FIRST DRIVE: Vauxhall Astra Electric 2026: cheaper, better… or too late?

We used to complain about reviewing too many electric SUVs…Well, that’s about to change. Because in this video we’ve got something different, the updated Vauxhall Astra Electric. And while it might not sound as exciting as the latest electric SUV, this facelift could actually make it far more interesting. Why? Because Vauxhall has made some key changes. There’s a new battery, boosting range to up to 281 miles, subtle styling tweaks, and a few interior updates. But the big story here isn’t the design or the tech… it’s the price. The old Astra Electric was a great car to drive and incredibly efficient — even winning our Electrifying Efficiency Award — but it was simply too expensive to recommend. Now, with a starting price under £30,000 (and potentially even less with grants), things look very different. In this review, we take a closer look at what’s changed, how it drives, what it’s like inside, and whether this newly priced Astra can finally compete with rivals like the MG4, Cupra Born and Renault Megane. So, has Vauxhall fixed the Astra Electric, or is it still playing catch-up? Let us know what you think in the comments 👇 #VauxhallAstra #AstraElectric #Vauxhall 🎥 Subscribe to Electrifying YouTube: https://electrifyingcom.short.gy/KK1pbX 🎧 Electrifying Podcast: https://electrifyingcom.short.gy/Pogjfb ✉️Electrifying.com Newsletter: https://www.electrifying.com/newsletter Follow Electrifying.com ⬇️ INSTAGRAM: http://instagram.com/electrifyingcom FACEBOOK: https://facebook.com/electrifyingcom/ X: https://twitter.com/ElectrifyingCom TIKTOK: https://tiktok.com/@electrifyingcom ——————————————————————————————- Check back for the latest new car reviews on everything electric ✅ the latest car reviews ✅ car advice and explainers ✅ used and new car guides ✅ head-to-heads WANT MORE ELECTRIFYING.COM? We upload new videos twice a week. Don't miss one by subscribing now: https://bit.ly/3U9z1RE Want to be the first to see our videos? Enable notifications. Visit our website at https://www.electrifying.com/ SIgn up to our weekly newsletter https://bit.ly/3Ud6zyw MORE ABOUT ELECTRIFYING.COM Electrifying.com is the #1 destination for electric car reviews, explainers and guides. Founded by Ginny Buckley, we bring you the latest updates on EVs and in-depth reviews of the hottest new models. Whether you’re switching to electric or just curious, our plain-English guides and expert advice make it easy to navigate the world of electric cars. Stay informed, make confident decisions, and join the electric revolution with Electrifying.com! #ElectricCars #EVReviews #SwitchToElectric #GinnyBuckley #NicolaHume #nickishields 0:00 Wild Discovery: The Astra Estate Returns 0:26 Wait… A Vauxhall Estate in 2026?! 0:56 What’s Actually New (Battery, Range, Price) 1:22 Press Trip Reality Check 🇭🇷 1:45 Facelift or Just a Tweak? Honest Take 2:26 Exterior Changes Explained (Lights, Wheels, Design) 3:01 Estate Bonus: Extra Space + Rear Design 3:45 New IntelliLux Lights (50,000 Elements!) 4:11 Interior Changes: Spot the Difference 4:54 Infotainment: Better or Still Meh? 5:30 New “IntelliSeat” Explained (Comfort Test…) 6:04 Cabin Quality & Practicality 7:06 Rear Seats & Passenger Space 7:50 Boot Space: Estate vs Hatch 8:07 Charging, Heat Pump & V2L Features 8:43 Driving Begins (Massage Seats Surprise 😂) 9:37 Seat Comfort Verdict (Not Great…) 10:09 Battery Upgrade & Real-World Range 11:16 Efficiency & Regen Driving 11:49 Performance & 0–62mph 12:20 Ride, Refinement & Steering Improvements 13:13 Drive Modes & Real Range Impact 13:58 Final Thoughts Start Here 14:32 Pricing Drop Changes Everything 💸 15:26 Verdict: Too Late or Finally Worth It?