Vauxhall Astra Euro NCAP 5 Stars
Up with the best in its class the current Astra is a great all rounder with a range that has it all estate, hatchback, convertible and sport offering 3 and 5 door versions. No wonder this remains one of the most popular model ranges ever produced.
The Astra looks good on the outside and interior quality excels with the materials used both appealing to look at and touch - everything feels well put together and up market. A truly enjoyable car to drive.
Vauxhalls engines have a reputation for good reliability and the Astra comes with a Wide range of engines kicked off by the 90bhp 1.4, whilst supreme performance comes from the 2.0T VXR with 240bhp and a rasping 0 to 60 in a mere 6.2 seconds, and a top
speed of 152mph - impressive figures. Diesel buyers aren't neglected, either, with no fewer than three engine sizes and five power outputs - all giving excellent fuel economy.
With emissions as low as 130g/km the Astras engines engines are working hard to reduce effects on our precious environment as well as returning really good economy, as highlighted by the 1.3 diesel with combined mpg of nearly 60mpg and over 70mpg extra urban. Even the sport engines are capable of over 45mpg combined.
As youd expect there is a significant range of trim choices to select from each offering a good range of kit including power steering, electric front and rear windows, MP3 compatible CD player, air conditioning, steering wheel mounted audio controls, electrically heated/adjustable door mirrors, sports front seats, cruise control and rain sensitive windscreen wipers to list just a few.
For the petrol heads looking for a bit more torque and excitement there are the Sport Hatch and VXR. The sexy looking sport Hatch with its sylphlike looks, sporty engine and attractive styling means it has the indulgent feel of a coupe - a car that appeals to the heart
as well as the head. The VXR with blistering acceleration; head-turning looks and more pronounced body kit is a very fast car, that requires 100% concentration to drive it to its maximum potential.
The VXR enjoys a generous level of equipment and safety kit.
Drop top enthusiasts are also well catered for by Vauxhalls stunningly good looking twin top complimenting the range. The 2.0-litre turbo with its six-speed gearbox also has impressive performance statistics for a convertible with 0-60mph coming in just
over eight seconds. Whats more it can also do 146mph tops!
Scoring a maximum Euro NCAP 5 star safety rating, along with four stars for child protection the Astra is one of the safest cars currently one the road. Each car comes with at least six airbags (more on some models) and ABS. Immobiliser and remote central locking on all models. Top models have an alarm.
All new Astras are covered by a one-year unlimited
mileage warranty as well as an additional second and third year no-fee customer option warranty with a mileage limit of 60,000 miles. Vauxhall also guarantees all new vehicles against perforation by corrosion of the bodywork and underbody, where it occurs as a result of defective materials or workmanship, for six years from the date of first registration. Twelve months Vauxhall Assistance is provided automatically from first registration and covers incidents such as accidents, mechanical breakdown, flat tyres to illness whilst driving.
About the manufacturer
Vauxhall is committed to seeking the most efficient processes and technology to control and reduce waste,
pollution and the emissions from its vehicles.
It is working hard to increase the efficiency of its recycling process by designing products from the start to be recyclable. It has the twin aims of decreasing the waste produced during vehicle production and then further reducing waste at the end of a vehicle's life. This drives preservation of precious material and energy resources for the benefit of the planet.
The strategy rests on two principles: Recycling Orientated Design / Design for pre-treatment Development and implementation of material 'cycles' for vehicle production. The aim is to support both GM engineers and suppliers in the development of vehicles and components where recyclability is built in. The process also helps engineers to analyse parts,
components and vehicles with regard to their recyclability and recoverability. One of Vauxhalls recycling targets is to increase the quantity of recycled materials, also known as recyclates, in the production of its cars. More than 90 plastic recyclate types have been specified and approved for use in production. Recyclates are always preferred over virgin material, as long as their usage is technically feasible and economically viable. The Vauxhall recycling team takes every effort to maintain high standards of performance and mechanical and thermal durability.
Vauxhall complies with new legislation introduced in 2003 that requires all car manufactures and vehicle importers of new cars into the United Kingdom to take back vehicles from last owners or keepers (free of charge) at the end of their life and to ensure that they are treated in an environmentally responsible fashion. Vauxhall have appointed Autogreen Ltd as their sole service provider in the UK to manage the free take back of our last owner's vehicles. Vauxhall is obliged to take back all vehicles from January 2007 free of change to the last owner provided certain qualifying conditions are met. Vehicles placed on the market after July 2002 will also be entitled to free take back as long as the same requirements are met.
To view Vauxhalls environmental philosophy and policy go to www.vauxhall.co.uk/vx/morefromvauxhall/sustainability.do