|  |  | | Vauxhall Astra 5 Door Engines and transmissions - Class Leading Engines Mated To High-Tech Transmissions
- Four petrol, four diesel engines - Economical TWINPORT technology - New six-speed manual gearbox - Improved Easytronic, now with paddle controls
Economy, power and versatility are the key attributes to the fifth generation Vauxhall Astra's range of petrol and diesel engines.
Developed with these in mind, each engine choice offers the driver advanced technology, dynamic yet efficient performance and reduced exhaust emissions - all engines already comply with the Euro 4 emission standards.
Transmission choices have also been improved. In addition to the manual five-speed and four-speed automatic units, Astra owners will have the option of a six-speed manual gearbox or the refined Easytronic automatic transmission.
Fast and frugal - the petrol choices for new Vauxhall Astra
New Vauxhall Astra boasts a choice of four petrol engines designed to appeal to a variety of drivers. Making full use of TWINPORT technology - resulting in a power increase and a drop in fuel consumption of up to 10 per cent - the engines are both easy to drive and surprisingly light on fuel.
The new, entry level 90 hp 1.4 litre engine develops a maximum torque of 92 lb ft. This translates into a top speed of 110 mph and a nought to 60 mph dash of 12.7 seconds. Allied to this, the 1.4 has a combined cycle fuel consumption of just 44.8 mpg. This impressive figure is achieved by the innovative TWINPORT system which works by using variable intake control via a throttle valve in one of the two inlet ports for each cylinder, and by high exhaust gas recirculation rates. This means that fuel consumption can be reduced by up to 10 per cent. Featuring the five-speed manual box, the 1.4 is ideal as an entry-level choice.
Next on the scale, the 1.6 litre engine is destined to be one of the most popular choices. Offering exemplary fuel economy, the 1.6 TWINPORT ECOTEC engine has a power output of 105 hp and enjoys 110 lb ft of torque. The outcome of these figures is a 0-60 mph time of 11.3 seconds and a top speed of 115 mph.
Such usable performance does not impede the engine's low fuel consumption, however - the 1.6 manages 42.8 mpg on the combined cycle.
Available with either the five-speed manual gearbox, or for the first time with the new, improved Easytronic option - featuring an F1- style paddle, steering wheel-mounted gearchange - shifting through the gears in the 1.6 will be simple.
Continuing up the range, the proven 1.8 litre ECOTEC engine has a 125 hp power output and maximum torque of 125 lb ft spread over a wide engine speed range thanks to the variable length air intake pipe. With a top speed of 123 mph and a 9.8 second 0-60 mph figure, the engine returns a very reasonable 36.2 mpg combined cycle figure. Mated to the five-speed manual gearbox as standard, this engine is also available with a four-speed automatic transmission.
Accessible power: a 2.0 turbocharged engines with six-speed gearboxes
Top performance in the petrol engines is reserved for a special turbocharged unit.
Based on the powerful unit in the current Astra and Zafira GSi versions, the 2.0 petrol engine produces 170 hp and 184 lb ft of torque, available from an engine speed of just 1950 rpm.
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