Vauxhall Astra TwinTop - Modest prices, luxurious comfort

It might be the most glamorous model in the range, but the TwinTop still offers the value-for-money buyers expect from the Astra. Prices start at UKP 16,995, which makes all of its competitors seem very expensive.

Standard equipment in Vauxhall Astra TwinTop includes a powered roof, air conditioning, CD-radio with six speakers, electric windows, heated power exterior mirrors, remote control central locking, height and reach-adjustable leather steering wheel, height-adjustable "Easy Entry" seats with memory function, rear seats with armrest and a load-through hatch. The entry-level model also features Vauxhall's innovative Structure wheel, which offers all the looks of an alloy but is as easy and cheap to repair as a plastic wheel cover.

The Sport version of Vauxhall Astra TwinTop, priced at UKP 17,795, adds a remote control for the roof , a sports steering wheel with built-in audio controls, a trip computer, front fog lights and alloy wheels . Engine options are also increased at this trim level, with the new 1.8-litre VVT 140PS petrol and 1.9CDTi diesel being available in addition to the 1.6 Twinport petrol.

The range-topping Design models feature automatic 'pop-up' roll-over protection (in place of fixed hoops) plus 17-inch alloys, rain-sensitive wipers and automatic headlamps, an anti-dazzle rear view mirror and windbreak. Prices start at UKP 18,995 and the choice of engine includes the storming 200PS 2.0 Turbo petrol unit.

Options include parking sensors, a mobile phone console with Bluetooth interface, a selection of infotainment and navigation systems, and steering-linked AFL bi-xenon headlamps (Adaptive Forward Lighting).


High-tech for driving dynamics and active safety

Top performance is ensured by a range of engines featuring four petrol units ranging from 105PS to 200PS and the 150PS 1.9 CDTi common-rail diesel. The top-of-the-line engine is the 2.0 turbo unit with a top speed of 148mph, while the diesel offers sporty performance and a combined economy figure of 46.3mpg. The turbo petrol and diesel engines come with a six-speed manual transmission as standard, and the Astra TwinTop's surprisingly-low drag coefficient of 0.31 helps both performance and economy.


Active roll-over protection system

Vauxhall Astra TwinTop body and underbody, based on the fixed-roof sister models, were specially reinforced for the particular demands of a convertible. Engineers increased torsional rigidity by 30 percent compared to the previous Astra Convertible, enabling precise chassis tuning to improve driving dynamics.

To minimize the consequences of a roll-over accident, Vauxhall Astra TwinTop features an immensely strong windscreen frame and active roll-over protection system as standard. A special yaw rate sensor in the airbag control system recognises sudden vehicle turning motions along the longitudinal or transversal axis. In the event of an impending roll-over, the control system activates the seat-belt tensioners. Simultaneously, on cars equipped with the 'pop-up' roll hoops, two solid aluminium safety bars behind the rear seats deploy upwards and lock tight within 0.2 seconds. The system is also activated if the airbag sensors for front, rear or side impacts report a collision. This means the roll bars are in place even if the accident causes a power failure and then a roll-over occurs. The mechanism works with the roof in the open or closed position.

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