The 1.9 turbodiesel owes its high output and powerful torque not least to the turbocharger with charge-air intercooler. Essentially,  cylinder filling efficiency has been improved by the variable geometry of the turbine blades that supply the exhaust gas to the  turbocharger. The results are vigorous performance with powerful torque at low engine speeds, higher top-end performance and lower  fuel consumption.

The electronic gas throttle is also key to the diesel's responsiveness; it converts pressure on the accelerator pedal into data and  supplies it to the fuel injection system.

The 1.9 turbodiesel will also be available with a maintenance-free diesel particulate filter system (DPF), which requires no routine  additives.


Smooth and simple - the new transmissions

The refined Easytronic transmission system - available with the 1.6 petrol engine - has been developed to the next stage, and now has  a sport setting.

In addition, new Easytronic has Formula One-style paddle controls at the steering wheel as standard. Deemed essential by F1  dreamers for fast, slick changes, paddle controls also allow drivers to concentrate fully on the road and keep in complete control.

With Easytronic's sport setting, spontaneous gear changes are especially noticeable in the higher rev range of the engine, and  depending on the car's rate of deceleration, there is a much earlier shift to a lower gear in order to make more pulling power available  during subsequent acceleration.

Also new for Vauxhall Astra is a six-speed manual box, which allows easy motorway cruising and better fuel economy. It will be  available with the two 2.0 turbocharged petrol engines and the top-of-the-range 1.9 litre diesel engine.

A further transmission enhancement is Hill Start Assist (HSA). This optional feature prevents the car from rolling backwards when  starting off on a gradient by using the handbrake. Essentially, after the handbrake is released, brake pressure is held in the system for  a second-and-a-half, which gives the driver enough time to engage the right gear and pull away cleanly and smoothly.


Vauxhall Astra 5 Door Body and occupant protection

- Cheaper accident repairs
- Bigger airbags
- Statische Body rigidity improved by 52 per cent

Vauxhall fur denhas further extended the safety equipment specification on the new Vauxhall Astra. At the same time, the design of  several body components has made simple repairs easier and cheaper, helping to keep down insurance premiums.

The safety package includes larger-volume front seat airbags. New larger side airbags, operating in conjunction with the two front  airbags (and with the head airbags installed from the Club trim level upwards), protect the chest area as well as the seat occupant's  hips.


Driver and passenger safety systems

To minimise damage to both passengers and the vehicle in the event of an accident new Astra features a raft of safety systems.

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