With the addition of more versions and body styles, our judges felt Vauxhall has strengthened the Astra’s position this year. Plus, whether you choose Hatch or Sports Tourer estate versions, this Vauxhall’s design is eye-catching and attractive. PHEV and new EV models keep running costs low and all are well-equipped.
So, after the Vauxhall Astra’s success at the recent Business Car Awards, winning Best Family Car for the second year in a row, Business Car caught up with Matt Niles, Vauxhall national fleet sales manager to discuss the win.
Niles tells us that since its launch, demand for the new Astra has been extremely strong. He said: “Not surprisingly Astra Electric is now creating a great deal of interest and gaining traction. Year to date we have sold more than 11,000 Astra units. Fleet sales account for about 60% of total sales. ICE sales are still leading the way, but as production of our Plug-in Hybrid and 100% electric models ramps up, we expect to see the pendulum swing more towards electric.”
Niles and Vauxhall are immensely proud of both their Plug-in hybrid and fully-electric Astra models and see a place for them both in fleet depending on individual circumstances. He says: “However, longer term the future is going to be electric. Vauxhall will have an EV version of every vehicle in our line-up from next year – we have already been there on vans for a while.”
Astra already offers an excellent choice of ICE, plug-in hybrid, and now full BEV options, but we ask if he can give us any hint of future Astra developments in the next year? He says: “Astra Sports Tourer Electric – one of a tiny number of BEV estates on the market will be arriving next year.
We’ve recognised the Vauxhall Astra as being the ‘Best Family Car,’ for the second year in a row – so we ask Niles how he thinks this makes this car stand out against the opposition??He says: “This recognition shows the flexibility of Astra to suit multiple needs, from ICE to BEV and Hatch to Sports Tourer. The Sports Tourer is perfect for larger families, as well as being extremely practical for business use. With the electric option offering the most attractive BiK, Astra fits very well within the C-segment and is a true business offering.”
Finally, we ask Niles, after two years of winning the ‘Best Family Car’ at the 2023 Business Car Awards – how will this award change the business and against keen opposition, how they plan on keeping hold of it next year? He says: “Well, that will be down to the judges! But, continuous product improvement and the evolution and growth of our product line-up to include more ‘bold and pure’ design vehicles that feature innovative technology and leading electrification powertrains should enable Vauxhall to be at the forefront of the market in the years to come.”
