► CAR lives with a Vauxhall Astra GSe
► Jake Groves investigates new electrified sub-brand
► Read month 1 here
When Opel pulled the covers off its wacky Manta GSe ElektroMOD coupe, many of us were immediately drawn to its wheels. Black and diamond-cut, they were futuristic and massive. I was pleased to see they crossed the bridge from concept to production GSe.
My Astra GSe’s sporty bodykit is relatively understated, so the wild wheels and the low-profile tyres really help set it apart from the regular Astra, which is already a really good-looking car.
It’s a shame, then, that Vauxhall has prioritised fuel efficiency rather than any sporty feel here – the Michelin Primacy 4 rubber on my car provides little confidence in hard cornering or in wet weather.
Logbook: Vauxhall Astra GSe (month 2)
Price £43,250 (£43,750 as tested)
Performance 12.4kWh battery plus 1598cc four-cylinder, PHEV, 222bhp, 7.7sec 0-62mph, 146mph
Efficiency 256.0mpg (official), 44.5mpg (tested), 25g/km CO2
Energy cost 18.5p per mile
Miles this month 1491
Total miles 5525