Vauxhall has opened orders for a manual version of the new Astra, giving its dealerships a more affordable petrol proposition alongside the model’s automatic and electrified powertrains.
The six-speed manual transmission is paired with a 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine producing 130PS and 230Nm of torque.
The introduction of the manual is significant at a time when many manufacturers are reducing gearbox and powertrain choice as they move towards electrification.
Vehicle Data Global (VDG) earlier this year said the decline of manual transmission cars is accelerating faster than diesel vehicles, with both potentially disappearing from the new car market by 2030.
The data specialist analysed millions of market data points and found that while diesel market share has fallen sharply, manual gearboxes are also seeing a rapid decline driven by both changing model availability and consumer demand.
Vauxhall axed the diesel-powered Astra hatchback from its model range due to dwindling demand in 2023.
Astra estate priced in line with hatchback
The manual option also gives Vauxhall dealers a lower-priced option for private buyers who are not yet ready to switch to an electric or hybrid vehicle.
The manual transmission is available across both the Astra hatchback and Sports Tourer ranges, with Vauxhall charging no additional premium for the estate.
This means customers requiring more luggage capacity can choose the Sports Tourer at the same price as the equivalent hatchback.
Vauxhall described the pricing structure as unique in the market and said it would allow customers to gain the additional space and practicality of the estate without increasing the purchase price.
The manual Astra hatchback accelerates from 0-62mph in 9.7 seconds, while the Sports Tourer completes the same sprint in 10 seconds.
Both versions have a top speed of 130mph and return up to 50.4mpg under WLTP combined testing.
Petrol, hybrid and electric options
The manual joins an Astra powertrain range comprising an eight-speed automatic petrol model, a 48V hybrid, a plug-in hybrid and a fully electric version.
The updated Astra Electric is fitted with a 58.3kWh battery, increasing its official range by 22 miles to 281 miles.
Vauxhall is also applying identical on-the-road prices to the electric, hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions within each trim level.
With the Government’s Electric Car Grant applied, the manufacturer said the Astra Electric costs less than the equivalent hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions.
All versions of the Astra remain below the £40,000 threshold for the Expensive Car Supplement. Vauxhall said this would save customers £2,200 in Vehicle Excise Duty during the first six years of ownership.
The approach gives dealers a broad spread of propositions, from a lower-priced manual petrol car to a fully electric model, while making price comparisons between electrified powertrains easier for customers.
New Astra specification and prices
Prices start at £26,495 for the Griffin trim, rising to £27,995 for GS and £30,495 for Ultimate.
Entry-level Griffin models feature 17-inch alloy wheels, tinted rear windows, an illuminated Vizor and Vauxhall’s signature compass lighting. Sports Tourer versions also receive roof rails.
Standard equipment includes heated front seats, a heated vegan-leather steering wheel, adaptive cruise control and a 10-inch Pure Panel infotainment display with satellite navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A new Denim Blue paint colour has also joined the range.
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