Firstly, I feel the need to provide some context about why I decided to purchase what, on paper, appears suspiciously like an overpriced Peugeot 308 sporting a Vauxhall Astra badge. Admittedly, neither Vauxhall nor Peugeot (both now part of Stellantis) are brands typically associated with passionate car enthusiasts. Yet here I am, keys in hand and fully committed.
My search began with the desire for an economical, sharp-handling hatchback offering a decent dose of power. The Astra GSe quickly surfaced alongside established plug-in hybrid rivals like the Golf GTE and Cupra Leon e-Hybrid. Ultimately, though, my decision was driven more by a remarkable financial opportunity rather than outright enthusiasm. I stumbled across an incredible deal at a local dealership, knocking £15,000 off the Astra GSe’s somewhat ludicrous £42,000 list price. At £27,000, the Astra GSe suddenly became a compelling prospect.
The crucial question now is: have I regretted this decision?
Happily, the answer is no—but with an important caveat. Anyone expecting the Astra GSe to be a raw, exhilarating sports hatchback will likely feel short-changed. Despite its sporty and rather handsome appearance, and a respectable 222bhp hybrid powertrain, the car isn’t built to deliver the visceral excitement you’d find in dedicated hot hatches like the Golf GTI or Hyundai i30 N. The performance, while undeniably swift (0–62 mph in around 7.5 seconds), feels mature and refined rather than outright thrilling. The somewhat sluggish eight-speed automatic gearbox isn’t overly enthusiastic about spirited driving, although it’s perfectly adequate for overtaking slow-moving tractors on rural roads.
However, viewed through a practical lens, the Astra GSe genuinely impresses. It excels as an efficient, comfortable, and premium-feeling hatchback. The plug-in hybrid setup officially claims around 40 miles of pure electric range—though, in real-world conditions, I typically achieve between 25 and 30 miles. The interior, on the whole, is impressively upmarket, featuring high-quality materials, a slick infotainment system, and exceptionally comfortable Alcantara-trimmed seats. Indeed, the AGR-certified seats are particularly commendable for their excellent back support. After six months and over 10,000 miles, I have no notable complaints regarding build quality—no unwanted squeaks or rattles. My one minor grievance involves the piano-black trim around the centre console. It’s baffling why any car manufacturer opts for this scratch-prone, glare-inducing material—though in fairness, it’s not exclusive to the Astra.
On the plus side, the Astra GSe is generously equipped, featuring as standard a head-up display, heated steering wheel, digital instrument cluster, heated seats, and an electrically adjustable driver’s seat.
Handling-wise, the Astra feels confident and composed, though it doesn’t truly inspire enthusiastic driving. The adaptive Koni Frequency Selective Damping (FSD) suspension, however, deserves special praise. It strikes an excellent balance between everyday comfort and controlled stiffness when pushed. Still, the vehicle’s weight quickly reveals the suspension’s limits when driven aggressively.
In summary, the Astra GSe is genuinely excellent—provided you’re realistic about what it offers. It won’t deliver hot-hatch thrills, but as a refined, stylish, economical family hatchback with just enough sporty character, it excels. At full price, it would be a tough recommendation, but at the significant discount I secured, it quickly becomes a surprisingly brilliant buy.
No regrets here.
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