Ownership costs down

Long service intervals and a reduced level of maintenance minimise the service costs of the fifth Astra generation with two year/20,000  miles (petrol) or two year/30,000 miles (diesel) servicing. The flexible service interval warning takes the individual style of driving into  account and indicates the time when maintenance is due.

Many components - such as the fuel filter on petrol engines, the belt drive to the auxiliaries or the battery - are maintenance-free.  There is no need to change cooling system fluids, air conditioning or transmission oils during the lifetime of the vehicle.

The ability of the car to hold its value is enhanced by the extensively galvanised body and a number of other precautionary measures.  For example, the new Astra has flanged edges on the wheel arches - a detail that prevents dirt from getting between the external skin  and the inner wing. The anti-corrosion warranty is valid for six years.

Vauxhall Astra's ECOTEC engines have excellent consumption figures that add to lower ownership costs. The TWINPORT technology  used in the 1.4 and 1.6 petrol engines combines a three per cent increase in power output with fuel consumption cut by up to 10 per  cent.

All new Astra's diesel engines are common-rail direct fuel injection, and all comply with the Euro 4 emission standard.


Cheaper way to replace windscreen

Vauxhall Astra's repair-friendly construction enables its owners to benefit from low service-centre costs, shorter downtimes and more  favourable insurance categories.

This concept can be seen right away if the driver sustains slight parking damage. The bumpers have protection trims which are  available separately and can be quickly replaced with simple clip fittings.

More complex components are being produced using individual elements so that the whole assembly does not need to be replaced  after an accident.

The headlamps are another example. Broken holders can be replaced by screw-on replacement parts. After a frontal collision,  otherwise largely intact lamp units do not end up on the scrap heap unnecessarily. Control units and positioning motors are  individually available for the optional xenon headlamps - a substantial cost advantage.

The entire electrical system is easy to change and customer-friendly. Individual sections of the wiring loom can also be replaced, as  can the plug housings and sensors.

Finally, there is a faster and more reliable modified replacement process for the windscreen and rear window, introduced on the new  Vauxhall Astra but also available immediately for other Vauxhall models with bonded-in windows.


Bolts replace welds for cheaper repair

Provision has also been made for fast, high-value accident repairs after a collision. Bolted rather than welded joints permit repairs at  moderate cost in many places. For example, the front cross-member is bolted to the body via crash boxes.

Low-cost sectional repairs to the three-part front panels are also possible and bolted-on hinges simplify replacement of the bonnet. Expensive components in the engine compartment are located away from the immediate crash-damage zone.

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