The new Astra GSe comes in estate and hatchback variants with an engine that can output 222bhp.
Vauxhall has unveiled the first cars to showcase the new GSe badges as the Astra family hatchback and Sports Tourer estate. Both of these models will feature more powerful Plug-In Hybrid powertrains than the current Astra, with some additional visual & performance tweaks.
In case you didn't know, GSe stands for 'Grand Sport Electric' and is Vauxhall's newest performance sub-brand, taking over from the widely popular VXR line.
Powering these variants of Astra is the same 1.6L turbocharged petrol engine and 12.4kWh battery/electric motor system that's currently employed in the Hybrid 180 cars. However, as mentioned previously, this GSe line-up will come with 222bhp and 360Nm of torque.
Currently, Vauxhall hasn't revealed any performance figures, but with its 8-speed automatic gearbox, the GSe Astra could offer a 0 - 62mph time in the region of 7.5 seconds and a top speed of around 145mph.
Fuel consumption stands at a claimed 235.4 - 256.8 mpg, depending on the spec, while the CO2 emissions are believed to be as low as 25g/km.
No current details have been released about the car's electric-only range, but expect claims of anywhere between 37 and 40 miles, given that the battery in the GSe model is the same size as the regular Astra Hybrid - with the charging time also expected to be roughly the same at 3 hours and 30 minutes using the cars onboard 3.6kW charger.
Pricing
No current news on pricing as of yet, but the five-door hatchback version is expected to start at just under £40,000, with the estate model costing an extra £1,200 when the cars go on sale later this year.
