Vauxhall Astra electric Tourer is perfect for long-distance driving
The race is on. The gloves are off.
Car makers are poised to present us with a host of electric estate cars – a variation missed by most first time round.
One of the f irst out of the blocks is Bri tain’s Vauxhal l, with the Astra Super Tourer Electric.
Until now, those whose business, sport or everyday need called for an estate car had only two choices if they wanted to go all- electric – the Porsche Taycan or, at the other end of the spectrum, the MG 5.
All that is set to change in a big way as the mighty Stellantis Group starts to roll out its electric estates with the Peugeot e- 308 SW and this, the all- electric Astra on forecourts by the end of March next year.
Long and low with lines stretching back to the integrated rear spoiler and automatic rear door, it is an eye- catching piece of kit. It sports the new recognisable Vauxhall Vizor nose and grille in black now – and that’s for a reason. Chrome, when it comes to carbon output, is very dirty so designers have erased all touches of it from this new car for a dark and brooding black.
There is a new e-motor, a new-generation battery and, alongside, an improved range. It will take less than half an hour to charge to 80 per cent on a fast charger and overnight on a wallbox.
Back in 2021, after it had moved into the Stellantis stable, Vauxhall simplified its line-up so, as with other models, there are only three trim levels for the new estate: Design, GS and Ultimate – although all are well endowed.
They all boast a 54kWh battery powering an electric motor and offering a range of up to 256 miles. This is along with a top speed of 105mph and a 0-62 figure of 9.2 seconds.
All of which will delight drivers who prefer to sit deep in their car, as you do here, rather than perch on top of it like an SUV.
And the storage is pretty good too. There are lots of pockets and cubby holes throughout and a boot with 516 litres of space, rising to 1553 litres with the seats down. It is low with a flat floor and 1.03 metres wide.
The drive is smart and silent with Eco, Normal and Sport modes and an ext ra B mode on the gearshift for intensifying braking and adding charge as you go.
Two rather sleek side- byside 10in screens dominate the dash, one for the information and entertainment options and the other for the customisable instrument panel. There are voice controls, nav, radio , Bluetooth, wi reless charg ing and wireless connectivity to your smartphone.
The Alcantara seats in the Ultimate trim are stitched in contrasting white and, like all seats across the Vauxhall range, conform to AGR guidelines – that’s the German organisation that makes sure stuff is good for our backs.
This means that on the road Vauxhall are providing you not only with the kind of clean power that will get you to your destination but also feeling well and fit. That’s important i f you are using this car regularly for long- distance dr iving for business or pleasure.
This latest British offering is one of the first all- electric estates to come to the mainstream market and is definitely worth a look – and then a lingering second one.