Vauxhall Astra GSE Sports Tourer

FIRST DRIVE Load-lugging plug-in hybrid mixes performance and practicality, but there are some flaws

- Yousuf Ashraf

VAUXHALL is on the road towards full electrification, with the firm pledging to become EV-only as soon as 2028. As part of this plan, it's created the GSe performance sub-brand, which is currently applied to plug-in hybrids. We tried the Astra GSe hatch recently (Issue 1,765) and now it's time to see how the Sports Tourer estate fares.

Under the skin, Vauxhall's GSe models feature a more powerful 222bhp version of the Astra's 1.6-litre plug-in hybrid petrol powertrain. There's a retuned chassis, too, with the goal of the GSe brand to combine efficiency and driving fun in one package.

Vauxhall has abandoned the boisterous visuals of its older VXR models in favour of a more subdued design, but the fast wagon still gets a reworked front bumper, 18-inch diamond-cut alloys and gloss-black roof rails.

Aside from Alcantara-trimmed seats and a thicker steering wheel, the interior is borrowed from the standard Astra - albeit with a host of extra kit. As with the hatch, the Sports Tourer receives Vauxhall's Pure Panel Pro infotainment suite as standard, which adds a larger 12-inch touchscreen and a digital instrument panel.

Quality

The interface is fairly responsive and easy to navigate, while a row of toggles below the touchscreen allows for quick climate-control adjustments. The Astra also feels well made, save for some low-grade rubberised surfaces and a few too many glossy plastic trims.