The new Astra GSe
The new Astra GSe
Vauxhall has selected its eighth-generation Astra as the first model to get a performance overhaul under the firm’s new GSe brand.
The new sporty moniker will appear on the hot — well, warm — versions of the Astra five-door family hatch, and the Sports Tourer estate.
With letters standing for Grand Sport Electric, Vauxhall’s newest performance sub-brand replaces the GSi badge which launched an array of warmed-up cult classics over 40 years ago, including the Nova GSi, Manta GSi and Mk3 Astra GSi. Both GSe models will be fitted with the more powerful plug-in hybrid powertrains than those slotted in the standard Astra range.
They will also benefit from some visual and performance tweaks, including a lowered chassis — the ride height has been reduced by 10mm — and sharper handling, aided by specially tuned dampers and sports-calibrated steering.
Overall performance though is being kept under wraps. Vauxhall has yet to confirm any performance figures for the two GSe models.
Thinking of making the switch to electric?
That said, if you check its mechanically identical Stellantis sibling, the Peugeot 308 225 plug-in hybrid, the French-badged model scampers from 0-62mph in 7.7 seconds, carries on to a top speed of 146mph, and is capable of covering 37 miles on electric-only. Expect the Astra, which will be fitted with an eight-speed automatic transmission as standard, to pretty much mirror those figures, with the estate around a tenth slower over the 0-62mph sprint.
The Astra GSe models will be powered by what is fundamentally the same 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine and 12.4kWh battery and electric motor system that you’ll find in the Hybrid 180 cars. The significant difference is the combined power output rises to 222bhp, with 360Nm of torque. As you would expect, the drive is sent to the front wheels.
Depending on spec, Vauxhall claims fuel consumption of 235.4-256.8mpg — just remember, these are ‘calculated’ figures, and not representative of what you’ll actually achieve in the real world — with CO2 emissions as low as 25g/km.
As for charging times, and given the battery is the same size as that of the regular Astra Hybrid 180, it will take an identical three-and-a-half hours if the GSe retains the standard car’s 3.6kW onboard charger. However, it’s pretty safe to assume the GSe will also be available with a 7kW charger on the options list. Tick that box and charging will be reduced to 1hr 55mins.
Externally, the GSe models benefit from a bespoke, more aggressive-looking angular front bumper, a blacked-out grille complete with black logo, further subtle GSe badging, including a GSe emblem on the tailgate, and 18-in light alloy wheels inspired by the acclaimed all-electric Manta GSe concept. Inside the cabin, there’s a new GSe-specific fascia, plus new Alcantara sport seats. Vauxhall will confirm more specification details in due course.
It’s likely the Vauxhall Grandland SUV, and the Corsa Electric will also get the GSe treatment in the future as Vauxhall expands its performance push, while at the same time pushing the brand to become fully electric by 2028.
But before that, the Astra GSe models have been welcomed by Vauxhall’s Acting Managing Director, James Taylor.
‘Available with plug-in hybrid powertrains from launch, the all-new Astra GSe and all-new Astra Sports Tourer GSe are the ideal cars for launching our dynamic new sub-brand, offering sporty styling, enhanced driving performance and all the benefits of an electrified powertrain,’ Taylor said.
‘As we work towards becoming an all-electric brand by 2028, our range-topping GSe models will showcase that electrified performance and driving pleasure can go hand-in-hand.’
And while the new Astra hatch is something of a head-turner, it’s the Sports Tourer estate which I personally think is the pick of the bunch and certainly the most versatile. Capable of stowing 608-litres of goodies with the seats up, it’s the same volume as the Ford Focus estate, slightly more than a VW Golf estate and just around 30 litres smaller than a Skoda Octavia estate.
The new Astra GSe will sit at the top of the model’s range, and as a result is expected to be priced close to £40,000 for the hatch, with the Sports Tourer estate costing an extra £1200. The current range-topper is the Astra Ultimate which costs £36,115.
Order books at Arnold Clark’s Vauxhall dealerships will open later this year for the GSe models, with first deliveries scheduled for the start of 2023.
