Vauxhall Astra 1.7 CDTi Exclusiv (From York Press)

Vauxhall Astra 1.7 CDTi Exclusiv

11:50am Friday 5th February 2010

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From humble beginnings, the Vauxhall Astra has come a long way.

The latest incarnation, born at a time of turmoil, was handed a tricky task.

Not only must it lure buyers away from a clutch of rivals in the medium hatchback sector, but it must also pull in those downsizing from the premium sector and attract drivers trading up from smaller cars.

What we have now is a British-built car you instantly warm to, and one that is full of surprises and delights.

First impressions bring a smile. THE DNA of the larger, brilliantly designed Vauxhall Insignia is all over the place – bulges at the back, purposeful in its stance and with an athleticism missing from the previous version.

You are left hoping that the cabin lives up to the exterior – and the truth is that it just gets better. You warm to the clever small details like the glowing soft red ring of light at the base of the centre console and the tiny dot of red light that follows the speed dial needle.

It would not be overstating things to say that in the tested Exclusiv model the wraparound instrument panel and dashboard look like something out of an Audi. The design flair shown here is exceptional in this class.

Supportive seats – featuring industry-leading levels of adjustment – tuck you in nicely, and there’s extra room for all. With a satellite navigation system, cruise control, an excellent audio set-up (including both USB and MP3 connection in addition to a quality radio/CD player) and trip computer that even monitors the oil level, you begin to get a clear message that this Astra has been built to eclipse anything in its class.

Undoubtedly, the fleet market will be a big chunk of business for this car. As such, the 1.7-litre CDTi diesel engine will be a cornerstone of the range through its balance of good performance and low running costs.

Both the 110 and 125bhp units deliver 60.1mpg and emit a mere 124 g/km of CO2, and the 110bhp version tested here is certainly no slouch.

With slick six-speed manual transmission and accurate steering that inspires confidence, progress is swift and the handling feels better than that of the Insignia.

The pick of the diesel offerings, it makes for a tough choice between this and the star of the Astra line-up, a 1.4-litre petrol turbo unit.

The surprisingly hushed cabin of the diesel offering adds to the enjoyment of the journey, and so do other features like directional headlights.

There is a raft of storage solutions to house 20 common items, from an iPod to a drinks bottle, and an ample boot that will not disappoint those company drivers carrying large loads.

The new Astra is available with a range of eight engines, ranging from 87bhp to 180bhp, offering an overall cut in emissions of 13.3 per cent compared with the previous Astra range.

Diesel engines are expected to represent almost half of all Astra sales, and range from the 1.7-litre version to a 2.0-litre generating 160bhp.

Crucially, there will be an ecoFLEX model, equipped with a 95PS 1.3 CDTi available in the next few weeks. Fitted with this engine, the ecoFLEX will achieve 109g/km.

There are five petrol engines available, ranging from an 87bhp 1.4-litre to a 180bhp 1.6-litre turbo.

But whichever engine you opt for, you will appreciate a piece of technology called the Watt’s linkage, which prevents relative sideways motion between the axle and body of the car. With no compromise to roadholding, it allows the car to take bends more smoothly and faster, yet retain the ride quality of something much more expensive.

The Astra range comprises five trim levels – S, Exclusiv, SRi, SE and Elite. The S entry level features black cloth trim, a CD player/stereo radio with MP3 format and aux-in socket, electrically adjustable/heated door mirrors and remote control central locking. Also included are 16-inch steel wheels, a driver’s seat height adjuster, 60/40 split rear seat and reach/rake adjustable steering wheel.

Exclusiv features a chrome-bezelled steering wheel and ambient lighting in the centre console and roof. Cruise control is standard, and the steering wheel incorporates audio controls. SRi models ride on 17-ins, five-spoke alloy wheels, and all apart from the 1.4-litre come with lowered and uprated sports suspension as standard. SRis interiors are trimmed in black cloth and feature an electric park brake, sports front seats, a multi-function computer and front seat armrest. In addition, the SRi has illuminated vanity mirrors, a three-spoke leather steering wheel and ambient lighting in the front doors. Outside, the SRi is identified by dark-style headlights, front fog lights and a chrome-effect side window surround. A Flex-Floor luggage compartment and front door sill covers complete the package.

Externally, SE and Elite models are identifiable by 17-inch ten-spoke alloy wheels. Inside, the SE cabin is trimmed with higher-quality fabrics and equipped with rain sensitive windscreen wipers, automatic lighting control with tunnel detection, an electro-chromatic anti-dazzle rear-view mirror and electric rear windows.

The range-topping Elite’s cabin is trimmed in perforated leather as standard and, in addition to the equipment found in the SE, comes with front seats which are heated and feature extendable cushions and electric adjustment. Dual-zone electronic climate control, electrically foldable door mirrors and a fold-down rear-seat centre armrest are also standard.

Fact file: Vauxhall Astra

Model: 1.7 CDTi Exclusiv, £18,015 (Astra prices from £15,675).

Engine: 1.7-litre turbo diesel developing 110bhp.

Transmission: Six-speed manual driving front wheels.

Performance: 0-62mph in 11.3 seconds; maximum speed 113mph.

Economy: 60.1mpg.

CO2 Rating: 124 g/km

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