovers that usually crowd out this segment. With this car, Vauxhall's seeking the sweet spot between volume and profit and that's unlikely to lie with the kind of sales leadership we'd once have expected an Astra to have. But this is a different kind of Astra - from a different kind of Vauxhall marque. With a very different future ahead of it.

Adaptive cruise control with intelligent speed adaption

Digital instrumentation - Digital speedometer, rev counter and satellite navigation display

ISOFIX Child seat mountings on outer rear seats incorporating top tether mounting points (without child seat)

Deactivation switch for front passengers front and side impact airbags

Remote control ultrasonic security alarm system

Ambient light (customisable with 8 colours)

Lane departure warning with lane keep assist

Intelli-Drive 1.0 - Intelligent speed adaptation, lane positioning assist, rear cross traffic alert and side blind spot alert

Electronic stability programme (ESP) with traction control

Three spoke flat bottom perforated leather effect steering wheel

Electrically operated front and rear windows with safety auto reverse and one touch up/down facility

Intelli vision 360 degree panoramic parking camera

Bluetooth connectivity with A2DP audio streaming function (Advanced audio distribuition profile)

Twin electric adjustable/heated/power folding door mirrors + puddle lights

Frameless automatic anti dazzle rear-view mirror

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Charge Time (Mins)

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Power Supply - kW

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Percentage Change

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Charge Time (Mins)

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Power Supply - kW

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Percentage Change

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Charge Time (Mins)

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Power Supply - kW

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Percentage Change

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Charge Time (Mins)

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Power Supply - kW

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Percentage Change

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Years

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Mileage

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Comb - TEL

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Comb - TEH

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage

Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years

Man Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - City

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb - TEH

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb - TEL

Battery Capacity % guaranteed under warranty

Vauxhall Astra

115kW Ultimate 54kWh 5dr Auto