Skip advert
Advertisement

Vauxhall Astra GSe revealed

New performance sub-brand kicks off with 222bhp Astra hybrid

Vauxhall has revealed the first of its new GSe models in the form of a 222bhp plug-in hybrid Astra. Vauxhall’s new electrically-focused performance sub-brand will continue to expand over the coming months, but starts here on the Astra by incorporating bespoke styling and chassis elements to a plug-in hybrid powertrain.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The striking new Astra has been on sale in the UK for a few months now, and shares much of its underlying components with the latest Peugeot 308. This includes its powertrains, which in the case of this new GSe model is shared with the current top-spec 308 225 PHEV. 

Its figures are warm, at best, with the GSe producing a combined total of 222bhp from the combination of a turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine and a small electric motor. This is backed up with a 265lb ft torque figure, and while Vauxhall itself hasn’t released any performance figures, they will likely match or be very similar to the Peugeot 308 PHEV 225 which reaches 62mph in 7.6sec and tops out at 146mph.

Vauxhall has given the Astra GSe a bespoke chassis tune, lowering the body by 10mm compared to standard models and fitting variable frequency dampers that change their stiffness depending on the bump frequency. This is one step below an adaptive or electronically-variable damper, as the damping rate is not selectable but varied by the road surface itself. The steering has also been re-tuned to offer more direct feedback, with changes also made to the stability program. 

To go alongside the updated chassis tune, the GSe also features a new look, with more aggressive bumper and sill treatments as well as a new set of 18-inch wheels inspired by the retro Manta GSe concept car. Inside, there are new seats and trim options, with white inserts and stitching that match the GSe’s hero colour scheme. 

Available as both a hatchback and estate, the Astra GSe will be available to order later this year, with customer deliveries due from early 2023. Pricing has not been confirmed, but we suspect the price might range from between £35,000 and £40,000. 

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Best French cars – the greatest performance cars from France, past and present
Best French cars
Best cars

Best French cars – the greatest performance cars from France, past and present

From hot hatches to sports cars, none do light weight, delicate and danceable quite like the French
16 May 2025
Audi RS3 2025 review – can it topple AMG’s A45 S?
Audi RS3 – front
In-depth reviews

Audi RS3 2025 review – can it topple AMG’s A45 S?

The RS3 has one of the most spectacular engines you'll find in a hot hatch, and the rest is just as good. Is that enough to warrant a £60k+ asking pri…
12 May 2025
Mini JCW 2025 review – too feisty for its own good
Mini JCW – front
Reviews

Mini JCW 2025 review – too feisty for its own good

The petrol-powered JCW lives on – for now. But in its latest incarnation, has this supermini survivor become too hardcore?
8 May 2025
Audi RS3 v Toyota GR Yaris v Mercedes-AMG A45 S – which is the best AWD hyper hatch?
Hot hatch test
Group tests

Audi RS3 v Toyota GR Yaris v Mercedes-AMG A45 S – which is the best AWD hyper hatch?

We pit the Audi RS3 against the Toyota GR Yaris and the Mercedes-AMG A45 S in a battle of the AWD super hatches. Which comes out on top?
5 May 2025
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Mercedes-AMG discounting its F1-inspired super saloon by £9500
Mercedes-AMG C63
News

Mercedes-AMG discounting its F1-inspired super saloon by £9500

The Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance is, to the surprise of very few, not selling well. So now there are deals to be had…
19 May 2025
Volkswagen XL1 (2013) review – Bugatti-level engineering aimed at MPG not MPH
Volkswagen XL1 – front
Reviews

Volkswagen XL1 (2013) review – Bugatti-level engineering aimed at MPG not MPH

Another hair-brained Piëch passion project, the XL1 is shot through with hypercar engineering, all to an end of saving fuel
16 May 2025
Driving ’80s performance car icons, from the Peugeot 205 GTI to the Ferrari Testarossa – car pictures of the week
evo's ’80s performance car test
Features

Driving ’80s performance car icons, from the Peugeot 205 GTI to the Ferrari Testarossa – car pictures of the week

In the latest issue of evo magazine, we revisit six staple performance cars of the 1980s on some of the best roads in the UK – these are our favourite…
18 May 2025