Vauxhall reveals all-new Astra

by GD Thu 14 May 2009, 7:57 pm

Vauxhall has released the first pictures of its all-new sixth generation Astra which is due to reach UK dealerships in December.
The Ellesmere Port-built Astra, which will debut as a five-door hatchback at this September's Frankfurt Motor Show, claims an upmarket feel and was designed by Mark Adams, the British designer responsible for last year's Insignia, which won the European Car of the Year honours.
"We're continuing with the same premium design cues as the Insignia, inside and out of the car," said Adams, vice president of GM Europe Design.
Underpinning the Astra's 4.4 metre-length body is an all-new chassis boasting a wheelbase 71mm longer than before.
The engine line-up will see the introduction of an all-new low emission 1.4T 140PS turbocharged petrol unit alongside and three other petrol units ranging from 100PS to 180PS, and four diesel engines ranging from 95PS to 160PS.
Vauxhall's FlexRide adaptive ride system will be offered as an option.

The five-door will be the first of the new generation Astras to go on sales followed by an estate next year and a three-door at a later unspecified date.
The Astra accounts for around 30 per cent of all Vauxhall's car sales, with the five-door hatch taking 60 per cent of those sales.