First sight of 2015 Vauxhall Astra 01 | 06 | 2015
THIS IS THE first glimpse of the all-new Vauxhall Astra which will go on-sale across Scotland towards the end of this year. Prices are expected to start around £13,000, and the car will make its full debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.
Built at the company’s plant at Ellesmere Port in Cheshire, the new Astra is smaller than the outgoing model, and boasts new headlight and tail cluster designs, as well as a more upright tailgate, a redesigned front end with new corporate grille, and a more rounded rear-end shape.
Details from Vauxhall confirm the new Astra is 49mm shorter, 26mm lower and has a 23mm shorter wheelbase than the car it replaces. Despite the new dimensions, Vauxhall claims there is actually more space and comfort on offer inside the cabin.
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That cabin is dominated by a large touchscreen infotainment system — the latest IntelliLink R 4.0 — which Vauxhall says is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity systems. It is also the first all-new Vauxhall to feature the Onstar system, which offers features such as 24-hour emergency assistance, an in-car wi-fi hotspot and access to vehicle data through an smartphone app. It will also alert the emergency services if an airbag is deployed.
The cabin also benefits from a multi-function steering wheel, and the same instrument cluster display already seen on the new Corsa.
Under the bonnet, new Astra — which will also get a new six-speed manual gearbox — gets GME’s all-new engine and transmission: there are three new engine families (which include 13 individual petrol and diesel units) which will be on stream by the time the new Astra arrives.
Much of the attention will focus on the new 114bhp,1.0-litre, three-cylinder turbo petrol engine which is already available in the Adam and the new Corsa.
There will also be a 1.4-litre turbo, capable of 143mph and, according to Vauxhall, is likely to return around 55mpg and emit around 128g/km of CO2 emissions.
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Jim McGill