Every year, the TopGear.com Awards celebrate the cars at the very top of their game. But it’s not just the million-pound machines that get the nod – everyday heroes are given much-deserved recognition too. Take the all-new Vauxhall Astra, which they just named Best Family Hatch of the Year.

The award is just the latest chapter in a success story that began more than 40 years ago when the very first Astra – named after the stars – was born in 1980. Since then, there have been eight generations of Astra, most of them built in Britain, and each one a best-seller in the UK. But while the latest model might have a familiar name, this is very much an Astra for a new era.

For the first time ever, the Astra has been electrified with highly efficient plug-in hybrid models. Power starts at 180PS and goes up to 225PS on the just-launched GSe (Grand Sport electric) version, which integrates enhanced driving dynamics with sport styling, and is capable of travelling up to 40 miles (the plug-in hybrid models can go up to 43 miles) on electric power alone, with emissions as low as 23g/km CO2. That’s alongside a choice of highly efficient petrol and diesel variants, ranging in power from 110PS to 130PS. A fully electric version with a range of 258 miles will arrive later this year, as Vauxhall moves towards its goal of being an electric-only brand by 2028.

A DESIGN FOR LIFE

Thanks to a revolutionary redesign, the all-new Astra looks sharper than ever, with its taut, technical surfaces and a brand-new face. It’s called the Vauxhall Vizor, which first featured on the Mokka (a Top Gear Magazine award winner in 2021) and incorporates the grille, headlights and badge in one clean sweep across the front of the car.

Further back, the keel-shaped C-pillar is reminiscent of the Astra Mk1, and the legendary GTE hot hatch version from the mid-1980s. The GTE was also one of the very first cars to have a digital dashboard – an idea the all-new Astra brings firmly into the 21st century with its next-generation Pure Panel cockpit.

First introduced in the Vauxhall Mokka, this expansive, digital cockpit features two 10-inch displays, seamlessly integrated. It’s high-tech, driver-facing, and complemented by a row of traditional user-friendly buttons – keeping the most important and frequently used controls, like the air conditioning, at your fingertips.

CLEAN AND CONNECTED

If you like an uncluttered interior, you’ll be pleased to hear it will stay that way with PureConnect. The system, which comes as standard on all models and is compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, means there’s zero need for cables, as you can connect and mirror your phone wirelessly. Better yet, the infotainment system can be operated by voice control – you just need to say ‘Hey Vauxhall’ to wake it up, followed by whatever you’d like it to do.

Delve further into the tech and you’ll discover all sorts of features to improve life on the road. The state-of-the-art navigation system is packed with services such as live traffic, parking information, POI search and weather updates. Meanwhile, the latest driver assistance systems, including a head-up display, long-range blind-spot detection, a 360 camera for easier parking, traffic sign recognition, rear cross-traffic alert and active lane positioning, will help keep you safe and sound.

There’s adaptive cruise control too, which integrates with cameras and sensors to allow you to maintain a safe distance from vehicles ahead. It will brake to a standstill, if necessary, and then its automatic transmission enables it to move off again automatically.

LIGHTING THE WAY

The all-new Astra can turn night into day with the latest evolution of Vauxhall’s adaptive Intelli-Lux LED Pixel headlights. The state-of-the-art technology features a total of 168 LED elements – 84 in each ultra-slim headlamp, and more than in any other car in the Astra’s class. What’s more, the main beam light makes lightning-fast adjustments to avoid dazzling oncoming traffic and any traffic ahead.

Back inside, you’ll find yourself sitting comfortably thanks to the ergonomic seats, which have been certified by the AGR (Aktion Gesunder Rücken – the Campaign for Healthier Backs). You can also take things to the next level by opting for seats that are trimmed in Nappa leather and feature a wide range of adjustments, from electric tilt to electro-pneumatic lumbar support. They’ll even offer cooling ventilation, massage for the driver and front passenger, and heating for both front and rear-seat passengers. And the winter-ready theme continues with a heated steering wheel and heated windscreen that both come as standard.

 The all-new Vauxhall Astra starts at £25,290. To find out more, visit vauxhall.co.uk