Vauxhall Astra gets range boost and facelift for 2026
Vauxhall is updating its Astra hatchback and estate for 2026 with a new-look front and bigger battery.
Set to make their debut at the 2026 Brussels Motor Show in January, the revised Astra and Astra Sports Tourer will adopt the latest version of the Vauxhall Vizor grille, complete with permanently illuminated Griffin logo first seen on the Grandland SUV.
The new narrower “face” also features light bars running vertically and horizontally along the “compass” design, and incorporates the latest version of Vauxhall’s Intelli-Lux adaptive LED headlights as standard. Other visual upgrades include two new exterior colours – Contour White and Clover Green – and three new alloy wheel designs in 17- or 18-inch diameter.
Under the surface, the updated Astra adds a new bigger battery promising improved range from the family stalwart. The 51kWh battery has been replaced with a 58kWh unit with a range of up to 282 miles – a 22-mile uplift over the current car. The 2026 Vauxhall Astra also adds vehicle-to-load bidirectional ability for the first time, allowing owners to power appliances such as laptops or compressors from the drive battery.
Inside, all versions of the Astra, including entry-level models, now come with “Intelli-Seats” as standard. These seats are approved by the German campaign for healthier backs and offer specially designed seat bases to reduce pressure on the tailbone and provide long-range comfort. In higher trim levels, these can be enhanced with heating and massage functions.
Vauxhall has also boosted the Astra’s use of sustainable materials. The seat covers are now made of 100% ReNewKnit recycled fabrics and there is extended uses of recycled materials for interior panels.
Pricing for the updated 2026 Astra will be announced shortly but the all-electric version is likely to receive a price cut from its current £35,000 in line with a similar move for the closely related Peugeot E-308, which now starts at around £30,000.
