2022 Vauxhall Astra GSe 1.6L PHEV 8AT (225 HP)

Vehicle Overview

Vauxhall introduced the GSe version of the Astra L in late 2022, offering customers a potent plug-in hybrid that could travel up to 40 miles (64 km) on batteries only.

The British brand was already part of the Stellantis automotive giant in September 2022 when it introduced the Astra Hatchback GSe, the Astra Sports Tourer GSe, and the Grandland GSe. The new version was the answer to those who asked for a more potent version of the popular compact hatchback. But the wait was worth it since the car delivered exhilarating accelerations and a generous all-electric range that could help people drive the vehicle mostly on electrons alone.

The Astra L generation sported a new design element at the front, known as the Vauxhall Vizor. It featured a broad grille fitted with horizontal slats and flanked by angular-shaped headlights. They featured the already specific L-shaped daytime running lights mounted on their upper outer corners. Lower, on the apron, a second broad air intake was flanked by a pair of side scoops that housed the fog lamps. In addition, a longitudinal crease on the hood emphasized the car’s angular shape and sporty character.

From its profile, the Astra L kept the sculptured lower line that crossed the door panels like on the previous two generations of the car, but with an angular shape instead of the organic, curved one of the Astra J and K, respectively. To emphasize the sporty character of the GSe version, the automaker installed a specific suspension for it that lowered the ground clearance by 10 mm (0.4 inch). In addition, the wide 18” light alloy wheels completed the image. Finally, at the back, the raked-forward tailgate sported the taillights that were extended on it from the rear quarter panels while a roof spoiler adorned it.

Inside, Vauxhall has carried over some of the technological features developed by Peugeot, its owner, since 2017. On the dashboard, the automaker installed a pair of two 10-inch displays. The one fronting the driver was for the instrument panel, while the touchscreen above the center stack was for the infotainment system. Customers could find Alcantara-wrapped high-bolstered seats at the front. These were separated by a wide center console that housed the transmission controller, a couple of cup holders, and a storage compartment. In the rear, the split-folding bench seat could accommodate three passengers for short jaunts or two for longer trips.

Under the hood, Vauxhall installed a 180 PS (177 hp) turbocharged gasoline engine from Peugeot. This was helped by a 110 PS (108 hp) electric motor fed by a 12.4 kWh battery. As a result, the combined total power output of the vehicle was a respectable 225 PS (222 hp) sent to the front wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission.