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LATEST VAUXHALL NEWS By Broadspeed Online Editor
NEW VAUXHALL ASTRA MOTOR LINE UP
The all new UK-built Vauxhall Astra features 8 motor choices when hits the showroom later in 2009. The 1.4L turbocharged motor joins the Astra range from the start, generating 140PS plus 200 Nm torque. The new 1.4L is a replacement for the non-turbo 1.8L in the present Astra. There is also a clean 1.4L unit which emits just 129 gkm CO2, with a pair of 1.6L motors – one a turbo with 180PS, another non-turbo with 115PS. Astra diesel lineup includes a 1.3L, 1.7L and 2.0L (95PS to 160PS), each featuring CRFI (common_rail fuelinjection). The manufacturer Vauxhall says its new diesel motors will each fall below 130 gkm of CO2, however official readings are yet to be confirmed. The whole Astra range will meet Euro5 emission limits but a yet to be released ecoFLEX Vauxhall Astra should achieve under 110 gkm of CO2 on a combinedcycle. The Astra range has mostly a 6-speed transmission, but the base 1.4L & 1.6L Astras plus 1.3LCDTi have a 5-speed box. New Vauxhall Astra petrol models will also be offered with the auto option.
New Vauxhall Astra - 2010 Model
The outgoing Vauxhall Astra range matured as a decidedly average car in an average Vauxhall model range. The ultra_conservative look and dismal cabin did nothing to assist it dynamically, and the 5th generation Astra lacked the driving poise of many rivals because of an antiquated beam axle. But now there is an all new Vauxhall Astra Mk6 – still missing independent back suspension setup – but with a super Insignia-inspired cabin and look. The new 1.6L turbo promises much as it already performs well in Vauxhall's new Insignia model range. The new Astra is as good looking as as the Insignia - this new hatch takes Insignia cues aplenty, but cues that have been reinterpreted to produce a look that remains clearly Astra: the dominating front radiator grille uses a lower intake, where the Insignia is upper. With a 100 mm lengthier nose, and 71 mm more between axles, the new Astra is noticeably longer, allowing the glass to look sleeker and less upright compared to the outgoing Astra. The round tail gives a more streamlined look, aided by rear lights much less angular than the old model. So the body looks good - what is the cabin like? There’s plenty to enjoy inside the 2010 Vauxhall Astra. The interior has undergone a transformational quality improvement, with a lot copied or imported directly from the excellent Insignia. If such sharing delivers cost saving, executive quality and a better specification for medium hatchbacks, it's a genuine win-win. The high-end (and definitely German) feel to the cabin is further enhanced by a subtle glow from inside the centre_console and door_trims matching the instrument dial halos. The bigger dimensions of the new Astra lead to more cabin and bootspace, especially in the rear. Overall. the new Vauxhall Astra is a big step forward compared to the decidedly average outgoing model. If the pricing proves to be competitive, then it should turn out to be a real contender in the fiercely fought Golf/A3 market (just in time for the Moscow Motor show).
New Vauxhall Zafira 1.7 CDTi "ecoFLEX"
New Vauxhall Zafira 1.7 CDTi "ecoFLEX" is a emission-friendly 7-seater mini MPV. The new Zafira is powered by the well proven 1.7L diesel motor in the Vauxhall Astra Ecoflex emitting 139 gkm of CO2. The Vauxhall Zafira returns 53 mpg which means £120PA for your tax disc. The ecoFLEX Vauxhall Zafira is not the greenest 7-seat MPV available. That crown goes to the Renault Grand Scenic dCi 1.5L which beats it on a combined cycle at 55 mpg - and with 135 gkm. This new Vauxhall Zafira has poweroutput of 118PS with 191 lbft of torquewhich beat both Scenic and the Touran Bluemotion. Vauxhall gave the Zafira ecoFLEX a longer finaldrive ratio to boost economy and that impacts performance with the 0-60 mph taking 13 seconds. Be aware that gradiants with heavy payloads on board take both time and patience. The Vauxhall Zafira cabin and its fold-away flex-7 seating remain a plus point, though the design is beginning to look a little dated. The all new Vauxhall Astra is due soon, and that new interior look is really what the Zafira could do with. iT has to be said that 53 mpg for a mid-size MPV is an impressive achevement; but the Scenic is less costly, just as spacious and probably more desirable. Buyers may find it hard to justify the Zafiras ageing dynamics compared to some of the more recently introduced competitors.
