Vauxhall has launched the estate version of the new Astra, which has a 1,634-litre engine boot and the option of a plug-in hybrid powertrain. This is the new Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer. It will follow in the hatchback's footsteps into showrooms this summer, taking on the likes of the Skoda Octavia and Volkswagen Golf. Prices will start from £25,005.
Buyers have a choice of two specifications, namely Design and GS-Line. The entry-level model comes standard with 16-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, front and rear parking sensors, keyless go, and a host of driver assistance technologies that include lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and a driver drowsiness warning system.
Inside, all Astra Sports Tourer models are equipped with Vauxhall's latest Pure Panel infotainment system, consisting of a 10-inch infotainment screen in the center of the dashboard and a 10-inch digital instrument cluster in front of the driver. Other features on the entry-level Design trim level include climate control, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, as well as a natural voice recognition system.
The more expensive GS-Line variant has prices from £27,900. Upgrades over the base model include 17-inch alloy wheels, a contrasting black roof, rear privacy glass, and heated, electrically adjustable rear-view mirrors with built-in puddle lights.
Safety equipment has also received an upgrade, with active cruise control, traffic sign recognition, and a 360-degree parking camera all now standard equipment. Inside, buyers also get dual-zone climate control, a heated leather steering wheel, heated seats, and a pair of AGR-approved ergonomic sports seats up front.
Engine Choice
The Sport Tourer's engine range is lifted from the standard Astra hatchback, providing a choice of two petrol, one diesel, and plug-in hybrid powertrains. The range opens with a 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine, which can produce 108bhp or 128bhp.
Above it is a 1.5-litre four-cylinder diesel engine which also has 128bhp. Both the most powerful diesel and petrol engines can be specified with a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic, with the latter option adding £1,500 to the estate's sticker price.
The plug-in hybrid powertrain is only available with the GS-Line trim. It consists of a 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, a 12.4kWh battery, and an electric motor. Together, these systems can produce 178bhp, and Vauxhall claims they can deliver a maximum electric range of 42 miles.
The Astra Sports Tourer shares the same design language as the Astra hatchback, which includes Vauxhall's signature Vizor front end. The new grille features sensors for the driver and safety aids, as well as LED headlights, as part of the brand's striking new look. The main feature of the Sports Tourer is its spaciousness.
The main selling point of the Sports Tourer compared to the Astra hatchback is the abundance of storage space. There are 608 liters of usable space with the rear seats upright and up to 1,634 liters with the seats folded. However, opting for the plug-in hybrid variant will sacrifice some of that storage to make room for the underfloor-mounted battery, offering 548 liters of storage with the seats upright and 1,574 liters.
For those using traditional petrol and diesel engines, Vauxhall offers an “Intelli-Space” option, which adds a boot floor that can be moved and adjusted to high and low positions, and even tilts at a 45-degree angle to help secure awkward loads. The retractable boot cover can also be stowed away for maximum storage space.
