MANY electric cars seem like spaceships when compared with conventional combustion-engined vehicles, with radically different approaches to styling and packaging, plus complex controls that require a bit of adaptation. This isn't an accusation that can be levelled at the new Vauxhall Astra Electric, though, which keeps its wheels firmly on the ground. Here, from the outset, is a car that runs on electricity but doesn't need any other bells or whistles.
The Astra Electric is based on a combustion-engined platform (the third version of Stellantis's EMP2 architecture). This helps to reduce production costs, because the Electric comes off the line at the same plant in Rüsselsheim, Germany, as the regular combustion editions.
On the other hand, it does bring compromises in packaging, because squeezing a battery into the floor cuts the boot space of the Astra from 422/1,339 litres (seats up/down) to 351/1,268 litres in the Electric. Those are still just about reasonable numbers, and they're no worse than you'd find in the plug-in hybrid version of the same car, but it's worth bearing in mind if you're going to throw a lot of family life at it.
This story is from the June 21, 2023 edition of Auto Express.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the June 21, 2023 edition of Auto Express.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Panorama highlights faults plaguing smart motorways
THE UK's smart motorway network is plagued with technological faults that are not fixed for days at a time, leaving drivers at risk, according to the latest edition of the BBC's Panorama programme.
Final tests for Range Rover EV
Land Rover reveals images of electric Range Rover
BYD will spread its wings by selling new Seagull in Europe
BYD will bring its value Seagull supermini to Europe and the UK, Auto Express can reveal, after the Chinese brand's executive VP, Stella Li, confirmed the plan in Beijing.
Mega MG model blitz
THE MG3 hatchback kicks off a big year for MG, with at least four other new models arriving in the next 12 months.
BUYER'S GUIDE: Toyota RAV4 Mk5
FROM £17,000 Spacious five-seat SUV also offers loads of standard kit and unburstable reliability
Tesla fires up 460bhp Model 3 Performance
TESLA has just revealed its new Ragship Model 3 Performance - a quicker, more powerful version of the brand's all-electric executive saloon car - and has put it straight on sale in the UK, with prices from £59,990.
ASPIRING LEADERS
The new Volkswagen Tiguan takes on the Hyundai Tucson for compact family-SUV honours
HIGH ROLLERS
As Rolls-Royce hits 120 years old, meet the car makers that have tried to take it on - not always successfully
Jeep Wrangler
FIRST DRIVE Revised SUV icon gets enhanced interior tech
Mercedes-AMG CLE 53
FIRST DRIVE Performance version of sleek new coupé is put through its paces