Vauxhall Astra gets new mild-hybrid tech for improved fuel efficiency

• 1.2-litre petrol engine with mild-hybrid tech
• Can achieve up to a claimed 60.1mpg
• Prices start from £30,025

Vauxhall has revealed details about the latest model to join the Vauxhall Astra range – the new mild-hybrid Vauxhall Astra Hybrid. Using the same engine and hybrid system recently added to the Vauxhall Grandland and Corsa lineups, the Astra Hybrid will slot above the petrol model, offering better fuel efficiency and lower CO2 emissions.

Vauxhall already offers the Astra with a diverse range of engines, and the new mild-hybrid system offers customers improved efficiency over the petrol model but without the need to charge up an EV or plug-in hybrid’s battery. It will be available in both Astra hatchback and Astra Sports Tourer estate bodystyles, with the first cars reaching customers in July.

What do we know about the mild-hybrid Astra Hybrid?

The Vauxhall Astra Hybrid uses a new 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine alongside a small battery and electric motor. Like all mild hybrids, the petrol engine does the majority of the work – its 134bhp dwarfs the 28bhp of the electric motor – but the motor can kick in during certain scenarios to provide an extra boost and to reduce fuel consumption.

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The motor is integrated into the Astra’s six-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox and supports the engine under acceleration. It can also take over from the engine entirely in some low-speed situations, such as crawling in traffic or while reversing and manoeuvring. It’s no replacement for a traditional self-charging hybrid or a plug-in hybrid – those systems allow for a much greater pure-electric driving range – but Vauxhall claims it returns nearly 10mpg more than an equivalent petrol Astra hatchback with an automatic gearbox.

Unlike the plug-in hybrid Astra, the mild-hybrid model does not need to be recharged through an external power supply. Instead, the car’s onboard regenerative braking system keeps the battery topped up while decelerating.

The mild-hybrid Astra is offered in the same Design, GS and Ultimate trim levels found across Vauxhall’s lineup, with an impressive level of equipment fitted as standard. All cars come with a 10-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with LED headlights, front and rear parking sensors and various driver safety and assistance technologies. Read our full in-depth Vauxhall Astra review for a breakdown of the various trim levels.

How much does the mild-hybrid Astra cost and when can I order one?

£30,025 gets you behind the wheel of the entry-level Astra Hybrid in Design trim, while the top-spec Ultimate model costs £35,460. The Astra Sports Tourer estate adds around £2,300 to the price of the hatchback, depending on trim.

Order books are open now and Vauxhall expects the first customer cars to be delivered in July.

There are plenty of hatchbacks to choose from in 2024 – read our top 10 list of the best