Vauxhall has revealed its new Astra and Astra Sports Tourer GSe models, spearheading its new GSe electrified sub-brand.

The Vauxhall Astra GSe will become the first model in a new sub-brand of performance Vauxhall vehicles, featuring plug-in hybrid power and visual upgrades. It gets a 1.6-litre petrol engine and electric motor for a combined total output of 222bhp, in line with the brand’s push towards electrification. Vauxhall has pledged to be an EV-only manufacturer by 2028.

Spotting an Astra GSe will be made easy by some exclusive design features, including 18-inch alloy wheels, a more angular front bumper design, Alcantara sports seats, and prominent GSe badging. The treatment will also be offered for the Astra Sports Tourer estate. It’s anticipated the Vauxhall Grandland will later receive the GSe treatment for buyers that want a sporty look and feel but in SUV form.

The GSe sub-brand, standing for Grand Sport Electric, replaces the now-defunct VXR brand as the performance offering from Vauxhall. Acceleration figures are yet to be confirmed but we expect the Astra GSe to get from 0-62mph in around 7.5 seconds, with the estate model a fraction slower. This is off the pace of the previous generation Astra VXR, however the GSe will be capable of 235.4-256.8mpg on the official combined test cycle.

Its electric-only range is expected to be between 37-40 miles – enough for the average daily commute – with charge times ranging from 3.5 hours to just under two hours, depending on whether it is being charged from a 3.6kW charger or a more powerful 7kW charger.

Source: Carbuyer.co.uk