Vauxhall Astra line-up grows with new hybrid

Vauxhall has expanded the powertrain line-up for the Astra and Astra Sports Tourer with a new hybrid option.

The new Astra Hybrid is powered by a 1.2-litre petrol engine featuring 48-volt hybrid technology. The same powertrain is available on the Corsa and Grandland.

It provides improved efficiency and lower emissions compared to equivalent petrol models.

Prices start from £30,025 (OTR), with first deliveries commencing from July.

Read our Vauxhall Astra review here.

Utilising a small battery, which is automatically recharged under certain driving conditions, the Astra Hybrid has a power output of 136PS and CO2 emissions from 106g/km.

Compared with the 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% - managing up to 60mpg (WLTP).

In everyday driving, the petrol engine and electric motor operate together or separately to optimise energy consumption and performance.

The electric motor allows the car to be driven short distances on electric power alone under low torque requirements. It also supports the petrol engine under acceleration.

The Astra Hybrid has a 0-62mph time of 9 seconds, while the Sports Tourer Hybrid manages the sprint in 9.3 seconds.

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.

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.

Astra Hybrid and Astra Sports Tourer Hybrid pricing, BIK and CO2 emissions: