subject: The new Astra is set to take on the Focus [print this page] The new Astra is set to take on the Focus
The Vauxhall Astra has been in production since 1979, it is the UK equivalent of the Opel version. The Astra is fundamentally a small family hatchback available in 5 door and 3 door formats as well as a convertible and estate.
The current Mark 6 Astra was unveiled in 2009, the design of the current model has been a major consideration in the development of the new Astra, and it takes a lot of styling inspiration from its bigger sibling the Insignia. This has resulted in the Astra having many of the design features of the Insignia but in a much more compact manner.
One of the design requirements was derived by identifying the 20 most carried items in a car; this was then used by Vauxhall's designers who developed storage solutions for each item. They have developed a patented Flexfloor' adjustable boot space system as well as a Flexfix' bike carrier.
There are a few engine options on the new Astra, the line up includes a 1.4litre turbo producing 113bhp, making it very punchy and responsive. There are more economical petrol versions in the 1.4 litre 86bhp or 99bhp, both return good miles per gallon but do not provide the Astra with enough power.
Top of the petrol range is a 1.6 litre petrol which produces 178bhp, a very nippy option. The diesel range includes two flexible 1.7-litre units with either 108bhp or 123bhp, a breath taking 158 bhp 2.0, and a 1.3 CDTi.
Vauxhall really have taken the fight to their arch rival Ford. A used Vauxhall Astra in Birmingham is priced very competitively and with its modern looks and technology the Astra is bound to nick some customers off the Focus.
