And items like the boot lid, and the eye-catching rear lights are attached in such a way that they remain outside the impact zone in most rear end collisions.


Vauxhall Astra 5 Door Model Range - New Astra Range Reflects Vauxhall's Dynamic Priorities

- Model range shows sporting bias
- Seven models and six engines from launch
- New technology for segment
- Prices from UKP 10,995
- On sale May 1

Some new names appear in Vauxhall Astra line-up with the launch of the fifth generation model - at least new to Astra though some are familiar to other car lines within the Vauxhall portfolio.

The new model range has a strong sporting flavour with three designations - Astra Design, SXi and SRi - catering for buyers who want a sportier package. At the same time, the choice of trim is comprehensive enough to satisfy a wide range of tastes and budgets.

New Astra spans seven different models, six engines, and a total choice of 28 engine / trim combinations when you include engines  with and without air conditioning. Prices, when it goes on sale on May 1, start at UKP 10,995 rising to a maximum of UKP 17,645 and Vauxhall is confident that in terms of value it will give the competition in the segment a real run for its money.


Model names

In price order, the range includes Expression, Life, Club, SXi, Design, SRi and Elite. The Expression is the entry level model which  comes with the 1.4 16v TWINPORT petrol engine and will find favour especially with private buyers. Life and Club are expected to be  popular "comfort" choices, and for the first time, Astra gets the more traditional Elite, complete with leather trim.

The popular and well-known Vauxhall SXi and SRi versions again designate the sportier models, while a new name for Astra is Design. Astra Design has a clear sporting intent with its 10-spoke alloy wheels and part-leather sports seats. The lowered sports chassis, however is reserved for SXi and SRi models only.

From launch, six engines will be available - a 1.4 16v (90 hp), 1.6 16v (105 hp), 1.8 16v (125 hp) and 2.0 Turbo (170 hp) with the  additional choice of two 1.7 litre common-rail turbo diesel engines offering two different power outputs at 80 hp and 100 hp, all of which are Euro 4 compliant.


Overview of Vauxhall Astra equipment

The new Astra features a whole raft of new technology not present in the outgoing model, and some of it available in the lower-medium segment for the first time. Available on various models in the range, examples include the sports button for sharper throttle and steering response, 'smart' electronic climate control, rain sensitive wipers, electric folding mirrors and Adaptive Forward Lighting.

Generous equipment is not reserved for one or two models however. To give a taste for the kind of equipment level that will feature on  the new Astra, standard features are remote control central locking, front twin and side airbags, ABS, electro-hydraulic power steering, reach and rake adjustment on the steering, electric front windows and radio/CD player.

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