Launched at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, Vauxhall’s all-new Astra is poised to raise the bar for compact cars sold in the UK, with a combination of stylish design, class-leading dynamics, ultra-efficient powertrains and upscale quality.
On sale now, and in UK showrooms from December, the new Astra will uphold Vauxhall’s tradition of offering buyers levels of innovation and technology normally found in a class above, but at a price point embedded in the value sector. New Astra prices start at £15,675 for the comprehensively equipped 1.4-litre, 87PS Exclusiv model and extend to £23,695 for the luxurious 2.0CDTi 160PS Elite automatic.
With a range of eight engines and five trim levels, the new Astra will initially be available as a five-door hatchback only, built at the Ellesmere Port plant in Cheshire, home to all Vauxhall’s compact-class cars since it opened 46 years ago. girlracer
Vauxhall claims there is an average drop in CO2 emissions across the range compared to the outgoing one by 13.3 per cent.
Diesel models are expected to make up half of sales and they range from a 1.7-litre producing 108bhp, to a 158bhp 2.0-litre unit. Mated to a manual ‘box, the diesel Astra never emits more than 129g/km of CO2.
An ecoFLEX model will arrive in spring 2010, which will be equipped with a 1.3-litre CDTi engine with CO2 emissions of 109g/km.
Of the five petrol engines in the range, one is all new – the 138bhp 1.4-litre turbocharged unit. This will replace the 1.8-litre unit and is part of Vauxhall’s plans to downsize to lower emissions engines without any loss of power.
To improve the handling and boost interior space, the new Astra’s front and rear tracks have been increased by 56mm and 70mm respectively, while its wheelbase has been increased by 71mm. Autocar
Echoing the flowing forms of its bodywork, the new Astra’s interior marks a major shift towards premium design and quality in the compact sector. It employs the recurring wing and blade motifs that were first introduced in the Insignia and are now used in a fresh and innovative way.
Ambient lighting enhances the feeling of quality in the cabin, with lighting points framing the gearshift surround, the area above the centre console and within the door handle recesses, depending on trim level.
Unparalleled in this sector is the Astra’s raft of clever cabin storage solutions, some of which have even been patented. Rather than focusing on the compartment size alone, the Astra’s cabin is full of bespoke storage areas designed specifically for the 20 most common items buyers have been found to carry in their car, from an MP3 player to a 1.5-litre drinks bottle. Autochannel
