New Vauxhall Astra PHEV 2026 facelift review: full EV is the better car

Other exterior tweaks include new 17 and 18-inch wheel designs, plus the addition of a contrast black roof as standard across the range. Vauxhall’s IntelliLux HD headlights are fitted as standard to top-spec Ultimate variants. These feature more LEDs than ever for a greater spread of light, and offer the ability to pick out objects more accurately when the main beam headlights are activated.

The cabin has been tweaked with the introduction of Intelli-Seats, which feature a recess in the base that’s designed to boost comfort and reduce strain on your back. Seat heating is now standard on all models, as is a heated steering wheel, while the top-spec Ultimate adds a massage function, too. The Astra’s dashboard layout remains largely unchanged, but Vauxhall has ditched the gloss-black centre console trim in favour of a new satin grey finish that should be less prone to scratches.

Tech on board is also updated, with new graphics for the 10-inch touchscreen and driver’s display, while over-the-air updates are included, too. Sat-nav is standard on all cars, as is wireless smartphone connectivity, keyless entry, front and rear parking sensors and adaptive cruise control. Overall, we like the clean dashboard layout, especially the two banks of shortcut keys beneath the main display, but while the touchscreen is angled towards the driver, it’s still a bit of a stretch to reach, especially if you’re tall and have the seat set back.

The powertrain line-up is carried over from the pre-facelift Astra, so there are petrol, hybrid, PHEV and all-electric options offered, although one major update is that the EV now has a 58kWh battery, an increase of 4kWh over the outgoing car and good for a range of up to 281 miles.