► CAR lives 4 with a Vauxhall Astra GSe
► Supportive seats, approved by experts
► Read month 3 here
The Astra’s seats are approved for good back support by AGR, which stands for Aktion Gesunder Rücken, a German association campaigning for healthier backs. I can attest to their approval meaning something, as the GSe-specific seats in the front are some of the most supportive I’ve ever sat in. I could do with a little more shoulder support, but the thick side bolsters and dense padding feel great even on long journeys.
Not everyone is happy, though – deputy editor Piers Ward’s wife Joanna points out that if you have a young one on a booster seat, the integrated headrests protrude quite a long way. Something that surely won’t do wonders for a young lad’s posture, which is a bit ironic.
Logbook: Vauxhall Astra GSe
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), 48.8mpg (tested), 25g/km CO2
Energy cost 15.1p per mile
Miles this month 1325
Total miles 7700