Summary
Now in its eighth generation, the Vauxhall Astra is a family-sized hatchback and estate car that poses direct competition to the likes of the Ford Focus, SEAT Leon, and Volkswagen Golf.
The Astra hatchback range became available for order in late Autumn 2021 while the estate version, named the Astra Sports Tourer, joined the range in Summer 2022.
As well as being completely redesigned, the new Astra is larger thn the old model and is closely related to the Peugeot 308, with the same range of petrol and diesel engine options and a range-topping plug-in hybrid. Both manual and automatic transmissions are available across the range. An all-electric version was released in 2023.
Plenty of reviewers have expressed their enthusiasm after their test drive in the Astra, first and foremost due to the car’s bold exterior styling that Car Keys calls “properly eye-catching”. Motoring Research comments, “this new Astra makes the anonymous old car seem like something from another era. It looks fantastic.”
Many journalists have made similar comparisons to the last-generation Astra in their reviews, but not all are favourable. While some argue that the latest Astra iteration has sharper driving dynamics, they add that the Astra models of old had more rear headroom and legroom, and were notably cheaper when new.
That said, most motoring outlets praise the Vauxhall Astra for its competitive pricing, particularly as the family car is available with a generous list of on-board tech as standard. Parkers points out that “performance is good without being great” however, and that if you are after a family car with particularly punchy acceleration, it is best to look elsewhere.
As Top Gear concludes, “the Astra is not a car to set your heart on fire, or your pants, but it feels satisfyingly well sorted.”
As of January 2025, the eighth-generation Vauxhall Astra holds a New Car Expert Rating of B, with a score of 69%. It scores highly for its low running costs and low average CO2 emissions (both helped by having a plug-in hybrid model), while questionable reliability stops the Astra from scoring an A.
- Vauxhall Astra Electric (2023 onwards) – Expert Rating
- Vauxhall Astra (2015 to 2021) – Expert Rating
- More Vauxhall Expert Ratings, new car reviews, news and features
Vauxhall Astra highlights
- Stylish exterior looks
- Competitive battery range
- Relaxing driving experience
- Generous equipment list as standard
- Refined and efficient powertrain line-up
Vauxhall Astra lowlights
- Rivals are more spacious in the rear
- Interior trim cheap in places
- Class leaders offer more powerful performance
- Plug-in hybrid’s brakes are rather stiff
- Question marks over reliability
Key specifications
Body style: Five-door hatch and estate
Engines: petrol, diesel, plug-in hybrid
Price: From £26,610 on-road
Launched: Spring 2022
Last updated: N/A
Replacement due: TBA
Image gallery
Media reviews
Highlighted reviews and road tests from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
Auto Express
Model reviewed: 1.6-litre petrol/electric plug-in hybrid Sports Tourer (estate) GS
Score: 8 / 10
“Vauxhall’s plug-in hybrid Sports Tourer might just be one of the best versions of the current Astra yet. It balances practicality and efficiency, is fairly comfortable and drives well. Quality could be better, but solid tech and infotainment mean it’s still a well-rounded offering that has no major flaws.”
Author: Alastair Crooks
Read review
Model reviewed: Electric (2023)
Score: 8 / 10
“The Vauxhall Astra Electric is a well judged product. Nicely tuned, intuitive to operate and easy to drive for its class, the Electric sticks close to the Astra recipe.” (Robin Hornig)
Read review
Model reviewed: GSe (2023)
Score: 7 / 10
“The Astra GSe makes some pragmatic sense as a company car, but even if judged as a ‘warm’ hatch, it falls far short of expectations, because of laggy, underwhelming power delivery and less-than-thrilling handling.” (Matt Robinson)
Read review
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The Vauxhall Astra misses out on a five-star Euro NCAP rating, but Driver Power customer feedback is improving.” (Ellis Hyde)
Read review
Model reviewed: Sports Tourer GSe (2023)
Score: 7 / 10
“The estate version of Vauxhall’s new Astra GSe offers more boot space than the hatchback, but is stifled by a higher BiK tax rate.”
Read review
Model reviewed: 1.5-litre diesel automatic GS Line
Score: 8 / 10
“In diesel form, the Vauxhall Astra lacks its petrol counterpart’s refinement, but it has lots of easily accessible performance and huge cruising potential. Whether this will be worth the extra outlay is up to you; it’s a sensible five-door hatch offering plenty of practicality and tech, and the diesel is a decent choice, but we think the Astra is best in petrol or plug-in form.” (Sean Carson)
Read review
Model reviewed: Astra 1.2-litre petrol manual GS Line
Score: 8 / 10
“The boot is big, the tech is strong and as a value proposition the Astra is appealing, also helped by its strong list of standard kit and smart styling. Despite more pressure than ever on the family hatchback sector from the ever-expanding crops of SUVs, the Astra offering is stronger than ever.” (Sean Carson)
Read review
Model reviewed: 1.2-litre petrol automatic GS Line estate
Score: 7 / 10
“This new generation of Vauxhall Astra is the most convincing we’ve known – but it doesn’t really stand out in any particular area. There are rivals with higher quality interiors, more boot space and better driving dynamics, so yet again the new Astra’s success lies in how generous Vauxhall wants to be when it comes to finance deals.”
Read review
Model reviewed: Astra 1.6-litre petrol/electric plug-in hybrid GS Line
Score: 7 / 10
“The latest version of the big-selling Vauxhall Astra hatch stands out from its rivals in plug-in hybrid form. This early taste of the Mk8 Astra suggests that it is a proper, individual offering that should stand out – and as far as Vauxhall is concerned, that’s probably an achievement in itself.”
Read review
Auto Trader
Model reviewed: Astra Hatchback range
Score: 8 / 10
“Smart looks, a simplified model range and plug-in hybrid option make the next-gen Vauxhall Astra a real player in the hatchback field.” (Dan Trent)
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Business Car
Model reviewed: GSe
Score: 8 / 10
“This must be the most appealing Vauxhall Astra available, but without the GSe performance additions, the standard Ultimate PHEV model does largely the same job for a bit less cash.” (Martyn Collins)
Read review
Model reviewed: Astra Hatchback range
Score: 7 / 10
“An attractive and capable car, at a generally affordable price.”
Read review
Car
Model reviewed: 1.6-litre petrol/electric plug-in hybrid Sports Tourer (estate)
Score: 8 / 10
“While the old Vauxhall Astra was something of an appliance, the latest version replaces dreary with a shot of desirability. It’s a handsome thing in the metal while the interior cleverly blends modern tech and traditional physical controls in an appealing fashion. It’s a strong – if not quite class-leading – compact estate, and generally one that should make most journeys more of a pleasure than a pain.”
Author: Alan Taylor-Jones
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Model reviewed: 1.6-litre petrol/electric plug-in hybrid GSe
Score: 6 / 10
“Should you shun the hot Octavia and Golf plug-ins for the high-voltage Vauxhall Astra GSe? On first acquaintance, it’s a yes from us, albeit with a couple of chunky caveats. While those cars can’t disguise their bulk as effectively, in our experience the VAG hybrid system is smoother, more efficient with a flat battery and much less raucous.” (Alan Taylor-Jones)
Read review
Model reviewed: Astra Hatchback range
Score: 8 / 10
“Based on looks alone, it’s a much better bet than the old Astra – and dare we say it, quite desirable. Beyond that, it’s well-priced, packed with equipment, and proves to be an impressively refined steer. Vauxhall is on a bit of a roll with its latest models, and the Astra continues the upward trend.”
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Car Keys
Model reviewed: Astra Hatchback range
Score: 8 / 10
“Vauxhall has a hit on its hands with the Astra, with its sleek design likely to tempt both current owners and those from other brands. It’s a properly eye-catching hatchback, particularly in high-spec trims and, when combined with its comfortable refined and generous equipment, there are plenty of reasons to choose it.”
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Carbuyer
Model reviewed: Astra hatchback range
Score: 8.2 / 10
“The latest Vauxhall Astra gets a striking look and the latest tech to better compete with rivals.”
Author: Andy Goodwin, Alastair Crooks
Read review
Model reviewed: Sports Tourer estate
Score: 8 / 10
“More spacious than the Astra hatchback, the Sports Tourer ends up being a jack-of-all-trades, master of none.”
Author: Andy Goodwin, Alastair Crooks
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Carwow
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The new Astra has striking looks, a much-improved interior, and a bigger boot – although the latter limits rear legroom.”
Read review
Driving Electric
Model reviewed: Astra plug-in hybrid
Score: 7 / 10
“A harsh ride and high price tag count against the plug-in Astra, but it look great and makes a lot of sense for company-car users.”
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Electrifying.com
Model reviewed: Astra plug-in hybrid
Score: 7 / 10
“The Vauxhall Astra seems to do everything well and the figures stack up, but there’s nothing revolutionary about this car at all – expect those funky looks.” (Nicky Shields)
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Heycar
Model reviewed: Astra Hatchback range
Score: 7 / 10
“Brown bread. Milky tea. Hollyoaks. The Vauxhall Astra is a household name synonymous with the humdrum. But not anymore. It’s been zhuzhed up under the watch of new owner Stellantis, including a new platform shared with the Peugeot 308 and a bold front-end similar to that on the latest Vauxhall Mokka.”
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Honest John
Model reviewed: Estate (Sports Tourer) range
Score: 8 / 10
“The Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer shows that estate cars can still be cool. It looks great inside and out, and boasts plenty of practical space. There are superb plug-in hybrid versions, plus an all-electric model on the way.”
Read review
Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“Latest Vauxhall Astra represents excellent value for money yet has more character than ever before. A wide range of petrol, diesel and hybrid engines means it’ll be cheap to run, too, while an all-electric version is on its way.”
Read review
Model reviewed: Astra Hatchback range
Score: 8 / 10
“Latest Vauxhall Astra represents excellent value for money yet has more character than ever before. A wide range of petrol, diesel and hybrid engines means it’ll be cheap to run, too, while an all-electric version is on its way.”
Read review
Motoring Research
Model reviewed: Astra Hatchback range
Score: 8 / 10
“Vauxhall is on a roll at the moment. The latest Corsa has become Britain’s best-selling car. The Mokka is one of the most distinctive small crossovers. And this new Astra makes the anonymous old car seem like something from another era. It looks fantastic.”
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Parkers
Model reviewed: Astra Hatchback range
Score: 7.6 / 10
“Stand-out factors for us are the way it drives and the smoothness of the engines available. Performance is good without being great, but if you want a family hatchback that you intend to cover long distances in, this should have your needs covered.”
Read review
Model reviewed: Astra Sports Tourer range
“It’s a bolder-looking car than its forgettable predecessor, so it features the company’s trademark ‘Vizor’ front end design, which in GS Line models, is blacked out for a sleek look. Under the skin, it’s closely based on the Peugeot 308, where it shares its underpinnings, petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid drivetrains, and much of its interior and safety technology.”
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The Sun
Model reviewed: Astra Hatchback range
“The Vauxhall Astra is part of the fabric of Britain – we’ve bought 3.2million in 41 years – and this eighth-gen version was designed by Brit Mark Adams. Astra it is, then.”
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The Sunday Times
Model reviewed: Astra Sports Tourer range
Score: 8 / 10
“Its spacious interior and ability to carry a lot of luggage makes it a great alternative to often-compromised crossovers and SUVs, and many will see it as a more socially acceptable car for driving in urban areas. Decent refinement and a simplified product range makes this an easier consideration for many buyers than ever before.”
Read review
Model reviewed: 1.6-litre petrol/electric plug-in hybrid Ultimate hatchback
Score: 8 / 10
“After years of being there or thereabouts in the hatchback segment the Vauxhall Astra makes an impressive return with a package that is suitably modern and decently equipped. Choosing the right powertrain and spec level is key, and though expensive, the plug-in hybrid proves to be the best of the bunch. That is until the electric version arrives.”
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The Telegraph
Model reviewed: 1.6-litre petrol/electric plug-in hybrid GSe
Score: 6 / 10
“Vauxhall’s commitment to providing value-priced motoring to the British public with the Aatra has to be admired. While the GSe is the top model, so you’d expect it to be relatively expensive, it simply costs too much – as are the compromises you have to make for the PHEV drivetrain.” (Andrew English)
Read review
Model reviewed: Astra Sports Tourer range
Score: 8 / 10
“With a large, versatile load area and great styling, this new mid-size estate takes the fight to fashionable SUV rivals.”
Read review
Top Gear
Model reviewed: Astra Hatchback range
Score: 7 / 10
“There’s nothing eccentric about the Astra formula. It competes in one of the most rigidly-defined parts of the car market, and it pretty much matches all the benchmarks, even if it busts through none. It’s decent to drive, smart looking and well finished. The Astra’s not a car to set your heart on fire, or your pants, but it feels satisfyingly well sorted.”
Read review
Safety rating
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
Overall score: 4 stars
Date tested: May 2022
Read the full Euro NCAP review
Adult protection: 80%
Child protection: 82%
Vulnerable road users: 67%
Safety assist: 66%
The Vauxhall Astra has been given a four-star rating from Euro NCAP.
Shy of a full five-star rating, Euro NCAP comments that the Astra has “plenty of crash avoidance technology, but does not have some of the latest advancements introduced in the market”, and that the car was not “equipped with a centre airbag for far-side crash protection, a countermeasure which is increasingly common on modern cars”.
Eco rating
Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP
No eco rating
As of January 2025, the Vauxhall Astra has not been lab tested by Green NCAP.
Reliability rating
Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy
Total claims: 916
Average repair cost: £584.92
Last updated: January 2024
Reliability score
All data based on MotorEasy average workshop costs for extended car warranty claims
The Vauxhall Astra has a below-average reliability score of 59% as of January 2024, according to workshop and warranty data provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our partners at MotorEasy. This applies to both the current model Astra (2022 onwards) and previous models.
The most common faults with the Astra have been engine-related. Unfortunately, these have also been the most expensive, with an average repair bill of more than £1,000. Gearbox faults are almost as expensive to fix, although not as common.
Running cost rating
Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data
Fuel consumption | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
Plug-in hybrid models | 256 mpg | A | 256 – 256 mpg | A – A |
CO₂ output | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
Petrol models | 127 g/km | A | 122 – 134 g/km | A – A |
Diesel models | 120 g/km | A | 114 – 132 g/km | A – A |
Plug-in hybrid models | 24 g/km | A | 23 – 31 g/km | A – A |
Battery range | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
Plug-in hybrid models | 42 miles | D | 35 – 43 miles | D – E |
Insurance group | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
All models | 28 | B | 16 – 50 | A – F |
Service and maintenance | Cost | Score |
Year 1 | £190 | A |
Year 2 | £532 | B |
Year 3 | £819 | A |
Year 4 | £1,092 | B |
Year 5 | £1,463 | B |
Overall | £4,096 | B |
The Vauxhall Astra is a very affordable car to own and run, according to whole-life cost numbers provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our data partner, Clear Vehicle Data.
We don’t have independently verified fuel economy figures for the petrol and diesel models, but the CO2 emissions (which are closely related) are excellent, so they should be good. The plug-in hybrid model looks fantastic on paper, but this is largely a result of the poorly designed EU/UK government lab testing process, which is completely useless for measuring plug-in hybrids.
The battery range on the plug-in hybrid may only score a D, but this is actually a good result for a plug-in hybrid. If you can charge the battery each day, you could easily do most or all of your day-to-day driving on electric power only.
Insurance and servicing costs are also very competitive, so overall the Astra is likely to be one of the cheapest cars in its class to own.
Awards
Trophies, prizes and awards that the Vauxhall Astra has received
2022
- Top Gear Awards – Best Family Hatch
Similar cars
If you’re looking at the Vauxhall Astra, you might also be interested in these alternatives
Audi A3 | BMW 1 Series | Citroën C4 | Fiat Tipo | Ford Focus | Honda Civic | Hyundai i30 | Kia Ceed | Mazda 3 | Mercedes-Benz A-Class | Mini Countryman | Peugeot 308 | Renault Megane | SEAT Leon | Skoda Scala | Skoda Octavia | Suzuki Swace | Toyota Corolla | Volkswagen Golf
More information
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