New Astra ready for debut

Sep 1 2009 Peter Hayward

VAUXHALL will unveil a brand new Astra at the Frankfurt Motor Show in a couple of weeks time with smaller petrol engines and ultra-efficient diesels.

Power will range from 85-180bhp and a super green Ecoflex model will join the range later with only 109g/km of CO2.

The new model will be produced in Ellesmere Port for all European markets and there will be a range of eight engines in all, reducing emissions and fuel consumption by around 10 per cent across the board.

This is achieved by using smaller turbo engines, so an all-new 1.4 turbo petrol boasts 140bhp and replaces the previous 1.8.

There is also a non-turbo 1.4 and two 1.6 units - one with 115bhp and a turbo with 180.

Diesels at launch will include 1.3, 1.7 and 2.0-litre units with power from 95 to 160bhp and emissions now higher than 129g/km.

The normally aspirated 1.4 and 1.6-litre petrols and the 1.3-litre CDTi have a five speed gearbox while all others will have a six speed.

Interior

Details of the inside will have to wait until the show, but expect an upgrade in quality from the already good present car.

A new compact automatic gearbox will be available for all petrol models.

FAST FACTS

Vauxhall Astra

Price: £17,000

Mechanical: 115bhp, 1,598cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving the front wheels via 5-speed manual gearbox

Max speed: 120mph

0-62mph: 10 seconds

Combined mpg: 45

Insurance group: 7

CO2 emissions: 150g/km

BIK rating: 18%

Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles

Marks: 9/10

Main rival: Ford Focus, Peugeot 308