Plug-in hybrid version of British family stalwart gets a fresh look and a longer electric-only range
When price is largely removed as a factor, choosing a powertrain becomes a matter of personal preference and use case – putting the power in the buyer’s hands.That’s what Vauxhall has done with the revamped Astra for this mid-life facelift: the hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric versions of the Volkswagen Golf rival all start at the same price, regardless whether you choose the hatchback or Sports Tourer estate body.Given the industry trend, that might prompt many buyers to look towards the EV, which we’ve reviewed separately, but there are plenty of buyers who aren’t ready to make that leap yet, for all manner of reasons. And for those reasons, the PHEV version feels like it could be the sweet spot in the line-up for many, offering genuinely useful real-world electric running with the convenience of a combustion engine.
