DRIVEN FACELIFTED ASTRA

FIRST VERDICT We get behind the wheel of Vauxhall's revamped plug-in hybrid family hatchback to check out its new look and more powerful powertrain

- Alastair Crooks

A LITTLE over a decade ago the Vauxhall Astra was a mainstay in the top 10 bestselling cars list in the UK.

The current, eighth-generation model hasn't quite seen as much success as its predecessors, although Vauxhall has just upgraded the armoury of its family hatch with a new look, fresh powertrains and a daring pricing strategy.

You can now buy the Astra Hatchback and Sports Tourer estate for the same price - whether you go for the entry-level £29,995 Griffin, mid-spec £31,495 GS or the £33,995 Ultimate flagship. The price-matching continues with the powertrains, too, because there's no difference in cost between the hybrid, plugin hybrid or pure-electric versions. A pure-petrol version is joining the range later this year, however, which will undercut the other engine options on cost.

The alignment of the Astra's pricing draws our attention to the plugin hybrid model, which used to be the most expensive variant that you could buy (with the Astra Electric's £1,500 Government Electric Car Grant factored in).

Of course, the PHEV is the relatively new version that was added to the Astra range last year, bringing with it more electric range and increased power compared with the previous 'Hybrid 180' variant. The Astra plugin hybrid's starting price is also more than £6,000 less than its Volkswagen's Golf eHybrid rival, too.

Not only has the Astra Electric seen its all-electric range rise due to having a larger battery (now 58.3kWh with a maximum range of 281 miles), but the PHEV's electrical side has also been boosted. The all-electric range on the latest Astra plugin grows from 39 miles to 52 miles, thanks mainly to a larger 17.2kWh pack replacing the old 12.4kWh battery.