Vauxhall is extending its efforts to try and entice buyers into its electric models by means of lower prices to the Astra family car.

The Astra Griffin is going on sale in both electric and petrol variants and in both hatch and Sports Tourer (estate) forms, promising a more attractive specification for a keener price.

The electric Astra Griffin hatch starts at £34,995, and the Sports Tourer £37,195, which Vauxhall says is £2,800 cheaper than the previous Design base model.

Among enhancements to the standard equipment list are heated seats and steering wheel, wireless smartphone charging and a rear-view 180o camera alongside the front and rear parking sensors. 

Connectivity features as standard include Vauxhall’s Multimedia Pure Panel infotainment system with a 10-inch colour touchscreen, compatible with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a ten-inch digital instrument cluster. Sports Tourer versions of the Griffin also gain tinted rear windows and roof rails.

Griffin models are supplied with a suite of driver-assistance technology including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning with lane keep assist, traffic and speed sign recognition and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection. 

Astra Electric Griffin use a 156hp motor powered by a 54kWh lithium-ion battery with a WLTP-certified range of up to 258 miles. Charging from 20-80% can take 26 minutes using a 100kW rapid DC charger while an 11kW on-board charger is fitted as standard, enabling a 0-100% charge in five hours 45 minutes from an 11kW public charger. A 0-100% charge via a domestic 7kW wallbox will take eight hours. 

Vauxhall’s efforts to stimulate EV sales have already seen the launch of the Corsa Electric Yes Edition and Mokka Electric Griffin and are indicative of reductions taking place across the market as manufacturers try to bring their EV mix up to 22% by the end of 2024, in order to meet the Government’s Zero-Emissions Vehicle mandate.