THE KNOWLEDGE

Vauxhall Astra GSe

Price (as tested): £40,550 Engine: 1.6-litre petrol engine with electric motor

Power: 222bhp

Torque: 360Nm

Max speed: 146mph

O-60mph: 7.3 seconds

MPG (combined): 256.8mpg

Emissions: 25g/km CO2

Power

WHAT IS IT?

Standing for Grand Sport Electric, GSe is Vauxhall’s new sub-brand that will focus on producing more performance-orientated versions of hybrid models then EVs in future years.

WHAT’S NEW?

There aren’t any bespoke high-performance models but tweaked versions of the brand’s existing cars instead. The latest generation of Astra is already available as a ‘180’ hybrid, but the GSe boasts more power, a bespoke chassis and styling revisions.

WHAT’S UNDER THE BONNET?

Drive is delivered to the front wheels, with an eight-speed automatic gearbox being adopted. A 12.4kWh battery is used, which when fully charged allows for a claimed 40mile range, pushing it into the eight per cent benefit-in-kind tax bracket for company car drivers. Vauxhall claims up to 256.8mpg and 25g/km CO2 emissions, although you’ll need to complete nearly all your mileage on electric to see those kind of figures.

WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?

This is no hot hatch but a rather lightly tweaked version. There’s a decent amount of performance on offer when the Astra is nicely warmed up, while body roll is well contained through the corners. By hybrid hatchback standards, it handles well too, and can be pushed through the bends without losing grip. Despite its sportier-focused ride, it largely remains comfortable, even on rougher stretches of tarmac.

But despite the performance intent, it’s at its best when just pottering about town. Too much throttle action and the engine screams into life, and there’s too much lag between the power sources if you ask a lot from it.

HOW DOES IT LOOK?

The latest Astra arrived in Vauxhall dealers last year and was a significant step up over its predecessor. The ‘Vizor’ front end design is stunning in our opinion and makes the Astra one of the smartest-looking choices in the family hatchback category.

For the GSe, Vauxhall’s chief designer was keen to stress he didn’t want a ‘boy racer look’, likely a nod to the old Astra VXR with its garish bodykit, so the result is one that’s been subtly made more aggressive. There are revised bumpers that aim to give the model a

Style

The Astra uses Vauxhall’s new design language, giving the front end a striking look.

wider look, meanwhile there’s also a set of new alloys plus a full gloss-black look, from its badging to its roof. The result is smart.

WHAT’S

IT LIKE INSIDE?

It’s a similar story on the inside, with Vauxhall aiming to inject a touch of sportiness into the cabin with its new Alcantara-trimmed sports seats, which are a great addition, along with a bespoke ‘GSe’ steering wheel. The overall cabin is smart too, with good ergonomics courtesy of the right balance of screens and physical controls. The quality is largely good, although a few too many gloss-black plastics cheapen the look somewhat.

As for space, the disadvantage of those chunky front seats is that rear space isn’t the best, with taller adults really having to squeeze into the back – a Cupra Leon e-Hybrid offers a lot more room. Boot space, however, is generous, with clever packaging ensuring the addition of the batteries doesn’t compromise volume.

WHAT’S THE SPEC LIKE?

The GSe comes in a single high-spec grade and sits at the top of the Astra line-up. The level of equipment, therefore, is generous, including a head-up display, matrix LED headlights, a 360-degree parking camera and ‘Pure Panel’, which includes a large touchscreen and digital dial display merged in one smart piece of glass. There’s little feeling that Vauxhall has been stingy with equipment.

All of this equipment isn’t cheap, though, with the Astra GSe coming in at £40,550. Yes, more than £40,000 for an Astra!

This might sound expensive – and it is – but it comes in at only £150 more than the regular 178bhp hybrid model in top-spec Ultimate grade, although it does miss out on that car’s standard-fit panoramic roof and additional speakers.

WHAT DO THE PRESS THINK?

Evo said: ‘The new Astra impresses, but Vauxhall’s first “hot” hatch of its electrified era lacks performance spark.’

WHAT DO WE THINK?

The Vauxhall Astra GSe arrives as a stylish, efficient and well-equipped hybrid hatchback that is a very credible option for those wanting to reduce their running costs or for company car drivers.

But it suffers from the muddle that comes from being a sporty hybrid. This is a powertrain which, by and large, is much better suited to driving silently around town or sitting at a motorway cruise than it is being thrashed around a twisty road, and for that reason we reckon the regular Astra is a better choice overall. That tiny price increase, however, most certainly gives enough reason to validate the GSe’s purchase.

Inside

The GSe gains Alcantaratrimmed sports seats and a bespoke steering wheel.

TARGET BUYERS:

Company car drivers looking for some added sportiness from their hybrid hatchback.

THE RIVALS:

Volkswagen Golf GTE Cupra Leon e-Hybrid Peugeot 308 Hybrid

KEY SELLING POINTS:

1. Sportier than standard Astra

2. Low tax for company car drivers

3. Stand-out design

DEAL CLINCHER:

The fact it’s only £150 more than the non-GSe hybrid with less power.

Mg5

James Batchelor must decide if MG has messed up the recipe with this new version of its electric estate car.

WHAT IS IT?

When it launched in 2020, the MG5 became the UK’s only pure-electric estate car and had a decent 214-mile range but was never what you’d call stylish. That could all change now...

WHAT’S NEW?

MG has focused on improving the important things. There’s now just one larger battery with up to 250 miles on offer, a smarter look on the outside and a plusher interior.

WHAT’S UNDER THE BONNET?

The 154bhp electric motor is powered by a larger 61kWh (57kWh useable) battery pack. Charging takes nine and a half hours from a 7kW home wallbox, or a zero-to-80 per cent charge from a 50kW rapid charger takes one hour.

WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?

The MG5 is a pretty supple thing, and apart from a small whine from the electric motor, it’s surprisingly refined. There’s little fun to be had behind the wheel, though. While the steering is light and direct, the MG5 doesn’t encourage you to drive quickly. Boot the throttle out of a side turning and the wheels spin and the car torque-steers down the road.

HOW DOES IT LOOK?

New colours, new wheels and privacy glass (on Trophy models) help give it a lift, but the MG5 remains a rather awkward-looking car, we feel. Having said that, style isn’t the MG5’s raison d’être, rather it focuses on offering the most amount of bang for the least amount of buck.

WHAT’S IT LIKE INSIDE?

The far more modern design focuses on simplicity, thanks to twin digital display screens and a greater level of quality. There’s a nice mixture of different materials and the MG5 feels rather solid and hard-wearing. The technology has received a welcome boost too, with the same infotainment system as used in the new MG4 hatchback.

WHAT’S THE SPEC LIKE?

Along with smartphone connectivity, SE models include LED headlights and parking sensors. Trophy models include privacy glass, heated front seats and a 360-degree parking camera. Safety and convenience features have also been upgraded.

WHAT DO THE PRESS THINK?

What Car? said: ‘It is comfy, quiet at speed and has punchy acceleration.’

WHAT DO WE THINK?

The MG5 remains a sensible and rational choice in a growing sea of desirable EVs. There’s no denying it offers an awful lot for not a lot of cash.